Puppies enjoying a dip on a hot summer day!
Most of us realize that we should never leave a dog in a car. At 85 degrees it takes only 10 minutes for the temperature inside the car to reach 102 degrees. In a half hour, it can hit 120 degrees. Leaving the car windows cracked does not drop the temperature inside the vehicle. Leaving your car running with the air conditioner on is dangerous for a whole host of reasons. And the last thing any of us would want to have to do is bury our dogs. Even if we could honor their memory with lovely memorial stones. Websites like Stop That Dog (more information at https://www.stopthatdog.com/best-pet-memorial-stones/) can give you an idea of how honoring your dog could look like. Which we would all like to put off, no one wants to bury their dog. So take care of them.
Leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle in extreme heat or cold is a criminal act. A.R.S. §13-2910 states: If any person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly leaves an animal unattended and confined in a motor vehicle and physical injury to or death of the animal is likely to result, is subject to arrest.
On summer days, it’s best to leave your pet at home where they are cool, hydrated and safe. However, make sure that your house doesn’t get too hot either. One way that you can avoid this is by opening windows (out of reach of pets) to let some air in, but if it is very hot outside this can sometimes just make the problem worse. The best way is to leave your air conditioning running to keep your home, and consequently your pet, nice and cool. If you don’t have air conditioning at home then you might want to speak to one hour heating & air conditioning about installing it.
There are other conditions to be aware of too: humid weather, hot pavement and black tar surfaces, lack of drinking water, obesity and overexertion. Pavement can burn your dog’s paws; the heat rising from concrete or asphalt can quickly overheat an animal. Don’t allow your pet to stand, walk or rest on hot outdoor surfaces like sidewalks or parking lots. Exercise early or late, stay in the shade and no matter the time of day, don’t overdo outdoor exercise or play sessions. Even on an overcast day or in the evening, a long period of physical exertion in hot weather can cause heatstroke.
Heatstroke signs: These signs mean life or death! A dog’s body temperature at 103 degrees is overheated and at 109 degrees is usually fatal. Watch for these signs: heavy panting or rapid breathing; elevated body temperature; excessive thirst; weakness or collapse; glazed eyes; increased pulse and heartbeat; vomiting or bloody diarrhea; seizures; bright or dark red tongue, and/or gums; excessive drooling; staggering, stumbling or weakness; disorientation, collapse, coma and unconsciousness.
Immediately seek a cool place, keep them quiet, and provide water. Do not use ice water or submerge them as the body temperature dropping too fast can cause internal organ damage. Seek help from a veterinarian as soon as possible.
For more information contact your vet or google heat stroke in dogs – http://pets.webmd.com/hot-weather-tips-pet – http://www.vetinfo.com/dheatstroke
We look forward to seeing you on a regular schedule in Sun Lakes! Our calendar of events is at www.RoversRestStop.com or call 480-600-2828. You may contact Linda Caton, Cottonwood, for more information if needed. Please take a peek at our new kids on the block!