Animal Shelter Urges People to Protect Pets from Heat
A Companion Animal Care Article from All-Creatures.org

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FROM

TheScoop.Seattle.gov

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for today and tomorrow, forecasting high temperatures reaching 90 degrees. To protect your pets from the heat, the Seattle Animal Shelter reminds pet owners to exercise good judgment and use common sense during the hot weather.

“Whenever we have a hot spell, the animal shelter receives hundreds of calls about pets locked in cars,” says Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Many pet owners are unaware that cars left in direct sunlight turn into lethal ovens, reaching fatal temperatures of 130 degrees or more within just a few minutes. Even dogs left locked in cars in the shade with the windows cracked on hot days are at risk of brain damage or death.”

If you must travel with your pet, Jordan advises carrying water for your pet, and avoiding trips where you have to leave the pet in the car. “It’s not worth the risk,” he says.

Jordan offers the following tips for protecting pets during hot weather:

  • Never leave your animal chained or penned up directly in sunlight. Provide a shady area where the animal can retreat to such as a dog house, porch or shady tree, and always provide cool water.
  • If you must leave animals indoors, open the windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water, and if possible, leave them in a cool location.
  • Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked car. Animals do not perspire like humans; they cool themselves through their lungs by panting. Hot air can lead to brain damage or death. Also, be aware that vinyl seats in vehicles get hot under animals’ feet and prevents them from perspiring through their paws. Remember, with the movement of the sun, a vehicle originally parked in the shade may soon be in direct sunlight.
  • Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition.

Feathered friends:

  • Take caution and place the bird’s cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon.
  • Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.

Pet owners can be held criminally liable for committing cruelty to animals if a pet dies, or is found suffering from heat prostration. If you see an animal that may be in need of assistance, or if you have questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-PETS (7387).

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