Western Arizona Humane Society
Victoria Cowper,
Community Relations Manager
This is a regular column, presented every two weeks to provide information about pet and animal care, including the legal responsibilities of pet ownership. We invite you to send your questions to answer in upcoming issues.
Please send your questions and comments to the Today's News Herald or directly to me a W.A.H.S.
IT’S SUMMER AND THE HEAT IS ON.
Keep cool. Summer brings hot weather and family vacations. Your pets will be affected by both. For a healthier, happier summer for you and your pets, follow these simple tips.
If I’m running errands can I take my dog with me?
Never leave your pets in a parked car, even if the windows are open. Ten minutes could be to long on a hot day. A 105-degree day has produced a 215-degree temperature inside a parked car. A dog can only withstand this heat for a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage – or even death.
What should I do if I see an animal left in the car?
Please call animal control or the police department. We would rather respond to an animal still alive in the car (as harsh as this sounds, but sadly true) then have to remove a dead one.
My dog pants a lot, is this normal?
Pets don’t perspire as people do. They cool themselves by panting. With only hot air to breathe, your pets could suffer from heatstroke. Be especially sensitive to snub-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, and Shih Tzus. They are not able to cool themselves by panting as the dogs with longer noses do.
How can I tell if my dog has heatstroke?
Heatstroke is characterized by excessive panting and salivation, vomiting, an anxious or staring expression, a fast pulse rate and high body temperature. Heatstroke can cause brain damage and even death.
What should I do if my dog shows these symptoms?
Act quickly by immersing the animal in cool water or pouring cool water over the animal. You can also put ice packs on the animal’s head. Limit the amount of water intake. As soon as the animal cools off, take it to the veterinarian for medical treatment.
How can I avoid heatstroke?
The best way is some basic preventative measures. During hot, humid weather, provide your pet with adequate ventilation, protection from the sun, and cool fresh water.
In addition, limit your pet’s exercise during these periods. If you take long walks regularly, change them to early morning or late evening. Asphalt can be especially hazardous to the pads on a dogs foot. To measure how hot, simply put your hand on the asphalt and see how quickly it gets hot.
What if I have to leave my pet outside?
If your pet is left outside on a warm day, remember to provide protection to the sun and free access to plenty of fresh, cool drinking water. Make sure the pet is not exposed to high temperature for long periods. Take into consideration that you may not make it home when you plan to (unforeseen emergencies), and have a backup plan for your pet. Make arrangement with a friend or relative so that if you can not make it home, they can stop by and car for your pet.
Water is the most important need of pets in warm weather. Be sure there is plenty of water 24 hours a day. A small backup pail of water is a good idea. Make sure to clean the water dish regularly so bacteria doesn’t grow.
What if my dog is on a leash in the backyard?
Make sure there are no obstacles to get tied up on, and that the leash reaches adequate shade and water. Dogs can wrap themselves around trees or planters and not be able to reach water. Check the area for any obstacles, and make sure the leash will not get tangled or obstructed in any way.
Is there other backyard summer hazards?
In the hot weather, swimming pools are especially dangerous. Young and older dogs alike may fall into the pool and not know how to exit. Secure your pool area and never let your dogs around unattended. Also, beware of BBQ grills with briquettes. Never leave unattended around your dogs.
Do you have any suggestions for traveling with my companion pet?
Most animals will adapt well to riding in the car if they are already comfortable with their carrier. The carrier should be sturdy and roomy enough to allow the animal to stand up and turn around. Line the bottom with something he has already slept on and is comfortable with. For the safety of your pet and you, don’t ever consider letting him roam freely in the car while you drive (especially cats). He could be thrown against the inside of the car in the event of a quick stop or he could distract the driver and cause a serious traffic accident.
Your animal can go as long as you can without stretching his legs. After you stop, put on his leash for safety before you let him out of the car and offer him water and a "litter" break. When away from home, always carry water with you and on hot days; give your pet a small amount frequently. Bring their own food and treats so that they don’t have a change in diet, and couple of toys so they tend to feel better.
Without proper planning, your dream vacation could become a nightmare for you and your pets. If they are staying behind, make advance boarding reservations with a veterinary clinic, reputable kennel or pet sitter. If they are coming with you make advance plans and find out if pets are allowed and what rules you will need to follow. Have all your veterinary and shot records with you, and please make sure they are current.
Flying with pets in the summer can be tricky at best. Weather can complicate matters due to extreme heat. Most pet travel will be restricted when the temperature climbs above 85 degrees or falls below 45 degrees.
What if my dog likes sticking his head out the window?
Power windows can be a hazard to dogs. If you insist on traveling with your dog out of a carrier, make sure they are secured in the car. When your pet is looking out an open window, put the window lock on. A dog can step on the power window button closing his head in the window. If your car does not have a driver window lock button, do not open the window enough for the dog to get its head through.
Riding in the back of trucks looks fun, but we recommend that dogs be in a carrier. This protects them from the elements and provides some shade and protection for the hot metal bed of the truck. If you do not travel with you dog in a carrier, please make sure that they are secure in the back. The best way is to attach a cable across the bed of the truck and secure a leash to the middle. You should only leave enough room for the dog to lie down, not reach the sides (riding with their face in the wind is not all that good for them. They can get bugs and rocks in their eyes causing serious damage)
What about fleas in the summer?
We don’t generally have a problem with fleas in Lake Havasu. If you are traveling out of the area your pet may be exposed and you need to check your pet regularly. For flea control to be effective, your pet’s area must be treated, including the carrier. It is best to talk to your veterinarian before the problem starts and consider their recommendations. Remember many flea products can be highly toxic to you and your pet. The less chemical the better.
What if my animal gets lost while I’m on vacation?
Never has identification tags been more important. Your pets should always wear collars with proper identification tags (rabies, license, ID) and be kept under control in accordance with local leash laws. We have been able to reunite owners with their pets in Colorado and Las Vegas because they had current license and rabies tags. Call your local shelter if you get separated from your pet during vacation.
The dedicated volunteers and staff at the Western Arizona Humane Society wish you a safe and happy summer season.