Just yesterday, the Houston SPCA were notified about two puppies left in a wire cage on a balcony with no shade and struggling to cope with the soaring temperatures.
With temperatures already soaring into the 90s, it is critical to remember how pets can quickly become overheated and suffer from heatstroke. For the next few months, temperatures can easily reach dangerous levels for humans as well as our pets.
Just to remind everyone about pets and the extreme heat of summer, please ensure the safety of your pets:
.Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle even for a few minutes. Within minutes, the interior of a vehicle can reach over 120 degrees. Haven’t you entered your vehicle after it was parked in the sun and realized how awful the heat was? Now just imagine your pet inside that vehicle? Just leaving the windows slightly open doesn’t help.
.Limit exercise on hot days. Take your pets for walks in the morning or evening after it cools off a bit.
.Walk your pet in the grass. Touch your bare foot to the roadway or sidewalk. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. The hot macadam can easily burn a dog’s paw pads.
.Make sure your pet has access to shade and water if left outdoors.
.Water safety around the pool. All dogs cannot swim.
.Be careful with your pets at outdoor barbecues. Keep them away from the grill. Also some foods can be poisonous like raisins, grapes, onion, chocolate and foods with artificial sweeteners. If you take your eye off your pet, it is very possible they can get themselves into danger.
.Watch out for heat stroke. Dogs with short snouts are more susceptible. If your dog is overweight, has a very heavy coat or suffers from upper respiratory problems, be alert for heavy panting, (even when lying down), gums bright red, fast pulse and unable to get up. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. The easiest way to cool a dog down is by carefully using a garden hose, but bring your pet to a veterinarian. Heat stroke can lead to organ failure and death.
.Make sure open windows and doors are safely secured by screens so your pet does not get out of the home.
.Some plants in the garden are hazardous to animals.
For more suggestions and advice to help your pets stay safe this summer, please click here.
If you ever see an animal in distress, please report it immediately. Together, we can ensure that every pet stays safe and healthy this summer.
We will be checking back on the puppies and hopefully holding their owners responsible for the neglectful treatment.
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