Community Corner

Protect Your Furry Friends During the Heatwave

Animals Friends issues tips to keep your dog and cat safe in the heat.

As the temperature and humidity rise today and during the heat wave this week, Animal Friends is urging people not to forget about their furry, four-legged friends.

Animal Friend’s most obvious and simplest warning: “Never leave your pet in a parked car!”

No matter how much your dog loves riding in the car with you, leave him at home.

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Temperatures Rising

One of our sister did an experiment in a public parking lot. In the first step of the experiment, the car was left closed for an hour – outside temperature was 83 degrees, inside the car was 108.

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On an 85-degree day, it takes just 10 minutes for a closed car to reach 102 degrees and 30 minutes to reach 120 degrees, said Jolene Miklas, director of communications at Animal Friends.

“That is about the time that it takes you to make a quick stop,” she said.

With temperatures topping out today in the high 90s, an animal could be dead in minutes.

Even if you park in the shade or leave your windows open, the temperature will still reach dangerous levels.

Back to the Patch.com experiment involving a car parked in the shade. In 10 minutes, the inside temperature was 10 degrees higher than the outside temperature.

Miklas said to leave your pets at home and in an air-conditioned building, if possible. If not, make sure they have shade, shelter and plenty of fresh, cool water.

“We had a situation on Tuesday where a dog was left tethered outside in the sun and died and another situation where our humane officer had to convince the family to put their dog inside," Miklas said. "It is very dangerous in this heat for a dog to be outside in inadequate conditions.”

Water, water and more water

If you are thirsty, so are your pets. If your dog or cat spends a lot of time outside, make sure its water container is placed out of the sun's rays and in a place where it will not spill. Check and replenish it often.

“Put some ice cubes in the water,” said Miklas.

Follow the law

Leaving a pet outdoors in extreme heat isn’t only dangerous but also illegal. Miklas said pet owners who endanger their animals will face citations and fines.

Pennsylvania law requires dog houses to have four sides, sturdy roofs and floors, Miklas said. It is illegal to use a doghouse made out of steel barrels and metal materials.

“A steel doghouse would be an oven in this heat,” she said.

Signs of stress

Unlike humans, some animals do not perspire and may have problems maintaining body temperatures when it is hot.

Miklas said an increased heart rate, glassy eyes, staggering walk, vomiting, diarrhea and heavy panting are all signs of an animal suffering from heat stress.

The animal should be removed from the heat, immersed in cool water and you should contact a veterinarian immediately.

If you come upon an animal in a closed car or other dangerous situation, contact the police immediately.

“Don’t take any chances,” said Miklas.

For other tips on keeping animals safe during the heat wave, visit  www.ThinkingOutsidetheCage.org.


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