You think you have problems with the heat?

Think of what your furry little pet is going through.

The Humane Society of the United States says pets can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with extra precautions needed for dogs that are older or have short noses or thick coats. Overweight pets also can be susceptible.

Muskogee Animal Control Supervisor Ronald Mayes said his officers get a lot of calls to check the well-being of animals seen outside.

“A passer-by sees a dog chained to a tree and calls us,” he said. “We end up calling the owner to ensure that the dog has additional water and is not hot.”

The situation becomes more serious — possibly even deadly — for dogs or cats left inside cars.

“My 10 minutes and their 10 minutes are not the same,” he said. “Within five minutes, the temperature inside a car can rise to 110 degrees.”

Mayes said it is against the law to leave an animal inside a car that does not have the air conditioning on or does not allow the animal access to water.

Indoors or outdoors, dogs and cats need plenty of fresh water, said Susan Jones, owner of Posh Paw Hotel and Spa for animals in Eufaula.

Jones advises cleaning and refilling the water bowl every day.

Another tip, put a penny in the bottom of the dish to keep algae away, Jones said.

Mayes suggested, “add ice to their water bowl.”

If animals must be outside, make sure they have plenty of shade and water, he said.

“If you walk your dog, walk them on the grass, because the pavement can get hot,” he said.

An inexpensive kiddie play pool provides a great way to keep a dog cool, he said.

Dorothy Farmer said long-haired dogs should be shorn in the summer. Not only does short hair make the animals cooler, it also helps guard against fleas and ticks, she said.



Summer pet care tips



• Never leave your pet in a car.

• Do not put your dog loose in the back of the truck. Let dog ride in the cab or in a crate secured in the bed of a truck.

• Watch out for fertilizers or deadly plants.

• Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag.

• Do not take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs because the loud noises, crowds and heat can be stressful.

• Let your dog splash in a plastic kiddie pool.

• Limit exercise to morning or early evening.

• If your pet becomes overheated, immediately lower body temperature by moving the pet to shade and apply cool (not cold) water over skin.



Source: Humane Society of the United States.

Reach Cathy Spaulding at 918-684-2928 or Click Here to Send Email