Protect dogs from heat
Dogs left in hot cars. So many of you believe that if you leave the window down a bit and maybe even park under a tree, your dog will be ok.
You do not consider yourselves abusers of your pets, but this is abuse, folks, and it is against the law.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, you should never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach 120 degrees Farenheit in a matter of minutes even with the car windows partially open. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures.
Here are recommendations from the Humane Society if your dog shows signs of overheating:
• Be alert for the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue.
• If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately.
• Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her body temperature.
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only.
• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Finally, take your pet directly to a veterinarian. It could save your pet’s life.
If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately. For Taos Central Dispatch, call 758-3361.
You don’t only expose your pet to the dangers of heat stress when you leave him in a car, you also expose him to pet theft. Thousands of pets are stolen each year from unattended cars.
Taking your pet for a ride may seem like fun, but many pets prefer to spend time with you in the comfort and safety of your home. Explore activities that you and your pet can share at home and avoid taking risks that come when you leave your pet in the car.
If you must take your pet with you in your car, do so safely: Cats should ride in pet carriers, and dogs should ride in travel crates or be on a leash. When a pet travels, she should wear two ID tags: one with a home address and one with a destination address.
When out walking with your dog, avoid hot surfaces. Paw pad burns are a common summer injury for dogs. The summer heat and sun heat the asphalt to over 140 degrees. Fresh tar and new asphalt roads can reach over 300 degrees.
Hot sand can also cause paw pad burns. Watch for tell-tale signs of burned pads. Signals can include pads that are darker than usual, limping or refusing to walk, missing parts of a footpad, or visible blisters and redness. Some dogs may also lick or chew on the burned foot pad.
Leave your dog at home. They will get over it!