To the editor
While the temperature is heating up outside, this letter is a reminder
to all pet guardians how deadly an innocent car ride can be for their
pets. Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of
time. 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.
On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can
reach 120 degrees or higher 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. By
leaving car windows open with your pets left inside, pets also can
become targets for theft.
The bed of a truck can be a dangerous place for a
pet. An inadequately restrained pet in the bed of a truck stands a
greater chance of being thrown than a pet secured in the cab. The pads
of your pet’s feet could be burned from the sun’s heat on the metal
bed. Foreign objects can blow into their eyes.
At home, provide fresh cool water and shade to your
pet at all times and restrict exercise during the heat of the day.
Allow your pets inside when the temperatures rise above normal.
Signs of heatstroke: rapid panting or gasping; dry
tongue, may become purplish blue; skin is warm to touch; loss of
balance; loss of consciousness.
What to do if heatstroke occurs: cool immediately
with a cool wet towel; do not submerge in a tub or sink of cold water
the quick change of temperature could cause a heart attack;
immediately go to the veterinarian!
Be alert to weather! Let’s protect our companion
animals this summer.
Hillsborough