Animal Shelter Says Extreme Heat Responsible for Dogs Death
“These are not cases of negligence,” said Shelter Manager Patricia Redfearn. “In all cases the owners were distraught and would never have intentionally hurt their animals.”
However, such is the reality of leaving your pet outside during 100+ degree-days with little shade and less water.
“During days this hot, do not leave your pet outside,” said Redfearn. “If you have to, you must provide adequate shade, a bath of water like a kiddy pool in the shade, and plentiful drinking water. Make sure the water bowl is large and in the shade or the water will evaporate or become too hot for the dog to drink. Your dog could literally lay down and die beside a bowl of water that had become too hot to drink.”
Dogs do not sweat through their skin. They control their body heat by panting and through their feet. So at a certain point they simply can’t relieve their rising body temperatures during prolonged exposure to 100+ temperatures.
More heat advice for pet owners:
- Do not tether your dog in a yard. It is against city codes and is a citable offense.
- Do not shave furry dogs as it exposes their delicate skin to sunburn. You can trim long-haired dogs to about a 1” fur to help with heat.
- Never leave an animal in a car where temperatures can soar in minutes, causing death.
“It is real simple. You wouldn’t leave your child in the yard all day, don’t leave your dog in the yard all day when it is this hot,” said Redfearn.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
