Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:08:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: ahimsa8
Subject: Chatham County Animals left out in this Extreme Heat
I just wanted to voice my concern about some pets in Chatham County being left outside in this extreme heat of 100+ degree days. I have seen this first hand this past week and have felt compelled to write. Also please do not exercise outside with your animal running beside you in this extreme heat. It is extremely dangerous.
I am sure that we all love our pets and would never do these things intentionally but please during days this hot, do not leave your pet outside,†. “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.â€
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.
Never leave an animal in a car where temperatures can soar in minutes, causing death. And remember it’s a matter of just minutes before the inside of a car reaches temperatures of over 100 degrees, even if it’s just 85 degrees outside and the windows are open. Dogs can’t regulate the heat through sweating, like we do, which is why overheating can have much more severe consequences.
Shades offer little protection, as they move with the sun. Besides older and younger animals, those with short muzzles, thick coats and who are overweight are at higher risk.
Within 30 minutes, a car’s interior can reach up to 120 degrees. But even if it’s just 70 degrees outside, the inside can get as much as 20 degrees hotter.
Do not tether your dog in a yard in this extreme heat. Be kind and bring them in even if they do stay outside usually. 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 would not leave your child in the yard all day, don’t leave your dog in the yard all day when it is this hot.
Your companion animal will be extremely grateful for you taking care of them.
RC – Pittsboro