Record Heat on the Horizon
In anticipation of the record-setting heat predicted in Seattle this week, the Seattle Animal Shelter is once again reminding you to protect your dog from scorching temperatures.
Weather forecasts indicate that starting tomorrow, temperatures will shoot above 90 degrees and could approach 100 degrees Wednesday through Saturday. Because the low temperatures won’t drop below the mid 60’s, the evenings won’t bring a respite from the searing heat.
Don’t Leave Your Dog in Car
“Never leave your animal unattended in a vehicle,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Acting Director Ann Graves. “Even on a 70-degree day, cars left in the sun can turn into lethal ovens, reaching fatal temperatures of more than 100 degrees within just a few minutes. And with the movement of the sun, cars originally left in the shade can soon be in direct sunlight.”
“Even dogs left locked in cars in the shade with the windows cracked on hot days are at risk of brain damage or death,” Graves added. “Our officers receive emergency calls every day about animals locked in cars. If the animal is in distress, officers will use all means possible to rescue the animal.”
Your Home Can Overheat Too
The warm weather also creates hazards for pets left at home. As many homes in the Northwest don’t have air conditioning due to the normally moderate climate, people leave their windows open during warm weather. The fresh air is essential to you and your pets, but be aware of the enticement and danger an open, screenless window can pose for cats.
“Make sure your window screens are secure, especially on second floors and above,” Graves said. “Open, screenless windows are an invitation for curious cats.”
Graves offered the following tips for protecting pets during hot weather:
- Never leave your animal tethered or kenneled in direct sunlight. Provide a shady area for retreat, such as a dog house, porch or shady tree. And always provide access to plenty of cool water.
- If you leave animals indoors, open the screened windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water. If possible, leave them in a cool location like a basement.
- Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked vehicle.
- If you must travel with your pet, carry water. If a trip requires you leave your pet in the car at any point, think about saving that for another day. It’s not worth the risk.
- Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Pavement can get especially hot. Obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition.
- Signs of heat stroke in dogs include heavy panting, excessive thirst, glazed eyes, vomiting and bloody diarrhea, bright or dark red tongue/gums, staggering, elevated body temperature (104ºF and up), weakness/collapse, increased pulse and heartbeat, seizures, excessive drooling, and unconsciousness.
Click here to see what to do if you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke.
If you don’t have air conditioning and can’t leave windows open when you’re gone, don’t leave pets alone for long. The temperature in small homes and apartments, especially those exposed to direct sunlight, can easily reach 80-90 degrees.
If you see an animal that may be in need of assistance, or if you have questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-PETS (7387).
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