From Janel McLain, Director Dog Gone Rescue
Creston
Summer is definitely here! A heatwave is in full steam this week with temps in the high 90s…and with our humidity, the heat index value is reaching 105-110 degrees…it’s hot! When conditions are like this, a heat advisory is issued to warn people that the combination of these hot temps and high humidity can create situations in which heat illnesses are possible. They advise people to stay in air-conditioned homes if they can; if you have to be outside, they advise to drink lots of fluids, work early, stay in the shade, etc. Human beings can do lots of things to prevent heat stroke; dogs, however, rely on their owners to care for them.
When temps rise in the summer, your dog can really feel the heat. Keeping your dog cool is vital for its well-being, as heat stroke in dogs is a life-threatening condition. Warning signs include panting excessively, moving sluggishly, acting woozy, and losing consciousness. If you observe any of these signs, call your vet immediately.
They need “fresh” water and LOTS of it! Dogs drink a lot of water, especially in this summer heat! If they have to be outside, make sure they have access to water….just think how hot you would be out in the hot sun and humidity all day, you’re going to get thirsty too!
Every year, dogs die after being locked inside cars while their owners shop or run quick errands, but these tragic deaths are entirely preventable if dog people only knew the facts. So to bring awareness to this problem, we’re combining our Hot Doggie Wash Fundraiser on Aug. 1, with the My Dog Is Cool Campaign. Dog owners will take “The Pledge” to never leave their pet in a hot car, they get a certificate and their picture taken and uploaded to the My Dog Is Cool website and Facebook page. It’s a great way to show how much you care about your pet….you certainly wouldn’t leave your child in a hot car for obvious reasons, don’t leave your pet in there either!
Hot cars are death traps for dogs. When it is 72 degrees outside, the temps inside a car can reach 116 degrees within an hour – even with windows cracked….just think about the temps when it’s 90 degrees outside!
A dog’s normal body temp ranges from 101-102.5 degrees. Dogs can withstand a body temp of 107-108 degrees for only a short time before they experience brain and nerve damage, heart problems – and even death. Dogs cannot sweat like humans and cool off by panting. Panting in a hot car is like breathing in a sauna, there is no cool, fresh air to breath, so it remains hot.
The “MY Dog Is Cool Campaign” lets people get involved to spread the word that leaving a dog in a car for even “just a few minutes” may be too long. If you see a dog in a potentially dangerous situation in a hot car, please call your local police department, animal control agency or humane society immediately!
It's not cool to leave a dog in a hot car! For more info, visit www.MyDogsCool.com. Please join us on Saturday, Aug. 1 at McKinley Park for Dog Gone Rescue's 1st "Hot Doggie Wash!"
It’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., between the bear and the band shell, $15 a wash, $3 a meal, and take The Pledge to never leave your dog in a hot car! We hope to see you there!