Public service announcement - Pets on hot days

(Picture of Shep in our front yard. The yellow rope is to keep him from running into the street ever again! The front isn't fenced, and he likes to be out there with us when we're gardening.)

City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
NEWS ADVISORY
SUBJECT: Keeping pets safe during hot weather.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/13/2008 10:05:00 AM
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Titus (206) 386-4293 Katherine Schubert-Knapp (206) 684-0909 Kathy Sugiyama (206) 684-0909
Seattle Animal Shelter offers tips to keep pets safe during hot weather
SEATTLE – With temperatures expected to hit 80 to 90 degrees later this week in the Seattle area, the Seattle Animal Shelter reminds pet owners to exercise good judgment and use common sense when it comes to protecting their pets from the heat.
“Every year, we receive hundreds of calls about pets locked in cars on hot days,” says Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Many pet owners are unaware that cars left in direct sunlight turn into lethal ovens, reaching fatal temperatures of 130 degrees or more within just a few minutes. Even dogs left in cars in the shade with the windows cracked on hot days, are at risk of brain damage or death. Dogs must cool themselves through panting and their systems simply can’t handle high temperatures.”
If you must travel with your pet, Jordan advises carrying water for your pet, and avoiding trips where you have to leave the pet in the car. “It’s not worth the risk,” he says.
Jordan offers the following tips for protecting pets during hot weather:
· Never leave your animal chained or penned up in direct sunlight. Provide a shady area where the animal can retreat such as a doghouse, porch or under a shady tree. And always provide cool water.
· If you leave animals indoors, open the windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water, and if possible, leave them in a cool location.
· Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked car. Temperatures can exceed 130 degrees in a matter of minutes. Animals do not perspire like humans; they cool themselves through their lungs by panting. Hot air can lead to brain damage or death. Also, be aware that vinyl seats in vehicles get hot under animals’ feet and prevents them from perspiring through their paws. Remember, with the movement of the sun, a vehicle originally parked in the shade may soon be in direct sunlight.
· Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition.
Feathered friends:
· Take caution and place the bird's cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon.
· Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.
Pet owners can be held criminally liable for committing cruelty to animals if a pet dies, or is found suffering from heat prostration. If you see an animal that may need help, or if you have questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-PETS (7387).