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Protect your pets during the dog days of summer
By Aldrich Tan/Staff writer

August 16, 2005

Twice a week, Visalia apartment manager David Marecki takes his two dogs to the Cody Kelly Bark Park.

At 7:30 a.m.

"It gets too hot for them [any later]," Marecki said as Davie, a golden retriever, and Benji, a gray schnauzer, pranced around the leash-free park.

In fact, summer temperatures can be deadly to pets, said Michelle Shanley, volunteer coordinator of Tulare County Animal Control in Visalia. The simple rule: indoors is best.

"You need to keep your animal at home as much as possible during this weather," Shanley said.

The animal-control agency's Visalia shelter takes in an average of 30 dogs and 20 cats a day during the summer, Shanley said. Half arrive either seriously dehydrated or overheated.

Shanley said she's seen seven dogs die from heat stroke this month. It's not a pleasant sight, she said.

"They become extremely lethargic," Shanley said. "They also [have a] seizure. No animal should ever have to experience it."

What to look for

There are ways to tell if a pet is feeling overheated, Shanley said. Animals will pant, stick their tongues out or become listless. Their eyes will have a glazed look.

To tell whether a dog is dehydrated, Shanley said, pull on the scruff at the back of the neck. If the scruff stays up, she said, "the animal is extremely dehydrated."

Of course, it's important to keep a pet's water bowl filled with cool, clean water. Without it, animals will look for other - possibly deadly - things to drink.

"They may end up drinking contaminated dirty water or puddles of water that contain antifreeze from automobile air conditioning," she said.

Another smart use of water is the mister, Shanley said.

"Your pet will have a place to cool down their bodies if they feel too hot," she said.

As hot as it can get outside during a Central Valley summer, it gets even hotter - much, much hotter - inside a closed vehicle. The shelter has received many calls about pets left in cars, Shanley said.

"The 15 minutes a pet owner can take running in and out of a store can be deadly for their pet," she said. "With the windows rolled up, car temperatures can reach up to 150 degrees."

If you transport your animal in a carrier, she said, make sure the carrier has enough space for air circulation.

Marecki said his dogs do little traveling during the summer. They're smarter than that, he said.

"They don't even want to leave the house in the afternoon," Marecki said.

But keeping pets indoors may not be enough.

Indoor temperatures can exceed 90 degrees in the summer, Shanley said.

"Keep the air conditioning on," she said.

As the sun rises over the bark park for another brutally scorching day in the Valley, Marecki puts Benji and Davie back in the car.

"It's important for owners to take extra care of their pets during this weather," he said. "Take care of them just like you take care of your children."

Pet safety tips

Keep your animal at home as much as possible. Keep the air conditioning on so that air circulates.

Walk your pets early in the morning or late in the evening. If you have to walk the dog during the day, make sure it is in a shaded area so the animal's paws don't blister.

Keep your pet hydrated with fresh, cool water replenished daily. Offer clean water to strays whenever possible.

Do not leave your animal in the car while running errands.

Leave the air conditioner on when your pet is at home. Install a mister if your pet is outside.

Contact Animal Control immediately if you see a stray wandering around in the heat. It could be dehydrated.

Tulare County Animal Control

By Aldrich Tan

Staff writer