Your pet can become over-heated
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
By: Deborah Kern

The summer heat is dangerous for your companion animals

The temperatures are climbing again – just in time for the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Lorrie Shaw of AnnArbor.com posted an article to remind everyone to please leave your dog at home, and we completely agree. Your pooch will not enjoy it when the heat of the day reaches close to 100 degrees.

The symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. If you suspect an animal is having these problems seek veterinary help immediately.

The temperature in a parked car with the windows cracked can reach 102 in 10 minutes, and 120 in 30 minutes. At that point your pet may not survive.

If you want to take your companion with you during the summer remember:

• You will need a constant supply of clean, cool water and a place to be in the shade.
• Never leave them in a parked car anytime the temperatures are over 70 degrees.  
• Make sure you don’t over exercise your dog, and in extreme weather.

It’s best to keep them inside in and out of the sun.

We understand that  out pets like to go with us but as caregivers, our job is to protect them from extreme conditions. Allowing an animal to be harmed by heat exhaustion is considered animal abuse. It is illegal and punishable by fines and even imprisonment. If you live in Washtenaw County and see an animal in distress or locked in a parked car, please call our rescue hotline at (734) 661-3512, or the police.