City Stresses Dangers of Hot Weather for Pets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2011

For more information contact:
Laurie Ringquist, Director, Animal Care and Control, City of Bloomington, 349.3492
Jared Schlemmer, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3406, [mailto:schlemmj@bloomington.in.gov]

Bloomington, IN -- The City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control Division urges citizens to take precautions to protect their pets during warm-weather months.

The easiest and most important precaution owners can take is to leave their dogs at home while shopping or running errands.

"Please don't leave your dog in the car while you shop or run errands, even if it is just for a few minutes," said Laurie Ringquist, Director of Animal Care and Control. "Each year when the weather heats up, we receive calls almost on a daily basis about dogs left in hot cars. It doesn't matter if the cars are parked in the shade or if the windows are cracked. Cars act like ovens, trapping the heat with temperatures soaring quickly. People may mean well because they know Rover likes to go for car rides, but we urge people to recognize the dangers and to be responsible by leaving their pets at home."

A Stanford University test found that when it is just 72 degrees outside, a car's internal temperature can rocket to 116 degrees within an hour, even with the windows cracked. When it is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes. Dogs can only withstand a high body temperature for a short time before suffering nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, brain damage or even death.

The City can issue $50 Animal Care tickets to those who leave their dogs in hot cars.

The following are a few other simple guidelines to help keep your pet safe, healthy and happy during hot weather:

• Dogs should never ride in the back of a pick-up truck because flying debris can cause serious injury or a dog may be thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly applies the brakes, swerves or is involved in a crash. It is estimated that 100,000 dogs die this way every year.
• Beware of plant food, fertilizer and insecticides used on lawns and gardens. These chemicals can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
• When providing your pet with exercise, take extra care when it is hot. This is especially true for older dogs, short-nosed dogs and those with thick coats. On extremely hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours and be aware that asphalt can burn your pet's paws.
• Like humans, animals can get sunburned too. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur are more vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
• Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are very serious and may result in death. Signs of heat stress include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke and heat exhaustion, move your pet into shade and apply cool water over the body. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes to lower the body temperature. Most importantly, get your pet to a veterinarian immediately.

For additional summertime tips for you and your pet, visit [www.mydogiscool.com|www.mydogiscool.com].

For more information on caring for your pet in summer or to report an animal in distress, please contact the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter at 812-349-3492.

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