Police in Roswell, Georgia, recently rescued two small dogs from a car while their own sat in an air-conditioned movie theatre, watching a movie. According the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the temperature inside the car was 169 Degrees, and that was with the windows slightly rolled down. The dogs began suffering from heat stroke but both dogs were lucky. Police arrived within 18 seconds, the dogs were rushed to a local veterinarian and both will be just fine. Their owner, however, has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty and she is due to stand trial in August.
High temperatures in Phoenix can be even more deadly for your pets and when the Arizona summer temperature soars, so it’s important to take precautions to keep your pet safe. Never leave your dog in a parked car when the temperature is above 70 degrees. For example, when the outside air temperature is 72 degrees, the temperature in the car can reach 116 degrees in just a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Leaving your dog in a hot car is cruel, and illegal, causing injury or death in a matter of minutes. It’s best to leave your dog at home, but when you do:
Leave your dog in the house, especially in dangerous heat
If you don’t have air conditioning, leave your dog in the coolest part of the house, in the basement is best. If you need to keep your dog outside, make sure he has access to fresh, clean water, at all times. Shade is crucial, as well because the sun moves throughout the day.
If you walk your dog, plan accordingly
In order to beat the heat, wake up early, in the morning or walk your dog once the sun has gone down. Once again, however, be a responsible pet owner and clean up any pet waste your furry friend leaves behind.
If walking your dog during the day, check the pavement with your hand before putting your dog on a leash. If the ground feels too hot for your hand, then it’s too hot for the paws of your dog. His paws could burn from the heat of the asphalt. The Humane Society of the United States urges pet owners to walk their dogs on the grass instead.
Bring water along on your walk, not only for you, but for your dog as well. It’s important that you both stay hydrated. Make sure you take frequent breaks to allow both of you a drink of water. You can also wet your dogs’ fur to help him stay cooler. Your dog doesn’t have the ability to sweat, he cools himself off by panting. If you notice your dog is drooling, excessively, then he might be overheated.
Stay tuned for more helpful tips on keeping your dog safe and happy. See our website, www.arrowheadscoopers.com for customer reviews, and to request a free dog waste removal quote. Arrowhead serves the greater Glendale, and Peoria, Arizona areas. Give us a call today at (602) 391-0160.
