Denver City Wire

Summer’s sweltering temperatures held off for much of June, but now the heat is on—and with it comes a reminder from Denver Animal Protection (DAP) to protect your pets by never leaving them alone in vehicles.

Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit in just minutes, even if temperatures are mild and windows are open. A dog can suffer life-threatening heatstroke which can cause organ failure and death. Dogs don’t sweat like humans. They sweat small amounts through their paws and nose, but not enough to release excess body heat. Instead, they release heat primarily by panting, exchanging hot for cool air. So, if a dog can’t expel heat, their internal body temperature begins to rise.

Obesity and pre-existing medical conditions put pets at much higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Puppies, elderly, long-haired, dark-haired and flat-faced dogs are also more at risk for overheating.

Since the beginning of this year, DAP has received 323 calls of dogs left inside vehicles during extreme temperatures. DAP received another 394 calls for animals without shelter in unsafe temperatures.

If you are concerned about a pet locked in a hot car, call 311 and familiarize yourself with the good Samaritan law. The state offers legal immunity for those who break into a locked vehicle to rescue a dog, cat, or an at-risk person. And those who leave their pet in an overheated car, could receive a summons for animal cruelty, a fine of up to $999 and/or 300 days in jail.

If you suspect an animal is suffering from heatstroke:

• Move the animal to shade or a cooler area
• Cool the pet down with water or ice packs on the stomach only
• Offer cool drinking water, but do not force-feed water
• Don’t submerge the pet in water, this can cause further hurt them when temperature regulation is impaired
• Don’t cover, crate, or confine the pet
• Even if your pet responds to cooling treatments,it’s critical you go to an emergency veterinarian.

DAP also offers the following tips for protecting your pet from the summer heat, in general:

• Don’t transport animals in the beds of pickup trucks. It’s illegal to let dogs ride loose in truck beds. The hot metal can also burn their paws. Exposure to direct sunlight can be just as harmful as being left inside an enclosed vehicle.
• Keep walks during peak daytime hours to a minimum.
• Be mindful of hot pavement that can burn your pet’s feet. If you can’t hold your bare hand on pavement for 10 seconds, then it’s too hotfor your dog to walk on. Also, being so close to the warm ground, your dog’s body can heat up quickly.
• Provide adequate shelter from the elements, as well as access to fresh water. Denver city ordinance requires pets have adequate outdoor shelter, such as a doghouse, porch area, or similar structure that allows an animal to escape the elements.

Prevention is key to keeping your pet safe during warmer weather. Enjoy the longer days with your furry friends. But don’t forget, the safest place for your pet during the hot summer months is at home.

“If you love, ‘leave ‘em at home.”

Original source can be found here