It’s time again, Kentuckiana! The temps are climbing and there are things that need to be addressed. The temperature is expected to be 94 degrees Monday. Think that’s up there? Not quite. Try this. Put on a faux fur coat (because we don’t condone real fur, you know) and get all exited and jumpy over a car ride. Hot yet? Now, sit in your car with no AC, just the windows cracked, keeping the fur coat on. Sit there for as long as you would normally be in the store.
How do you like that? The temperature in a car in the situation will reach about 113 degrees. That is without fur and in this experiment, you are not lucky enough to be one of those hairless breeds. A dog’s temperature typically ranges from 101 to 103 degrees. That’s pretty toasty!
What was just described is an act of animal cruelty and illegal. When you stroll into Kroger or Wal-Mart and see a dog in a hot car, report it to the customer service desk immediately. They will announce over the PA that the owner of the car needs to bring their pet home and come back later. Make sure you get the Make and model of the car, the plate number, and the color, as the customer service reps will need that info.
The store will usually phone the police if the issue is not resolved. I know in the Radcliff Wal-mart, the security or manager will oversee that the owner does not ignore the store’s announcement. Sometimes the police are phone regardless. You have done your job. You have saved an animal’s life!
If you are a dog owner and plan to take your pooch on family outings, do not forget water. You may feel great, walking with that bottle of clean, fresh water. While Fifi may seem content drinking from puddles, this is your furry child! Show some compassion. Several places sell travel dishes for dogs that collapse and are easy to carry. Lug around an extra 16 ounces for you pup and pour her some water!
At home? Cozy in your AC? Thinking about a nap while the pups are outside playing? Did you know that if Animal control drives by and sees no place for your pets to escape the sun or rain, they can fine you? Provide a shelter for your dog if he happens to be a primarily outside dog. If not, fresh water and some shade should suffice for something that is nothing more than a mere potty break.
Avoid animal cruelty. Report animals in hot cars. You would report a child the same way. (sadly, it does happen.) Always follow pet safety guidelines for the heat. For more information, check out www.mydogiscool.com and print some flyers!
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