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Keep your animals safe...and alive this summer!
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Dog left behind and looking for love.
Triple digit temperatures come with the territory if you live in Phoenix and we all know how to keep ourselves cool, but many don’t consider their furry family members. Some of these tips are probably reminders and others may surprise you. Make sure we all survive the L O N G and HOT Phoenix summer by following these suggestions:
Keep them cool. Dogs are not as efficient at cooing their bodies as humans - if you are outside with your dog and thinking, “Wow, it’s hot today,” your dog is saying “I’m dangerously overheating today!”
Provide fresh water. Pets dehydrate quickly – early signs of heat stroke are enlarged tongue, excessive panting, uncoordinated, weakness, collapse, seizures – get to a vet immediately. If overheated direct a fan on the animal and pour cool water over its body for 15 - 30 minutes. If not responding quickly, get to a vet immediately.
NEVER, EVER leave pets in parked cars. Even with windows cracked, temperatures climb to 120 and above very quickly - an animal’s brain will literally cook.
Keep pets indoors. Even in the shade temperatures rise into the teen-100’s. If you must keep your animals outside, install misters set on timers to deliver a cool mist every 5 to 10 minutes for two or three minutes to the shady areas of your yard. Water should be available for drinking at all times. Wading pools in the shade should be provided as well and should be cleaned and refilled with fresh water every day.
Be alert. Foreclosures are at an all-time high and unfortunately many people are taking their refrigerator and beds but are leaving their animals behind. If you hear barking or meowing from an empty yard or home, or see abandoned horses or livestock, contact Lost Our Home Pet Foundation. Lost Our Home was created by a group of real estate professionals who rescue pets who have been abandoned due to foreclosures and other financial hardships. You can also contact the Arizona Humane Society or the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control immediately. If you have personal information regarding the former residents, share that with the agency you contact, as prosecution will be possible. Abandoning animals is against the law!
Keep the pests at bay. During the summer, dogs and cats are at an increased risk of contracting heartworms transmitted by infected mosquitoes. If untreated, it can be fatal. Flea and tick outbreaks also increase in the warm weather. Consult your veterinarian about which treatment is right for your animal.
Keep pesticides away from animals. Lawn and garden insecticides, rodent baits, citronella candles, insect coils and oil products can be fatal.
Water safety is for pets too. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices while on boats. Also, pool water is not good drinking water. It contains chlorine and other chemicals that cause stomach upset.
Exercise. Check sidewalks and streets before walking your dog – the surface may burn their feet. Take advantage of the cooler mornings and later evenings to walk or play games of fetch with your pets. Be sure to adjust down the intensity and duration too. And carry water for both you and your animal companion.
All year long. Know where your pets are at all times. Keep gates closed. Let your neighbors know about your pets in case of fire or other emergencies. Keep small animals inside at all times. Cats and small dogs are dinner for hungry coyotes and birds of prey. If your cat wants to go out, retrain them to be inside for their safety. Microchip all of your animals for safe return should they get out.
SPAY AND NEUTER. Over 60,000 animals are killed each year in Maricopa County (that's 165 a day!). Animal shelters and rescue groups are filled to capacity and overflowing with abandoned and owner surrendered animals, and with litters of unwanted puppies and kittens. Don't allow your animals to increase the statistics.
Make it a fun, SAFE, and cool summer for your entire family, including the furry ones!
For more info: Lost Our Home - http://www.lostourhome.org
Arizona Humane Society - http://www.azhumane.org
Maricopa County Care and Control - http://www.maricopa.gov/PETS/
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