HOT WEATHER: A DANGER FOR DOGS

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 03, 2009

Now the hot weather is easing, many people assume the pets will be fine. Sadly, even our "cool" 90 degree days can be deadly for dogs. We still have weeks of dangerous weather ahead of us.

Here are things Washington County Animal Services & Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter advises you to keep in mind over the upcoming weeks for pets:

If You See a Dog in a Car:

Remember that dogs don't handle heat as efficiently as humans. Their only way to cool down is to pant. A closed car in the sunlight can be fatal to a dog, even when it is as cool as 75 degrees outside.

If you see a dog in an enclosed car in the sun, it may be a medical emergency. Call Washington County Animal Services right away for help at (503) 846-7041. If a dog is in imminent danger, it is also OK to call 911.

Be ready to give specific information, such as the location of the car, the make and model, and other information (such as where a car is parked in a large parking lot) so that we can locate the car as quickly as possible.

When To Get Help for Your Dog:

Signs of heat stroke in dogs include:

• Excessive panting
• Pale gums
• Disorientation (such as not responding to his name)
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Collapse and coma

First Aid:

Call your veterinarian right away. Cool your dog down with cool (not icy) water. You can soak your dog or place cool packs on the nude parts of your dog's body. Even if your dog appears fine after you have cooled him down, plan to take your dog to your veterinarian.

Heat stroke can cause damage to your dog's organs. He may need monitoring and longer-term treatment.

What About Cats? Cats usually fare better than dogs in the heat. Do watch to see if your cat is panting through his mouth like a dog. If he is in distress, first aid procedures would be the same as for dogs.

For more information on pets and extreme heat, stop by the animal shelter at 1901 SE 24th Avenue in Hillsboro or call (503) 846-7041.

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