Deadly Heat

By Hila Ronquillo-Daneshmand, HCWS Volunteer

As the temperatures outside are rising, the death toll of dogs being left out in the heat are too. We all enjoy some fun in the sun and we like to take Rover along for the ride, but this can be a fatal mistake. Even during a cool 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 120 degrees in minutes – even in the shade.

Especially in states like Nevada where temperatures soar to an unbelievable 115 degrees, countless dogs suffer from brain damage or even worse – death by heatstroke brought on by being left outside in the backyard or in a car exposed to the elements without a way to escape, while their owners enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned stores or the refreshing water at the pool.

Here are some tips to keep your dog safe during the heat:

• Never leave a dog in the car on days when temperatures reach above 65 degrees. A cracked window is just not enough.
• Don’t transport your dog in the back of a pickup truck. This is always dangerous, but the added heat can burn the dog’s feet on the hot metal.
• Only take your dog jogging during cool mornings and evenings.
• Keep your dog indoors as much as possible during the hottest time of the day. If he or she must stay outside for a long period of time, make sure that you provide them with a shaded area (like a doghouse), with plenty of water, and if possible, a kid’s pool.
• And last but not least, the “magic” potion for your dog to stay safe and healthy during the summer is plenty of water. YOU need 64oz of H2O a day to feel good, so why would you deny that to your loyal partner?

Now that you know how to protect your dog, please look out for some of his friends out there. You might be able to save a little angel’s life.

Here are some of the steps you can take if you come across a dog left in a hot car:

• Write down the license plate number along with the color, model and make of the car.  Have the owner paged in nearby stores.
• Call animal control, humane authorities or the police.
• Wait with the dog and offer water or an ice cube.
• If the dog seems to be in imminent danger and the authorities are unresponsive, find a witness who will back up your assessment.
• Take steps to remove the suffering dog and then wait for the authorities.

Hopefully these tips will help to keep our Las Vegas animals safe.

Please make sure your pets are spayed or neutered. Contact Heaven Can Wait Animal Society for more information.