Summer Can Be Dangerous for Pets

There isn’t a more requested column than the one outlining the dangers of dogs in hot cars. However, that isn’t the only danger associated with pets and summertime. There are many other dangers lurking in this season, waiting for the opportunity to seriously harm or kill our pets.

One) Dogs left in cars during the summer are in extreme danger of heat stroke and death. I know you’d never leave a dog in a hot car. You leave them in a warm car without realizing that the temperature inside that car can reach 120 degrees within MINUTES. A simple trip to the bank or grocery store can kill your dog. Don’t do it. Rolling down the windows does not reduce the temperature enough to be safe. There is no such thing as adequate ventilation in a car in the summer in this area. Leaving your air conditioner on works only as long as the car continues to run. If, for some reason, your car stalls out, you’ve just condemned your dog to a horrible death.

Two) Overheating radiators in cars means antifreeze spilled and pooled in areas where cars are parked. These chemicals are extremely poisonous to our pets. A very small amount is sufficient to kill. What is worse is that the chemicals are sometimes appealing in taste. A cat walking through a puddle and then licking it’s paws or a warm dog on a hot day finding a sweet tasting treat to quench it’s thirst are ways in which our pets are poisoned by these very deadly chemicals.

Three) Swimming pools, hot tubs, fish ponds and stock tanks are inviting ways for our pets to cool down. However, once in, they may find it difficult to get out. Make sure that all water features and pools are either inaccessible or, have easy ramps for our pets (and wildlife) to escape. If you have a pool or hot tub, teach your dogs how to use the ramp and where it is so that if they fall or jump in they are not as likely to panic and drown.

Four) Rattlesnakes are a common sight in this area in the summer. They are out and about in the mornings, evenings, and the middle of the night. Professional snake proofing for dogs is available (a snake proofing workshop is scheduled for Sept. 13th, call 970-568-7585 or www.rockymountainrawhide.com for more info). Keeping a close eye on your dogs while hiking and at our dog parks is also highly recommended. Five) Remember, dogs don’t wear shoes. Walk your dogs on grass or soft dirt during hot weather. Pavement and sidewalks will burn their feet.

If you see a dog left in a hot car, do not wait. Call the humane society immediately at 226-3647. You may be saving it’s life.

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