July 21, 2009


AHS reports eight pet deaths over the weekend; urges pet owners to keep pets indoors

In the past three weeks, the Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ (EAMTs) have seen 19 dogs who were dead on arrival, eight of them just from the weekend alone.

"Pets are being left alone outside with no shade, shelter or fresh drinking water to help them manage the 110-plus degree weather," said Stacie DaBolt, field operations manager for the Arizona Humane Society. "In many of these cases we’re seeing, these dogs are tied out and unable to reach shelter or water throughout the day."            

State law requires pet owners to provide access to all-day shelter and fresh drinking water. In these heat-related cases, AHS will do a full investigation to assist law enforcement in bringing up cruelty charges, according to DaBolt.

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1. Keep your pets indoors. If you can't keep them indoors, they must have access to shade for as long as they are outside. Also be sure your dog has plenty of cool, clean water in a non-metal, spill-proof container and keep it in the shade. An in-ground swimming pool is not sufficient drinking water for your pet.
   
   
2. Do not exercise your pet strenuously. Avoid extra long walks, hikes or excessive play. Just like people, pets can experience heat exhaustion.
   
   
3. Walk your pet early in the morning or late at night. The hot pavement will burn and blister your dog’s paws. If you have an assistance dog who must walk on hot asphalt, outfit him with booties to protect his paws.
   
   
4. Never leave your pet in a parked car. It only takes minutes for the inside of your car to get hotter than an oven.
   
   
5. Brush your pet’s coat frequently to keep it free of mats. If you shave your pet, remember that bare skin can sunburn. You can protect your pet’s skin by applying a zinc-free sunscreen to his ears and the top of his nose.