Suffolk County SPCA Offers Hot Weather Tips for Your Pet
Suffolk County, NY - September 2, 2014 - Hot weather can spell danger for your pets. New York is under a hot weather advisory. Just like you, your pet can suffer from from dehydration and heat stroke.
Pets enclosed in parked vehicles are at great risk. The temperature inside a parked car can reach dangerous levels of 120° in just a matter of minutes. Just 15 minutes can be enough for an animal's body temperature to climb from a normal 102.5°, according to Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA. Pet owners should never leave their animals unattended in a parked car for any period of time, cautions Chief Gross, even with the car windows partially open. "Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke when trapped in these high temperatures," said Chief Gross. Dogs can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads.
Your pet can become dehydrated quickly, so provide them with clean fresh water. Make sure they have a shady areas to keep out of the sun.
Know the warning signs. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing with excessive panting, weakness and possible seizures. Finally, if your pet exhibits any unusual symptoms, take your pet directly to a veterinarian - it could save his/her life.
Remember, if you see a pet in a vehicle on a hot day, take immediate action:
- Note the car make, model, color and plate number, then go to the nearest stores and ask the managers to page the owner.
- Call the police or the Suffolk County SPCA who have the authority to enter the vehicle and rescue the pet.
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