How Can We Care for Dogs in This Heat?

Who will defend the well-being of our dogs in this heat?  Few of us enjoy carping at our neighbors or confronting our fellow citizens, but as the temperature soars into triple digits what are the alternatives in some cases?

Here is a sample of stories we receive from people with this very question:

“I was behind a pickup truck today with two guys in the cab.  In the back with no tailgate rode this poor dog panting heavily from the heat, his sides heaving. He struggled for balance while picking up his feet one at a time because the bed of the truck was burning his paws!”

“…I asked [the vendor] about the dog tied out on a chain a couple houses down from her [business].  I explained to her that it is 91 degrees and the dog has a tiny shelter, a small dog house. I’m not sure he can even get in it…”

“At six o’clock last night the temperature had cooled off to about 87 degrees on Colleton Avenue as a man rode by on his bicycle.  A large boxer-type dog was in tow, jogging behind, tongue lolling.  The dog was on a flexi-leash attached to a pinch collar effectively preventing him from chasing a squirrel, or stopping for rest should he need it.  The cyclist rolled on seemingly unaware.”

"A big white truck is parked in full sun outside a local tack shop.  The windows are lowered about four inches with a large dog panting furiously inside.  The day is relatively mild so the owner may be unaware of how quickly the cab heated up."

In each of the incidents cited above, the person either confronted people, or didn’t; reported the situation, or didn’t.  As each event is different, so is each individual who finds her/himself in it. 

Here again is the heat advisory FOTAS posted last June at our Woofstock Festival:

“Please be aware of the impact of heat on your pet.  Dogs do not have the same tolerance for heat as humans and this can be DEADLY.

Signs of your dogs being overheated may include (but not be limited to):

• Vigorous panting
• Tacky, dry or dark red gums
• Thick saliva
• Disorientation
• Dizziness
• Lying (or falling)down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
• Diarrhea or vomiting…”

Please keep your dogs cool and hydrated.  If they are accustomed to the outdoors, well-ventilated shade and plenty of accessible water will do.  If an animal’s welfare is endangered by abuse or neglect, call animal control or the police if you feel unwilling or unable to address the situation yourself.

For FOTAS, to be a friend of our county shelter means more than a concern for the quality of our public animal control facility; it means fostering an animal welfare ethic throughout our county, one that models, encourages, inspires, or demands responsible relationships with our pets. 

Our concern for the lives that depend on us for their well-being is not just what we do; it is who we are. 

FOTAS Volunteers work with the AIKEN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, 411 Wire Road.  For more information, contact “info@fotasaiken.org” or visit FOTAS on line at www.fotasaikn.org

Aiken County Animal Shelter:  “By the Numbers”

June 18^th thru 24^th

Received:   52 dogs & 43 cats

Adopted:     14 dogs & 13 cats

Euthanized:  53 dogs & 50 cats

 Aiken County Shelter “Pets of the Week”

LAST WEEK! The Half-Price Special goes until July 7^th!

TRIGGER – Our 3-legged wonder!  

 Year old Labrador Retriever who is a perfect love with kids, cats, everyone.  Half-price at $35  

DAY-DAY  - Long hair, green eyes, this guy is gorgeous, affectionate and yours for only $35! 

 

All adoption fees include: Spay/Neuter, heartworm test, all shots, worming, and microchip!