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Press Releases
Friday, July 15, 2011
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
(414) 431-6104 aspeed@wihumane.org
Do not leave your dog in the car
Wisconsin Humane Society offering free posters to local businesses with heat warning
MILWAUKEE – Several calls to the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) from concerned citizens has prompted the organization to appeal to businesses to post “Do Not Leave Your Animal in the Car” posters, available for free at the shelter or on the WHS website.
This summer, the shelter has already seen surrendered animals suffering from heatstroke, and in one tragic case, the dog did not survive.
Just like people, companion animals can get heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Unlike people, however, they cannot regulate body temperature in the same way, and different dog breeds respond to hot weather differently. WHS implores animal guardians to follow these simple tips to keep their animals safe:
• NEVER leave your companion animal in a parked car, even with the windows down. The inside of a parked car can reach 160 degrees in just a few minutes.
• Walk your dog only during the cooler parts of the day. Early morning and evening hours are best. Leave your animal outside for only short periods of time. Also, keep your cat indoors where they are safer.
• Never tie an animal outside in the sun! Always make sure they have a shady spot when outside in extreme temperatures, as well as plenty of fresh, cool water.
• Allow access to the coolest part of your home. If you don’t have air conditioning, or you turn it off while at work, make sure your companion animal can get to a cool place, such as a basement.
• Take extra precautions for old, overweight or snub-nosed dogs in hot weather. Dogs with heart or lung diseases should be kept indoors with air conditioning.
• Watch your animal for signs of heat stroke, which include extreme panting, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, rapid pulse, bright red gums and blue tongue or lips. Animals exhibiting signs of heat stroke should be moved to a cool place and have their body temperature lowered with cool water (do NOT apply ice), then taken to a veterinarian for further treatment.
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Photo/Interview Opportunity: Contact Angela at 414.431.6104 or aspeed@wihumane.org to talk with a WHS spokesperson regarding hot weather dangers.
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