Animal Services shares how to keep your pets safe during summer
As we approach the first days of summer and temperatures continue to rise it is important that we keep our pet’s safety in mind as they can easily become victims of heatstroke.The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Department has a few recommendations when it comes to caring for your pets during the hot summer months.For example, limiting daily walks to early mornings and later in the evening and adding large pieces of ice to your pet’s water bowl.They also say to never leave your pets in the car when it is turned off, even with the windows down. Instead, they recommend bringing an extra set of keys so you can lock your car while it remains running with air conditioning.If you are considering shaving your pet, they recommend speaking to your vet first, some breeds need their coat as protection from the sun. Van Loveland, captain of Animal Services for Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, explains what to look for if you suspect an animal is suffering from heatstroke.“They don’t sweat as we do to release their heat. So, what they do is they pant. So, when a dog is overheating it is doing a lot of quick panting and things of that nature. There is really no salvia coming out of the dog, so you know it is starting to dehydrate some,” said Loveland. If you believe an animal is suffering from heatstroke experts recommend applying ice packs to the head, neck and chest and contacting a veterinarian. To report an animal in distress call 911.
As we approach the first days of summer and temperatures continue to rise it is important that we keep our pet’s safety in mind as they can easily become victims of heatstroke.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Department has a few recommendations when it comes to caring for your pets during the hot summer months.
For example, limiting daily walks to early mornings and later in the evening and adding large pieces of ice to your pet’s water bowl.
They also say to never leave your pets in the car when it is turned off, even with the windows down. Instead, they recommend bringing an extra set of keys so you can lock your car while it remains running with air conditioning.
If you are considering shaving your pet, they recommend speaking to your vet first, some breeds need their coat as protection from the sun.
Van Loveland, captain of Animal Services for Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, explains what to look for if you suspect an animal is suffering from heatstroke.
“They don’t sweat as we do to release their heat. So, what they do is they pant. So, when a dog is overheating it is doing a lot of quick panting and things of that nature. There is really no salvia coming out of the dog, so you know it is starting to dehydrate some,” said Loveland.
If you believe an animal is suffering from heatstroke experts recommend applying ice packs to the head, neck and chest and contacting a veterinarian.
To report an animal in distress call 911.
