PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has released a warm-weather advisory to remind everyone about how risky these blazing hot days are for your pets and what you can do to keep them safe.
This month alone, police have recorded several incidents of pets being left inside locked vehicles in several states, including a puppy that officers has to rescue from inside a hot car in Jersey City, and another small dog in distress on an 82-degree day in New Fairfield, Connecticut; police officers broke the window of the car he was in to save the dog.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, police, alerted by a good Samaritan, also rescued a young dog from inside a hot vehicle earlier this month and took him to the vet.
PETA said at least 29 dogs and other animals have died from heat-related causes since the start of the year, although it said most animal deaths aren’t reported.
Pasadena is expected to experience a slight drop in heat this week down from the 90’s last week, according to the National Weather Service, but don’t let that fool you. The monsoonal moisture in the air increases the “feels like” temperatures. And inside closed up vehicles, heat skyrockets like an oven.
To keep your pets safe in hot weather, PETA advises you to keep them indoors and to never leave them inside a hot vehicle.
Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
When walking your dog or other pet, avoid the hot pavement, too. When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees, causing pain, burns, and permanent damage to dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk dogs on grass whenever possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day, PETA said.
PETA has also published a public-service announcement featuring McKenna Grace reminding people to mind their pets – and kids – in hot weather.
To watch the video, visit https://youtu.be/P4DEtBUNczQ.
In Pasadena, call Pasadena Humane at (626) 792-7151 anytime an animal is threatened by the hot weather or other circumstances.
