Sizzling summer temperatures also pose threats to pets
Monday, June 30, 2014 – New York, NY – With the Fourth of July right around the corner and the Farmers’ Almanac predicting a hot and humid summer in New York City, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals advises pet owners to take precautions to keep their furry friends safe from summertime hazards.
Jane Hoffman, President of the Alliance, said, “While for many New Yorkers, Fourth of July fireworks are a favorite summertime highlight, fireworks can pose serious threats to our pets. As responsible pet owners, we need to take precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. These simple tips can help ease your pet’s fear and anxiety caused by firecrackers and reduce the likelihood that your pet will run away and become lost.”
- Take your dog for a walk before the fireworks begin. A good long walk or exercise can tire the dog out and help keep her calm when the explosions begin.
- Keep pets indoors when fireworks are underway. Close the windows and curtains, and if you can, run the air conditioner or the television to cut down on the noise and excessive flashes of light. Darkness can be calming to pets in these situations.
- Fireworks can be scary for pets. Try not to leave your pets home alone. Be there to comfort them. Create a comforting place of escape for them — perhaps a box, a crate, or a comfy place to curl up.
- Do not under any circumstances bring pets to an outdoor fireworks display. At the very least it will frighten them, and there is a great risk that they will escape from you and become lost. And no matter what time of year, make sure your dogs and cats are microchipped and are wearing proper ID tags.
If your pet becomes lost, immediately file a Lost Pet Report with Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C), go to your nearest AC&C Care Center to look for your pet, and search AC&C’s Found Pet Database. For more information about what to do if you lose or find a pet, visit http://bit.ly/LFPetsNYC.
Hoffman cautioned that even when the Fourth of July is over, there are other summer hazards. She added, “Dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable in high heat and humidity. Following a few common sense tips and taking some precautions will keep your pet safe, healthy, happy and comfortable, so everyone can enjoy this warm weather season.”
- Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even for a “minute.”Even with a window cracked open, a parked car can heat up dramatically and pose immediate danger to an animal. If you see a pet in a parked car, seek out a police officer or call 9-1-1 for help.
- Don’t take your dogs out during the hottest time of the day. This will help protect them from overheating and sunburn. Yes! Your dog can get sunburn. Also, remember that asphalt, blacktop, and concrete can get hot! Make sure to pick up the little ones (25 pounds and under) who are close to the ground. The radiating heat can contribute to your dog overheating, and burn their paws.
- If you take your dog for a walk in hot, humid conditions, wet his or her coat thoroughly — including the paws and outside of the ears — before you leave home. Bring water!
- Limit your dog’s exercise. A dog’s temperature can soar to 106 degrees in a flash. If your dog begins to exhibit signs of distress — heavy panting, difficulty breathing, bright red tongue, vomiting, and/or unsteadiness — get him to a cool place and call your veterinarian.
- Make sure your cats and dogs always have access to clean, fresh water.
- Check that your window screens are secure to protect your pets — especially cats — from falling out.
About the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals®
The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that works with more than 150 partner rescue groups and shelters to offer important programs and services that save the lives of NYC’s homeless animals. We are supported entirely by donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals and receive no government funding. Since our founding in 2003, we have remained committed to transforming New York City into a no-kill community by 2015, meaning that no dogs or cats of reasonable health and temperament will be killed merely because they do not have homes. www.AnimalAllianceNYC.org
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