Early Heat Wave Scourges Southern California
spcaLA Warns of Potential Dangers
Los Angeles - With the severe hot temperatures afflicting Southern California for the next several days, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) urges people NOT to leave children and pets unattended in cars.
It is imperative to be aware that these hot days are very dangerous and can be deadly to pets and children. spcaLA urges everyone to take special precautions during this heat wave and for the upcoming summer months.
On a hot day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar up to 160 degrees. This temperature is hot enough to cause children, dogs or cats to suffer heat stroke and sustain permanent brain damage.
Dogs and cats normal temperatures are several degrees higher than those of humans. Animals confined in a car, yard, or dog run, with no way to escape from the heat and without ample water, are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans.
"Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat. Instead, they lose heat through their tongues, nose, and footpads so it's important to take extra precautions on hot days," says spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein.
Dogs with flat faces like pugs, obese dogs, and ones with heavy coats all face an even greater risk of overheating. It is important to realize that just like humans, not all dogs deal with heat the same way.
spcaLA urges people to consider the following hot weather tips as a way to prevent a tragedy from occurring:
- Keep plenty of clean, cool drinking water available at all times for your pet, including when traveling. If your pets are left alone during the day, ensure that their bowl is tip-proof.
- Keep your pet or child at home. Never leave your pet or child in a parked car, not even for a minute. It could cost his/her life.
- Protect your pet from the sun. If your pet must stay in the yard (instead of the cool indoors which is recommended) be sure there is adequate shade and ventilation.
- Sunburn is a danger to animals, especially light-colored animals. Animals like guinea pigs and rabbits are particularly sensitive to heat so it is important to provide an accessible shaded area for them. You can also apply regular sun block to vulnerable areas such as the ears and nose.
- Dog pads burn easily, so avoid hot surfaces (such as asphalt) on hot days. Exercise pets in the morning or evening when it is cooler. After hiking, make sure to check for fox tails and other burns, as these can cause major problems.
- If a pet is overcome by heat (detected by excessive panting, heavily salivating, and/or immobility) immerse him or her slowly in cool water to lower its body temperature, and then go to a Veterinarian. Never immerse a pet in ice cold water, as it may cause shock.
- Keep Pets Groomed. Clip long or matted coats short to help your pet stay cool, but remember that pets, like people, can get sunburned too and coats should not be too short, nor completely shaved.
- Carefully go over your pet's body at least once a week to check for fleas, ear mites, bumps, cuts or any abnormalities. Use a good flea and tick repellent recommended by your vet.
Since 1877, spcaLA has been the premiere independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California. There is no national SPCA, parent organization, or umbrella group that provides financial support to spcaLA. Donations run programs and services including Cruelty Investigation, Disaster Animal Response Team, Humane Education, and a variety of shelter services.
