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Shade, cool water important for pets, animal experts sayArkansas The record-breaking heat in central Arkansas is keeping the phone lines busy at the Pulaski County Humane Society. "We've had quite a few calls," said Kay Jordan, humane society director and abuse investigator. Jordan added that the agency received calls only about animals that were in plain sight. "A lot can't be seen from public view." Jordan said staff and volunteers were making changes to the daily routine to avoid heat stress to the animals already under the agency's care. "We're lucky that we have inside and outside runs," she said. After getting a quick run outside, "the animals go back in where it's air-conditioned. "The animals are limited to the time they can spend in the dog park," she said. "We have swimming pools for them to play in." Jordan said the staff is making changes too. If your pet has to be outside, Dr. Jeremy Powell, DVM, veterinarian for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, offers advice for keeping your pet safe in potentially lethal conditions: --When heat advisories are in effect, keep pet in an air-conditioned area if possible. If they must be outside, make sure they have ample shade available. --Always provide cool, fresh water to pets on hot summer days. --Do not leave pets unattended in a car while traveling or running errands. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures can get up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a short period of time. --If pets get too hot, pets can suffer from heat exhaustion. Signs would include excessive panting, dizziness, hyper-salivation, glazed eyes, rapid heart rate, vomiting and staggered gait. If these signs are noted, call your veterinarian. --Only exercise your dog, during early morning or late evening hours to take advantage of the coolest temperatures during the day. For more information on animal care, visit www.uaex.edu. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture. Date: 8/28/07
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