Dog Days of Summer Can be Lethal for Pets
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Chance

Immediate Release
July 6, 2012

 

Batavia, Ohio.  With searing temperatures baking Clermont and surrounding counties this week, a warning from the Clermont County Humane Society: The dog days of summer are here and can be very dangerous, even deadly, for your pet. The heat can rapidly contribute to animals overheating, suffering dehydration, and sunburn.  “Many people don't realize that dogs can be sunburned,” said Director of the Clermont County Animal Shelter Kim Naegel.  “Sunburn is especially common in pale and short-haired dogs, usually on the bridge of the nose and tips of the ears as well as the belly, groin, and insides of the legs.  We recommend pet owners use a sunscreen labeled specifically for use on animals.  If you shave your dog's coat in the summer, be aware that it will make him or her more prone to sunburn.”  

  

Naegel said every year, countless dogs die after being locked in cars while their owners work, visit, shop, or run other errands.  “A car's inside temperature can increase by as much as 40 degrees in one hour - with 80 percent of that increase within the first 30 minutes,” she said.  “Dogs are much less efficient at cooling themselves than people, so they are even more susceptible to overheating.”  Even with the windows cracked, dogs can still overheat, and even die from the heat.  Naegel recommends leaving dogs at home during the extreme heat.  She also recommends keeping a plentiful supply of water on hand for your pets in tip-proof bowls and to make sure your pet has access to a shaded area or can be kept in a cool house or basement during the heat of the day.
  
If you encounter a dog, or any animal locked in a hot car in Clermont County, call the Clermont County Animal Shelter at 732-8854.  A trained staff member or Animal Control Officer will assess the situation and determine whether an animal control or a police officer should respond.  If you can readily determine the animal is in serious distress, call 9-1-1 immediately.  “Our pets, whether they live inside or outside, are part of the family, so remember to give them the same hot weather care and protection you would want and they deserve!” Naegel added. 

 

Pictured above: Chance is one of the many great animals currently available for adoption at the Clermont County Animal Shelter.  Call 732-8854 for adoption information.
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathy Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@ clermontcountyohio.gov.
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