Dogs and Cats should NOT be left outdoors without access to serious shade and cool water. Although my silly cats will stretch out on the patio in 105F, they can come into the 78F A/C through the pet door anytime (and usually do after 10 minutes outside). Dogs and cats do not sweat and must pant to cool off. When the air temp is over their body temp (101.5+-), what are they going to do?
Horses are often left in the direct sun, with folks thinking they don't need shade. Horses can sweat, but they can't take in nearly enough water to stand in the sun and 110F heat from 6 am to 8 pm without dehydration. Lighter horses can become sunburned, leading to cancer. It is the LAW that horses must be provided 90 square feet of shade during all daylight hours, even in the winter.
If you see a pet outdoors unable to find shade or have access to water, call Clark County Animal Control at (702) 455-7710 and tell them the address where to find the animal victim. People may have time to correct the offense, or, simply be cited on the spot. In some cases animals may be removed from the property and taken to shelter.
As a side note, I have chickens, a goat, and a few free roaming birds that have access to cool water and many shaded places. The chickens and goat, and horses, all have shade at all times, much more than 90 square feet, and we have installed misters in the horse corrals (under the shade) and in the chicken pen (2 feet off the ground). All pets that can come in the house are in the house.
Rabbits and Guinea pigs are especially susceptible to heat stroke, so if it's over 100, bring them indoors, at least during the hottest part of the day. No amount of shade will protect them and again, dehydration will kill them in a few hours.
It is a crime in Clark County to leave animals out in record breaking heat, and it is a crime of humanity to ignore such an act. Call Clark County Animal Control at (702) 455-7710.
No comments:
Post a Comment