Don’t forget pets when weather’s hot

ALBANY, Ga. — Luckily it has been years since the last heat-related pet fatality, but the danger remains, an animal control official says.

“We had a case at the (Albany) Mall parking lot about a week ago with a dog left in a car,” said Sherman Capers, animal control superintendent. “The dog was not in danger because we got there quick. The owner was cited for cruelty to an animal.”

When the temperature goes up outside, it is significantly hotter inside a vehicle, Capers said. People don’t seem to realize that an animal heats up like it is in a microwave, he added.

Capers offered these tips for pets in the summer:

• When possible, bring pets into an air-conditioned area. If there is no air conditioning, use fans.
• Fresh water must be available at all times in non-spill containers.
• It pets are outside, they must have a shady, sheltered place to rest.
• Do not violate city ordinances and leave any animal unattended in a vehicle during the summer weather. It could be reason for a cruelty to animals citation.
• Excessive panting, staggering and vomiting are signs of stress in dogs. To help, use a sponge and apply cool water to the pet’s neck and groin to lower internal temperatures. Call a veterinarian immediately about treatment.