OHS urges care with pets through summer heat
Posted Jul 22, 2010 By Rosalyn Stevens
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Tweet ThisEMC Lifestyle - People in Ottawa and the area aren't the only ones feeling the heat these days. The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is urging residents to take special are of their pets during the warm summer weather.
The basic rule of thumb, explained Tara Jackson of the OHS, is that if it's too hot outside for you, it's going to be too hot for your pet.
"Just use common sense," she said.
A few of the tips offered by the agency include ensuring your petscats and dogshave access to plenty of cold water, lots of shade, and a cool area to rest. For dog owners accustomed to taking their pets for long walks, Ms. Jackson said it would be wise to break those up into multiple, shorter trips, to reduce the time spent in the heat all at once.
And where you walk when the heat is on is important too, she said.
"Be careful of hot sidewalks and hot asphalt, because it can burn a dog's paws," she said. "So keep to the sidewalks or grassy areas."
For anyone wanting to travel with their pet, Ms. Jackson said it's not advisable when the heat rises across the area. At this time of year, she said the OHS has responded to over 100 calls of dogs left inside cars, where the temperature can skyrocket in minutes.
"It's never really ok to take your dog in the car," she said.
While families opt to cool down at the many beaches across Ottawa, Ms. Jackson said there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to bring your pooch along, too. Prolonged exposure to the sun can result in sunburn for some shorthaired dogs, leading to irritable and unhappy pets.
In essence, she said, it would be to the benefit of everyone to leave pets at home during trips across the city.
"He'll thank you for it," Ms. Jackson laughed.
In the event that the OHS is called to respond to a pet left inside a parked car, officers have the authority to admit pets into their own veterinary care. For the owners of retained pets, fines and charges are always a possibility.
A GOOD TIME FOR ADOPTION
Also at this time of year, Ms. Jackson said a number of stray cats are typically admitted, raising the already high number of animals available for adoption. And while children and some parents have time to spend at home, it's an ideal opportunity to bring home a new pet.
"We have an awful lot of animals available for adoption," she said. "Lots of people are staying home this summer, they're having a stay-cation, or they're taking a few weeks off. That's a good time to acclimatize a new pet.
For more information about the pets available for adoption in Ottawa, or for additional safety tips for pets in the heat, visit the OHS website at www.ottawahumane.ca.
rstevens@thenewsemc.ca
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