The first days of summer have already been bringing triple digit heat indexes to much of Louisiana. Those temps are not just brutal on humans, but on the four-legged family members as well. Louisiana Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says, when the mercury rises, so do the phone calls about pets being tied up in the heat.
“Dogs are social creatures, they love to be party of the family. Please don’t leave them outside, tied to a tree, unattended. Bring them inside. As you are cooler, they would appreciate it too,” said Dorson.
Dorson recommends making sure pets are properly hydrated. And, if they do have to stay outside, find them shade or even get them a small pool of water to help keep them cool.
Dorson says vets are already treating pets for burns to their paws from hot pavement.
“The sidewalks and pavements are already so hot because they absorb heat, that the pads of their paws are being burned and they are having to be treated at vet clinics already here in June,” said Dorson.
Dorson says the most egregious offense is leaving pets in cars unattended, as it only takes a few minutes for the heat to cause organ failure and kill an animal.
“The temperature in a car is anywhere from ten to twenty degrees hotter than outside. So, just imagine an animal wearing a fur coat, with no airflow or ventilation,” said Dorson.