Worcester Animal Control mascot " Sarge " laid down while going for a walk. Please keep your pets inside or provide plenty of shade fresh water for when they are outside during this extremely hot weather.
Did you know that the "dog days of Summer" run from July 3-August 11? The star Sirius, part of the constellation Canis Major, is in the same region of the sky as the sun. The Romans believed the bright star gave off heat.
This time of year presents several hazards to pets and that pet owners should be especially vigilant during summer months. Worcester County Animal Control wants to remind pet owner that animals left unattended in vehicles are particularly vulnerable to heat-related injuries. On an 85 degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, even with windows cracked. If the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight, the temperature inside may rise up 40 degrees an hour. Pets are in danger of heat-stroke at 110 degrees. Pets left unattended in vehicles can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes.
Heat exhaustion can be dangerous, even fatal, for pets. In many cases it can be prevented by keeping them indoors, in shaded areas, and providing them with plenty of water. Heat exhaustion can quickly progress into heat stroke which can be fatal; therefore, it is important for pet owners to know the symptoms (which are similar for both dogs and cats). These symptoms include restlessness, panting, increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate, excess salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you believe that a pet is suffering from heat stress, move them into a shaded or an air-conditioned area, apply cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over them, and encourage them drink small amounts of cool water. Pets suffering from heat stress need to be taken directly to a veterinarian and seen immediately.
Worcester County Animal Control will be at Ocean Pines National Night Out in White Horse Park on Tuesday, August 1st from 6pm-8pm providing literature, leashes, collars, dog and cat treats and toys. Please stop in for a visit and ask about dogs and cats available for adoption.