Take precautions to keep your pet safe during days of extreme heat
As temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees and above this week, Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is urging pet owners to take special precautions to protect their animals. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for today from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. as the heat index could reach 100 degrees or more.
Last year, five dogs in Minneapolis died after being left alone in hot cars for short periods of time. Here are a few tips to keep your pets safe and alive:
• Keep your pet inside and out of the direct sun.
• Be sure your pet has enough clean, cool water.
• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes - even with the windows partially open. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation.
If you see an animal outside or in a car exhibiting signs of heat stress, call Minneapolis Animal Care & Control immediately -- in Minneapolis, dial 311 (612-673-3000). If you believe the situation is life-threatening, please call 911.
Published Jun. 27, 2012