Press Releases

June 8, 2006
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jeffrey Raddatz
Phone: (414) 431-6121
E-mail: jraddatz@wihumane.org

The Dog Days of Summer Are Here!

MILWAUKEE – Did you know that dogs and cats don’t sweat? Heat is released from their body from their paws and through panting. That’s why it is so dangerous to leave them in the car or out in the sun. As our comfortable spring weather turns into a typical hot and sticky summer, the Wisconsin Humane Society wants to remind you of a few hot weather tips to keep your companion animal from getting heat stroke or exhaustion. We offer the following tips to keep your furry pal safe:

• NEVER leave your companion animal in a parked car, even with the windows down. The inside of a parked car can reach 160 degrees in just a few minutes.

• Exercise your canine only during the cooler parts of the day. Early morning and evening hours are best. Also leave your animal outside for only short periods of time.

• Always provide plenty of fresh cool water at all times.

• NEVER tie your furry pal outside on a choke collar. This tip applies all year round; he or she could choke to death.

• Allow access to the coolest part of your home. If you don’t have air conditioning, or you turn it off while at work, make sure your companion animal can get to a cool place, such as a basement.

• Watch your animal for signs of heat stroke, which include extreme panting, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, rapid pulse, bright red gums and blue tongue or lips.

• If your companion animal does exhibit signs of heat stroke, immediately move him or her to a cool place; lower their body temperature by wetting them with cool water (do NOT apply ice); and call your veterinarian for further treatment.

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Note: A veterinarian is available for interviews and can show how to cool down a companion animal. To schedule an interview, please contact Jeffrey Raddatz at (414) 431-6121.