Last year I witnessed a woman leave her Schnauzer, trapped in her minivan, in front of the Chinese restaurant. She was getting her nails done and it was really hot outside. The dog barked and barked. Someone dialed the Athens Police and they responded promptly. The officer who arrived noted that the dog was locked in the vehicle and no air-conditioning was running. The windows were slightly opened with the doors locked. The woman, seeing the officer at her vehicle approached the officer. He asked her why she had her dog locked in the van on a hot day like it was. She stated she left a water dish with water in the vehicle. The officer pointed out that the vehicle was extremely hot and that no dog should be confined like this. He let her off with a warning.
That being shared, the hot season has returned. That means taking the extra precautions for our “Canine Family Members’” safety. As I have stated before, cars with dogs in them and the windows up get a free broken window. At least that was the bumper sticker I saw last year. Be warned, even if the air-condition is working, the vehicle could still break down and blow heat instead, thereby causing the poor dog trapped in the car to heat stroke and possibly die. Then what will be said? “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to?” or “I forgot about the dog?” If that be the case, it is most likely a human child could be easily forgotten by that person(s) and I shudder to think that.
Ever heard the saying, “Look back?” I saw a poster saying that and it depicted a woman looking at her parked car to ensure she left no child or pet behind in the car.
Let’s talk about some other things to consider. Ever been to the beach without sandals? Remember how hot the sand was? Ever walk across asphalt or hot tin during a really hot day? That burned didn’t it? When I get Zues out on the hot asphalt, I can tell he wants to get to the store or indoors quickly because he starts lifting his feet. There are times I see dogs in the back of trucks standing on hot metal looking uncomfortable. These are simple things that we as humans don’t really consider. Next time it is really hot, try this experiment: place a raw egg on the hot metal and see if it cooks. If the egg cooks then common sense indicates that the dog’s feet are getting cooked too. Here is a suggestion: try placing a mat down for the dog(s) to protect their feet or allow them to lie down.
Here is something else to think about: shade. Try planting trees. Elms are notorious for good shade. It is approximately 20 degrees hotter in direct sunlight than in the shade. In my opinion, doghouses are not considered shelter from the heat. Being inside a building of any kind with no ventilation is extremely unsafe for anyone.
Beat the heat! Drink WATER!
Joel and Zues Allen
256-651-2211
