PSA Pet Care in Texas Heat 7/18/18

PRESS RELEASE

Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler made a public service announcement Wednesday morning regarding proper summer care for pets.

“All outdoor animals require extra care and monitoring due to the extreme Texas heat,” said Sheriff Fowler. “We are adding extra animal patrol during these periods of high temperatures.”

“All pets require having plenty of clean, fresh water in a secured container that will not spill or tip over,” Sheriff Fowler said. “That container needs to be placed in the shade and changed daily.”

Parker County has a leash law. Make certain your pet in contained securely within your property and has adequate shade.

“Keeping any animal outdoors without proper shade and water in high temperatures will result in a bleak outcome regarding the life of your pet,” Sheriff’s Animal Control Supervisor Karen Kessler said.

Sheriff Fowler said shade and water are not enough when it comes to the care of your pet.
“If your pet has a doghouse, we highly recommend one that is well-ventilated,” Sheriff Fowler said.

“Dome-type dog houses do not allow proper ventilation and in high temperatures, result in the pet having a heat stroke,” Kessler said, adding the number one cause of pet heat-related deaths is lack of water and shade.

Another leading cause of heat-related deaths in animals is leaving them inside of a vehicle. Even two minutes is too long.

“You wouldn’t leave your child in a car or truck,” Sheriff Fowler said. “The consequence for leaving an animal in your vehicle will result in not only the death of your animal, but in criminal prosecution as well. We are asking for the public to be diligent in the care of your pets because we will be vigilant in monitoring animal care throughout the county.”

Tips for proper care for your outdoor pet:

• Adequate shade
• Clean, fresh water changed daily
• Properly contained within your property
• Proper tether, (NOT chained or staked)
• Check on your pet for signs of heat trauma

Animal heatstroke symptoms:

• Panting
• Dehydration
• Excessive drooling
• Increased body temperature
• Reddened gums
• Vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Seizure(s)
• Black stool
• Muscle tremors
• Ataxia- wobbled, uncoordinated gait or walk