Shelter overflowing with pets of all kinds
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Star-Herald
The summer heat can be very dangerous to our animals. Often animals have very little choice as to where they are kept, it is up to us as owner/keepers to ensure their safety.
It is not a good idea in the summer months to take your dog with you in the car unless someone is planning on staying in the vehicle with them; even leaving the windows open a bit is not enough and leaving the air conditioner on and going into a store is not reliable either. Dogs do not sweat through their skin like people do. Instead of sweating like we do, they cool themselves by panting and they sweat through their foot pads and noses. If a dog cannot expel heat, his internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog’s temperature reaches 106 degrees, damage to the body’s cellular system and organs may become irreversible. Unfortunately, too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could have been avoided. It is important to learn how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and prevent it from happening to your dog.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
SCOUTS HELP ANIMALS — On May 28 the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle had a visit by the Girl Scouts of Troop 21, with Troop Leader Tricia Wells. The girls volunteered two hours of their time to help with the morning dishes and socializing cats, kittens and bunnies. They also brought in donations such as cat and dog food, cat litter, bowls, toys, treats, bedding, news papers, etc.
The following signs may indicate heat stroke in a dog:
• Increased rectal temperature (over 104 degrees requires action, over 106 degrees is a dire emergency);
• Vigorous panting;
• Dark red gums;
• Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums);
• Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up;
• Collapse and/or loss of consciousness;
• Thick saliva; and
• Dizziness or disorientation.
There are ways you can prevent heat stroke from happening in the first place.
Never leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven — temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes.
Avoid vigorous exercise on warm days. When outside, opt for shady areas.
Keep fresh cool water available at all times.
Certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat — especially obese dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs. Use extreme caution when these dogs are exposed to heat.
Some dogs can recover fully from heat stroke if it is caught early enough. Others suffer permanent organ damage and require lifelong treatment. Sadly, many dogs do not survive heat stroke. Prevention is the key to keeping your dog safe during warmer weather.
Above facts found at about.com.
LD 850, “An Act To Improve the Protection of Animals,” passed earlier this year as amended by the legislature and signed by the governor. What this means is that now, in addition to animal control officers, police officers and humane agents, other “peace officers,” such as first responders, firefighters and licensed security guards, will also be able to remove a distressed animal from a motor vehicle. This is an important step forward as often animal control officers cover more than one town or only work part-time, resulting in delayed response time that can be deadly for a dog (or any animal) locked in a hot vehicle. A study by the Animal Protection Institute showed that even moderately warm temperatures outside can quickly lead to deadly temperatures inside a closed vehicle. (Data courtesy of Maine Friends of Animals)
The Central Aroostook Humane Society is having a half-price sale again in hopes of finding loving homes for the animals in our care. Our cages are full! There is no need to breed your pet or to let them have a litter, because there are plenty of unwanted animals out there just waiting for homes.
If you are looking for a friend for life, visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. If you would like to make a donation, send it by mail to: CAHS, 26 Cross St, Presque Isle, ME 04769, or you can donate to us through our website, www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
