Pets Need Attention During Hot Weather

Letters

June 24, 2010

By PETER FERRARA CJ Contributing Columnist CNHI The Commonwealth Journal Thu Jun 24, 2010, 08:47 AM EDT

Somerset — Dear Editor:

Hot weather is upon us and with the rise in temperature comes much suffering for animals.

Dogs are descendants of the wolf, and animal which spends its days in the cool forests or rock shelters. Just as wolves seek shelter from the sun, so do dogs need shade. Deprived of shade, a dog can die a slow and painful death from heat stroke. Dog houses need to be placed under a large tree or a side porch needs to be build on the house to provide shade.

Dogs need plenty of fresh, clean water every day. Water will stay cooler and cleaner if it is in a bucket, rather than in a shallow bowl. Keeping a scrub brush by the water spigot is a good reminder to keep the bucket clean. The care of a pet ought not to be put entirely in the hands of a child—adult supervision is needed!

Many supposedly living pet owners make the grave error of leaving heir pets in the car while they run errands during the warm months. Animals and babies are found dead every year locked in cars with the windows cracked. Even temperatures as low as 65 degrees outside can quickly soar to 120 degrees inside a car—resulting in agony and death. Please leave your animals at home and save the car rides for cooler months.

Spend some quality time each day with your animals-- pet them, talk to them and walk them.

Each hour of each day, 12,500 dogs and cats are killed by animal control agencies in this country. You can help stop this terrible suffering by having your male and female animals neutered or spayed.

With concern,

Lucia Beeler

Cecilia, KY 42724

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