Recent summers in the Pacific Northwest have brought with it extreme weather that was not necessarily common even just a decade ago. This year alone reached record temperatures, and there is still the possibility of wildfires this summer that threaten our air quality. Scorching temperatures and poor air quality can affect the wellbeing of our pets, so it’s important to be prepared.
Hot temperatures
During July’s heatwave Seattle Animal Control was in action to assess and support in emergencies involving pets affected by the record high temps. In fact, Officer Wieringa was called in when he heard a report of a puppy left in a vehicle. The car was parked in the sunshine without any shade, and the temperature outside the vehicle was almost 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
“According to the National Weather Service, temperatures inside a test car parked in the sun under similar conditions reached 110F in less than an hour, and 123F in only two hours, even in a car cooled via air conditioning before the test” states Officer Wieringa, who we spoke to regarding the incident. “Adult dogs under heat stress will pant excessively and may act agitated. If things progress to heatstroke they can start to act weak and confused, and may vomit or have diarrhea. Puppies in particular lack that ability to cool themselves off by panting, and so will act depressed and lethargic even in the initial stages of heat exhaustion/heat stroke.”
If you’re concerned about your own pet in hot weather, watch out for signs like lethargy, an unusually rapid pulse, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. These can all be symptoms of a pet who has spent too much time in the sun. If you’re concerned, make sure to keep your pet inside in a cool area with plenty of clean water. If symptoms worsen, immediately contact your veterinarian.
So how do you know if it’s safe to leave your pet in your car while you’re getting groceries or grabbing takeout? Officer Wieringa advises to always stick to a very conservative mindset when you’re questioning if it’s safe to leave your pet in a car by themselves. “Weather in the Pacific Northwest can change quickly, and cars are like greenhouses in that they can heat up fast even in partial sun or on hazy days. Any animal left in a vehicle for any reason needs to always have clean water available for them to drink and within reach of them.”
Smoky weather
According to reporting by the New York Times, 2020 was the most disastrous year on record for wildfires on the West coast. Unfortunately, over five million acres burned and with it came poor air quality in regions that are seeing a rise in smoke each fire season. In September of 2020 air quality reached an unhealthy rating, and there is always the possibility Seattleites will have to face that again.
With pets involved, this can seem even scarier, but we’re here to help. The most important thing to keep in mind if smoke rolls in is to keep your pets indoors, where they’re able to breathe in clean air as much as possible. That means short potty breaks and walks for dogs, and as much as possible keeping cats and critters inside.
While your furry friend may not like a week without the dog park, the best thing for their health is to keep them inside, cool and hydrated. If you do have to step outside with your pet when the air quality is poor, make sure to keep an eye on them after you return home. If they are having any respiratory issues, make sure to contact your veterinarian.
How to help pets in extreme weather
Fortunately, the pets at the Seattle Animal Shelter are given great care by the staff and volunteers, no matter the weather. As for what you can do if you see a pet in need, Officer Wieringa has a few tips.
“If somebody notices a pet in a vehicle and they’re concerned for its safety, whether because it’s hot out or for any other reason, they can contact Seattle Animal Control at 206.386.7387. If the situation seems like an emergency they can also call 911. We don’t recommend people confront the owners of these animals directly out of concern for the caller’s safety. It’s worth noting that here in Seattle it’s not illegal to have an animal in a car, or even to reside in your car with an animal. If there is a concern for the animal’s health or safety, however, we’ll absolutely get involved.”
Thanks to the team’s quick response, Officer Wieringa was able to get to the puppy in the parked car in time to help. She was taken to an emergency veterinarian, and has recovered.
“She’s been doing fine since then, though, and has already grown bigger and bolder in our care. She’s learned how to chase cats, but hasn’t yet caught one, which will probably change her mind about the wisdom of chasing them in the first place.”
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