WARM WEATHER

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control offers the following suggestions for proper care of pets during the warm weather.

FOURTH OF JULY

The sound of fireworks may cause a pet to panic and run away, sometimes so far and so fast it can’t find its way home. Keep license tags on dogs. Confine pets inside the house or some other cool, safe place throughout the holiday weekend.

SUMMER VACATION

Many dogs travel well by car. Cats rarely do. If your pet is to travel with you, plan carefully for his comfort and safety. Take plenty of food and water, keeping water available at all times. Be sure the animal is wearing identification, and never release him in a strange area. He may wander away and be unable to find his way back. If you choose to leave your pets at home, only a much trusted adult relative or friend should be left with that responsibility. A clean, reputable kennel is usually the best answer for pets while the owner is traveling.

HOT WEATHER

Irreparable brain damage or death may result if a pet becomes overheated. If an animal becomes extremely weak, pants excessively, or loses consciousness, it should immediately be sprayed with, or immersed in, cold water. Getting the animal to your veterinarian is critical.

California state law and common kindness require that all pets be provided with proper shelter, food and water. An animal must never be chained or confined where it can’t easily reach a cool, shady place and an abundance of clean, fresh water. When jogging or bicycling, it’s best to leave your dog at home. If he tries to keep pace with you in warm weather, the result could be fatal.

NEVER leave a pet in a parked car. Even with the windows open, the inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 102° when the outside temperature is 85° . Within 30 minutes the temperature can reach 120° . Hot weather precautions are as important for rabbits, birds, gerbils, hamsters, pet rats and mice, etc., as they are for dogs and cats. These small animals are especially sensitive, and cannot withstand hot temperatures for long. They should not be caged in direct sunlight, and must always have cool, fresh water.