Animal Care Services has released a plea to San Antonio citizens to take necessary precautions to ensure their pets are safe from the scorching heat. In an advisory, it was stressed that dogs, who cool themselves through panting are significantly more susceptible to overheating when left outside.
Residents often allow pets to roam the backyard or carelessly bring them along to run errands or visit the lakeside. To combat the rising temperatures and potential health hazards, a series of essential pet safety tips have been outlined. Among these, Animal Care Services urges pet owners to bring animals indoors on days when heat advisories are in effect. They recommend finding a space such as a crate in the laundry area or bathroom to act as a cooldown haven for pets that are usually kept outdoors. As mandated by law, pets must have access to fresh water and shelter at all times, and providing ample shade for pets outside is a legal requirement.
Another critical reminder is the peril that parked cars pose to pets. According to Animal Care Services, cracking a car window hardly diminishes the blistering heat that can build up inside a vehicle. On a day where the temperature outside hovers around 85 degrees, the interior of a parked car can spike to over 100 degrees in mere minutes, and even higher as time goes on. If one were to spot a pet confined in a hot vehicle, the advice is to take immediate action by noting the car's details and seeking help to locate the owner or contacting authorities if needed. As per city ordinance, police and animal care officers have the right to intervene forcefully if an animal's life is at risk in a vehicle.
Additionally, there are strict regulations against dogs riding unsecured in open-bed trucks, as they not only confront the same risks of heatstroke but also the hazards of burnt paws and falls. A stark list of heat stress symptoms was provided, including heavy panting, glazed eyes, and worse-case scenarios, unconsciousness. Pet owners are advised to promptly reduce the body temperature of an affected animal and seek veterinary care. Violators of the city’s animal safety laws may face animal cruelty charges, particularly if neglect results in injury or death.
For the full set of guidelines and more information on keeping pets safe during extreme heat, please visit the City's official website.
