Play it Cool With Pets!

The heat is on, so the BC SPCA is urging pet guardians to play it cool.

In addition to not leaving pets in the car at this time of year, pet guardians should use caution when exercising their pets under the sweltering summer sun.

“A lot of dogs will run and play to the point of exhaustion, and it’s the guardian’s responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen,” says Chortyk. “For example, if you play fetch with your dog, it’s a sure sign to stop when your dog isn’t retrieving the ball as fast as usual, when he refuses to drop the ball for the next throw, or when he tries to catch a break by lying down between throws.”

Chortyk also cautions against cycling with your dog, and if you run with your dog, try to run early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky. Also, try to stay away from asphalt because it can burn your dog’s foot pads.

“Regardless of the activities you choose to do with your dog, always bring water and the number of a vet with you so that you’re prepared in case of an emergency.”

For signs of heat stroke and emergency first aid see the "Hot Dog!" blog post below.

SPCA doesn't like "Hot Dogs!"

BC Heat Wave Could Prove Deadly for Pets!

The heat is on, so the BC SPCA is urging pet guardians to play it cool.

With scorching temperatures predicted throughout most of British Columbia this holiday weekend, the BC SPCA is offering tips on how to keep pets safe. The first and most obvious recommendation is not to leave your pet in the car.

According to an SPCA press release, the temperature inside a parked car at this time of year can rise alarmingly fast. Dogs can't withstand high temperatures for more than a few minutes before suffering irreparable brain damage or death!

If you see a dog languishing in a hot car, call the SPCA in your area or local police. Before the authorities arrive, the SPCA says, members of the public can help prevent a tragedy by attempting to find the animal’s guardian. If the car is in a mall or grocery store parking lot, for example, ask to have the owner paged over the building’s PA system. If a window on the vehicle is cracked open, try to increase the airflow inside by fanning the pet with a portable fan.

The BC SPCA also urges dog owners to use caution when exercising their pets under the sweltering summer sun. If you run with your dog, try to run early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.

You should also try to avoid walking your dog on asphalt because it can burn your dog’s foot pads.

Signs of heat stroke in pets:

• exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting);
• rapid or erratic pulse;
• salivation;
• weakness and muscle tremors;
• lack of co-ordination;
• convulsions or vomiting;
• collapse.

If your dog shows symptoms of heat stroke:
• Immediately move it to a cool, shady place.
• Wet the dog with cool water.
• Fan vigorously to promote evaporation (do not apply ice, which constricts blood flow.)
• Allow the dog to drink some cool water.
• Take the dog to a veterinarian.

For more information, click the heading above.

Dog Gone Lucky!

Lynn, from Vancouver, British Columbia, should consider changing her beloved dog's name... to "Lucky!" Her lost dog, Gamby, was reportedly hit by a car almost immediately after he ran away.

"He was hit by the car right near City Hall, on a very busy downtown Vancouver street," wrote Lynn. "He was reported to have bounced off [the car] and was running when some police officers [caught him and] escorted him to the Emergency Animal Hospital."

Lynn must have breathed a deep sigh of relief when she traced Gamby through the SPCA and was able to pick him up, unharmed, about five hours later.

"Boy, was I relieved that Gamby was not killed," said Lynn. "Thank you, PetLynx!"


Local Service Providers: Vancouver Animal Services, Langley Animal Protection Society, Richmond Animal Protection Society