pet safety in las vegas
Here in Las Vegas, it doesn’t always count what the calendar says…..our “summer” has a habit of showing up a bit early compared to the rest of the country. (One of the many reasons we love it here!) Las Vegans are already enjoying pool parties, visiting the lake, going hiking, and taking road trips. And many of us are also in the habit of taking our furry best friends along for whichever adventure we’re undertaking at the moment, because – let’s be honest – who doesn’t like bringing someone along who simply wants to adore us?
But there are some very important things to remember about “Adventuring with your Pet” in the desert Southwest, and we’d just like to remind long-time residents and newcomers alike, what to know so you BOTH have a safe and happy summer season!
NEVER, EVER, EVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A PARKED CAR!
Sorry for the all-caps, but it’s worth yelling about – because sometimes, people just don’t realize how FAST and how hot it can get in a car in Las Vegas. Here’s how hot:
On an 85-degree day, even with the car windows slightly opened, the temperature inside a car will reach 102-degrees in just 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will reach 120-degrees. That is hot enough for your pet to suffer brain and other organ damage – and die. It’s an excruciating condition for your pet, and not a pretty sight to behold. So PLEASE – don’t take that chance. (And be forewarned, there are plenty of people in this city who – if they see a pet in a parked car during the summer – will do whatever it takes to rescue that animal.)
If Your Pet Is Exposed To High Temperatures
Even as careful as we can be with our pets, accidents do happen. (Water bowls get knocked over, even your home air conditioner going-out while you’re at work.) So here are the signs to look for and the steps to follow if you have concerns about your pet’s condition:
1. Look for signs of heat stress – such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
2. If your pet is overheated – move him to a cooler area and take these emergency steps:
a. Gradually lower his body temperature by applying COOL (not cold) water all over his body, or soaking him in a cool bath.
b. Place cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin area. Also wet the earflaps and paws with cool water. Direct a fan on the wet areas to speed cooling.
c. Offer your pet fresh, cool water if it wants to drink – but don’t force them to.
3. Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. It could quite literally save his life. Call ahead if you can to let them know the circumstances so they can begin preparing before you arrive.
Is the Pavement Too Hot For Your Dog’s Paws?
It might seem a little unusual for people in other parts of the country that we have to worry about this – but it is a serious concern for pets in Las Vegas. On a typical summer day with our higher temps, the asphalt outside can easily reach temperatures of 160-degrees and higher. Seriously. To avoid literally burning his foot-pads off, you need to be aware of this possibility – and if necessary, use pet boots or other protective gear to keep them safe. How do you know if it’s too hot? Try one of these tests: Can you walk on the asphalt barefoot? If it hurts you, it’s going to hurt them. Or – put the back of your hand on the asphalt. If you can’t hold it there for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog, too.
Taking a Trip? Be Sure to Pack for Your Pet, Too
If you’ve got a pet, then the odds are you have a favorite pet store, too. So if you have plans to hit the road and take your pet along for some outdoor adventures, be sure you bring along the necessities they’ll need, too. These include:
• IDENTIFICATION! 10 million pets get lost every year, and without identification – 90% of them never return home. Let that sink in. Then get some updated pet tags made, pronto!
• Water & Water Bowls. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so ‘nuff said on that. But you’d be surprised how often people forget these very basic items.
• Pet sunscreen. Especially important for pets with light skin tones – but noses of all colors can get easily sunburned!
• Pet boots. Not only to protect against hot pavement, but if you’re on the trail, it will keep their paws safe there, too.
• Leash and/or Harness. Even if your pet is the most well-behaved and obedient animal in the world – there are some places they simply won’t be allowed to go without these items. Make sure your pet gets included in ALL the fun!
• Life Vests – if you’re hitting the lake, river, or ocean.
• Doggles. Yes – protection goggles for dog are necessary if you’re going to be doing anything at high speeds.
• Cooling Bandana or other cooling apparel. It’s not just a matter of keeping them safe – you want them to be comfortable, too. For those times when you don’t have access to necessary resources, items like this can be a real benefit.
We might be letting our passion for pets show through in this post, but we know we’re not alone. The loss or injury, or even worse, the death of a pet is hard enough – without knowing you didn’t do all you could to keep it from happening in the first place. Plan ahead to keep your pet safe this summer, and you’ll both enjoy the season a whole lot more!
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