The Dog Days of Summer, How to Keep Your Furry Friend Safe

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-“I don’t want to have a fur coat on in North Carolina when it’s 90 degree outside in North Carolina.  So why would a dog want to have a fur coat on,” says dog owner Anna Gobele.

Gobele says it’s never a good idea to leave a pet in the car, but admits like many others that she’s done it before.

“I  have left her in the car one time in an emergency when I had to run into a grocery store literally for five minutes,” says Gobele.

Melissa Knicely with animal care and control says the hot temps are dangerous.  And that you should never leave a pet in the car, even if it’s for a few minutes.

“You think it’s going to be five minutes, before you know it you’re in the store 20 minutes, the animal been in car 20 minutes heats up to 130 degrees,” says Knicely.

Animal Control Officers can measure the heat temps outside and inside your vehicle and will be on the lookout for offenders.  But you can help, if you spot a dog alone inside a car.

Animal control says to call 9-11 if the pet is not  responding.

“Patrol will get there, quickly and dispatch animal care,” says Knicely.

Or if it is responding but still locked inside a hot car you can call 3-11.

And as many pet owners will spend the summer months at local dog parks and outdoors.

Animal control says to research your pets and find out just how much heat they can take.

Advice Gobele says she follows to protect her dog.

“I made sure she has lot’s of water and shade, she’s from Siberia so I don’t keep her outside for too long.  I make sure she has exercise outside then gets to cool off inside,” says Gobele.
And to prevent heat stroke during the summer months…Animal control says remember to keep your dog cool, hydrated and in the shade.