Special to the Star-Herald
The warm weather is here and unfortunately some people do not understand or recognize the dangers of leaving your pet in a vehicle, even with the windows open a bit. Heatstroke can happen within minutes of leaving your dog. Is it worth the risk? I don’t think so. If you see a dog in distress, please contact your local ACO or police department.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends the following tips listed below for pet owners. Keep them in mind this summer as the weather heats ups:
• Only let your dog play outside in the early morning when it’s cool; don’t let him outside when his stomach is full and it’s hot and humid outside;
• If you go on a long drive in the hot weather, bring a thermos of water for your dog, so you can hydrate him along the way;
• When the asphalt is hot don’t let your dog walk on it; he’ll burn the bottom of his paws;
• In the spring, before the first day of summer hits, take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup. Make sure he goes through a battery of tests and is devoid of any worms or other parasites;
• Don’t use products made for humans on your dog like sunscreen or insect repellent. The misuse of these types of products on your dog might result in adverse effects like lethargy and neurological problems;
• Avoid taking your dog to beach unless the weather is cool or there is guaranteed shade for both of you;
• For older dogs and dogs with special health issues like obesity and lung disease, keep an extra watchful eye on them because they are extremely vulnerable to the heat;
• When you take your dog out in the hot weather, stay alert of the signs overheating like elevated body heat, weakness and excessive panting;
• During a cookout, keep your dog away from products that he might accidentally ingest like charcoal or lighter fluid; and
• Brush your dog often in the summer. Good grooming will help him avoid any skin problems due to the heat.
Under state of Maine laws, it is illegal to allow your dog to ride in the back of a pickup truck unrestrained. It is our job as responsible pet owners to keep our pets safe; it is also our responsibility as citizens who care to educate others and report animals in distress. It isn’t a matter of getting people in trouble; it is looking out for the helpless.
In recognition of the Central Aroostook Humane Society’s efforts to save lives in the County, Pizza Hut of Presque Isle is offering a large one-item pizza coupon for each pet adoption in the month of July. So if you adopt an animal, you get supper too!
If you are looking for a friend for life, please consider adopting a needy pet from the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
Brownie troop 194, of Washburn and Perham, recently visited the Central Aroostook Humane Society. They came in for a tour and donated $25, along with donating newspapers. The girls include: Macey Barker, Lexi Barker, Kaitlyon Maynard, Sarah Maynard, Kelsea Jencks, Katianne McLaughlin, Sarah Kinney, Brittany Brisette, Ashley Conroy, Abbey Conroy, Stephy-Ann Conroy and Danielle Thompson. Troop leader is Michael Barker and co-leader is Amy Joy Berube.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
Megan Robinson on her trusty steed, Koty, participated in the costume class at the June Pine and Spurs Show.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
This is Betsy Davis. She is home from college and wanted to do something for the shelter. She said she did not have much but after talking with me and getting the tour here she decided to purchase new fans for all rooms!!
