We all have noticed that it’s become unbearably hot the last few weeks, so we thought we’d check in with the fine people at Boulder City Animal Control and talk to Animal Control Supervisor Ann Inabnitt about some safety tips and other things pet parents need to know.
First of all, dogs can become extremely ill or die in as little as six minutes during the hottest days in Southern Nevada. SIX MINUTES!! For this reason, you need to monitor your pet’s whereabouts at all times during the hottest summer months. Recently, the Animal Control personnel have rescued a number of pups running at large, that escaped their homes or yards, and this really isn’t a great time for them to be taking a neighborhood constitutional. Knowing where your dog is means your dog is less likely to suffer from heat related illness.
However, should you have a dog in distress, it’s important to follow these steps to help your furry family member to recover.
- First, don’t douse the animal in ice water. This can cause shock. Instead, move the animal to a cool spot.
- Wrap the animal in cool wet towels to lower body temperature. This can best be achieved by placing a cool towel on the stomach, and one on the head.
- Do not offer the dog unlimited amounts of drinking water, as this can be a problem for a sick pet. A few sips of cool water, along with the wet towels, will help your dog’s body temperature return to normal.
- Take your pet to their veterinarian for follow up. This step is crucial because heat related illness can cause additional problems that need to be diagnosed by a professional.
A lot of dogs enjoy swimming during the summer. Treat swimming dogs like they are children and monitor them at all times. Note that some breeds really aren’t good swimmers (French bulldogs, Dachshunds, and Basset Hounds are a few that come to mind). Dogs get tired while swimming, and in the heat, this process can happen much faster. Keep an eye on your pup to make sure they are managing well.
Recently, a kitten was brought to the Animal Shelter that was suspected of having rabies. This animal had been dumped in a local neighborhood and concerned residents found it. When you find a domestic animal that is injured or sick, be careful when approaching. Supervisor Inabnitt suggests using a towel or blanket to throw over the animal before picking it up. This will reduce the likelihood of being bitten or scratched by an animal that may have a serious illness like rabies. Segregate the animal from your family pets to reduce transmission of disease. Then notify the Animal Control Division at (702) 293-9283 during regular business hours or (702) 293-9224 (the non-emergency line to the Boulder City Police Department) outside of regular business hours.
Speaking of contacting Animal Control, should you happen to see someone leave an animal in a car, or walking their pet during the heat of the day, you can contact Animal Control (or the Police Department after hours) to have them assess the situation. Pet owners can, and will be, charged with a felony if the animal is neglected. Please don’t be that person who disregards their pet’s health and comfort.
Supervisor Inabnitt reports that the Boulder CIty Animal Shelter is at capacity. Much of this is due to people surrendering animals and others who simply dump them in our community. There’s a 2-month wait to surrender an animal at the Animal Foundation and the City of Henderson simply isn’t taking any surrenders at this time. Furthermore, local rescues have been inundated as well. This has led to Boulder City becoming a destination for people to dump their pets. One way to combat this phenomenon is to be absolutely certain you can and will commit the time and money to caring for any pets you have. Another way to reduce the number of unwanted pets is to spay and neuter your animals.
Lastly, the shelter is in need of some supplies. Specifically, they would like old towels, blankets, washclothes, and hand towels for the shelter. If you are so inclined, you may donate food as well. The shelter feeds its animals Purina Dog Chow and Purina Cat Chow. Are you interested in adopting a rescued animal? Send an email HERE to get an application. The shelter reserves the right to reject applications or refuse placements.
Please take extra good care of your pets during this excessive heat and have a marvelous (and safe) summer.
