Taking care of our pets….being mindful at our Open Houses’
As we go into family home sale season and more families put their homes on the market this summer, there is a higher likelihood that you will sit an Open House in a home that is occupied and has pets. While our tendency is to focus on our human prospects, don't forget to be ever vigilant of our four-legged friends. With folks constantly entering and exiting the home’s front and back doors, the possibility of a pet “escape” is higher than ever. In addition to the ever-present danger of unattended animals around swimming pools, just the mere fact of a pet left unattended in Phoenix’s summer sun brings severe consequences:
Dogs and Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is common in dogs. It can happen your own yard, or on a walk. Dogs cool themselves by panting. If panting does not reduce the body temperature the dog will develop heat stroke. Early signs of heat exhaustion include rapid breathing, heavy panting, and salivation. Other signs are fatigue, muscle tremors, and staggering. If you see a dog that is experiencing heat exhaustion, take the dog to a cool, shady place, and apply wet towels or cloths to help cool the dog's body down. Try to give the dog small amounts of water, and immediately call a vet.
Dogs and the Sun Dogs get sunburned. Especially dogs with short hair or little hair on some parts of their bodies. Keep them out of the sun. Keeping Dogs Cool Some dogs enjoy water and can keep cool if a misting system is left on during the day, or if there's a kiddy wading pool for them with a couple of inches of water in it where they can sit to cool off. Keep these in the shade, too. Sitting in a tub of 110 degree water won't help the dog. Some people I know say that they provide a sandbox with damp sand for the dog. Digging must be allowed in the sandbox--you'll only frustrate a dog with a sandbox where digging is not permitted
Please continue to be aware of our pets in this extreme heat here in Arizona!!
By: Jacquline Evans
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