It’s hot out there!

It is now officially TOO HOT to take your dogs in the car with you, unless you plan to be with them, and with the air conditioner on.

Every year countless dogs die from heat stroke. This frequently happens when otherwise caring owners leave their dog in their vehicle “just for a minute” while they run into the store. We all know by now that the interior of a car can reach extremely high temperatures in the short space of minutes, even in the shade, and even with the windows cracked or rolled down. But this knowledge doesn’t save the family pet from a thoughtless owner.

Sidewalks, roads and pavement will also cause heat stroke. An owner may not realize the extreme heat that emanates from these surfaces, which can severely burn a dog’s pads or cause them to become so overheated they will die.

At no point during the heat of a summer day should an owner force their dog to walk – or worse, run! – outside. The dog would tell you, if he could, “Please, let me stay home in the air conditioning where I’m comfortable”.

Here in the south, it’s nothing short of animal cruelty to force your dog to live outside. As a member of your family, he deserves to live in the house with you, where he’ll be safe from harm and enjoy life.

Your dog relies on you to take good care of him. So, exercise good judgment all year long, and especially during the summer when the dangers are greatest.