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Important Summer Time Safety Tips
Storms, Hot Temperatures & Summer Festivities can be harmful & stressful to pets!
Due to the thunderstorms and rainfall around our region, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Animal Care & Control Division is taking this opportunity to remind pet owners that we are entering a season that often presents a lot of safety concerns for pets.
Thunderstorms, wind, heavy rain, hail, high temperatures, hot vehicles, hot surfaces, and fireworks…
Q: What do these things have in common?
A: They can all be stressful and possibly life-threatening to pets!
If your animals are outside, we recommend that you take caution and bring them inside during the duration of the storm and potential flooding. If you have animals that live outside permanently and you live in an area that has potential for flooding or flash flooding, it is imperative that you bring them inside. If you need to evacuate your home, then you need a plan in place to evacuate your pet with you. In order to be better prepared for this possibility, visit our website for a list of items you should pack for your pet.
Evacuation/Disaster Planning for your Pet
Lightning, thunder, high winds and seasonal fireworks are very scary for a lot of pets. Many pets run out open doors or escape
over a fence because they are scared. Animal Care & Control advises that you secure your pet in an area of your home where it feels safe and secure. This will help avoid unnecessary stress on your pet or possible injury and accidental escape.
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If your pet is upset by a door slamming or other loud noises consider consulting with your vet for a type of sedative.
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Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed or consumed.
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Leave the radio or television on at normal volume to provide your pet companionship.
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Make sure your pets are wearing identification or microchipped so they can be returned if they do get lost.
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Animals found running at-large should be taken to the Animal Care & Control at 8315 Byrum Drive in Charlotte, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
Animal Care & Control recommends microchipping your pet. It’s permanent identification for your pet. All of our Animal Care & Control Trucks are equipped with microchip scanners and every animal that is picked up is immediately scanned for a microchip. If a chip is located the animal can be returned home immediately, without having to come to the shelter. Animal Care & Control also encourages everyone who has a pet that’s microchipped to register your pet in our local database for FREE.
Lastly, to look for a lost pet, first check the lost pets section on our website. We also suggest coming to the shelter to walk through our stray kennels.
Hot weather can be deadly for your pets. In daily activities or when vacationing with Fido, remember to protect them from the summer heat!
EXERCISING PETS
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Walk or exercise your pets in the early morning or late evening.
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When walknig dogs, do not let your dog stand on hot asphalt, pavement or sand. Paw pads are sensitive and will burn easily.
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Monitor them frequently as you are walking and cut back the level and length of time you are exercising them.
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Be mindful of the humidity as it also makes it harder for pets to breath.
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Certain breeds are more susceptible to having breathing issues. (Brachycephalic or dogs with short snouts
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Pugs
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Boxers
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Bulldogs
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Boston Terriers
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Pekingese
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Shar-Pei
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Shih Tzu
VEHICLES AND PETS
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Never leave pet in vehicle, even if you are just running into the store for a minute.
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Parking in the shade does not help.
PETS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE
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In extreme temperatures, bring pets inside.
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Provide plenty of fresh, cold water.
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Provide shade and shelter such as a dog house or dog igloo.
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Place a kid pool in a shaded area and fill with fresh water every day. This will allow the dog to cool itself.
HEARTWORM & FLEA & TICK PREVENTATIVE
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It’s Mosquito, Flea & Tick season. It’s imperative that dogs are on heartworm and flea/tick preventative.
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Heartworms are very prevalent in this region and are deadly if not treated. A once a month heartworm pill will save your dog’s life.
IF YOUR PET IS EXPOSED TO HIGH TEMPERATURES
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Be alert for signs of heat stress. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
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If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature immediately
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Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over the body to gradually lower temperature
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Apply ice packs or cool towels to your pet’s head, neck and chest
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Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes
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Take your pet directly to a veterinarian!
