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Weather related animal care
Seasonal weather conditions can impact an animal's health and well being. To report concerns of animal cruelty due to weather related issues contact Animal Services at 972-216-6283 or click here.
Extreme summer heat:
All outdoor animals must have water and shelter provided at all times. Leaving an animal outdoors in extreme temperatures without proper shelter and water is considered animal cruelty. Animals often become dehydrated and overheat in Texas summer heat. Short-muzzled dog breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs and Shih Tzus, among many others, are at an increased risk. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, lethargy, vomiting and seizures. Often owners of overheated pets believe someone may have poisoned their animal. For more information and summer animal care tips visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/hot-weather-tips
Hot cars and other unventilated areas:
Leaving your pet in the car unattended can be considered animal cruelty. Animals, like children, can suffer long term effects or even death in minutes as a result of being left in a hot car. Even with the windows cracked on a pleasant 85° day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach over 100° in less than 10 minutes. Before taking your pet with you, consider all the places you plan on going before heading out. Is your pet allowed to accompany you inside each establishment? Also, will you be stopping to eat anywhere? Several businesses are opening their doors to leashed, vaccinated and well behaved pets but it’s important to check each business’s policy before taking yours along. Going through a drive-thru instead on going inside to get a bite to eat is another way to protect your pet. For more information on unattended animals in hot cars visit https://www.aspca.org/blog/download-and-share-our-hot-weather-infographic-prevent-pets-suffering-hot-cars
Freezing temperatures:
All outdoor animals must have water and shelter provided at all times. Leaving an animal outdoors in freezing temperatures without proper shelter is considered animal cruelty. Provisions must also be made to prevent drinking water from freezing in extreme temperatures. When winter temperatures fall below freezing or there is standing snow and ice on the ground, consider bringing your pet indoors. For more information and winter animal care tips visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cold-weather-tips
All outdoor animals must have water and shelter provided at all times. Leaving an animal outdoors in extreme temperatures without proper shelter and water is considered animal cruelty. Animals often become dehydrated and overheat in Texas summer heat. Short-muzzled dog breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs and Shih Tzus, among many others, are at an increased risk. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, lethargy, vomiting and seizures. Often owners of overheated pets believe someone may have poisoned their animal. For more information and summer animal care tips visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/hot-weather-tips
Hot cars and other unventilated areas:
Leaving your pet in the car unattended can be considered animal cruelty. Animals, like children, can suffer long term effects or even death in minutes as a result of being left in a hot car. Even with the windows cracked on a pleasant 85° day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach over 100° in less than 10 minutes. Before taking your pet with you, consider all the places you plan on going before heading out. Is your pet allowed to accompany you inside each establishment? Also, will you be stopping to eat anywhere? Several businesses are opening their doors to leashed, vaccinated and well behaved pets but it’s important to check each business’s policy before taking yours along. Going through a drive-thru instead on going inside to get a bite to eat is another way to protect your pet. For more information on unattended animals in hot cars visit https://www.aspca.org/blog/download-and-share-our-hot-weather-infographic-prevent-pets-suffering-hot-cars
Freezing temperatures:
All outdoor animals must have water and shelter provided at all times. Leaving an animal outdoors in freezing temperatures without proper shelter is considered animal cruelty. Provisions must also be made to prevent drinking water from freezing in extreme temperatures. When winter temperatures fall below freezing or there is standing snow and ice on the ground, consider bringing your pet indoors. For more information and winter animal care tips visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cold-weather-tips