OVER THE YEARS members of our local pet community have increasingly turned to me and Jordan to be their "On-Air Voice" with regard to humane causes, concerns and issues.

Now, the Vegas Community Online publishers have asked me to write an article on the summer heat and how if affects our furry family members. (Note the word "FAMILY.")

Our pets are just that: Members of our family. As such, they should be afforded the same care, comfort and courtesy that any other family member enjoys. And that includes being protected from the elements. This is my "barometer" on this issue: If you would not expose a son or daughter to a certain danger, you should not expose your pet family member to any such danger, as well. (If you disagree with this philosophy, stop reading now 'cause you're a member of a group of people who, sadly simply do not "get it." Or, you're simply not an animal lover.)

Now that we've established somewhat of a baseline test for our furry friends, let's get to some facts. 1) Local county ordinances that cover abuse of pets are ambiguous, vague and poorly written (as you can see below).

1. 10.32.130 Depriving of sustenance, shelter or medical care.
   
   It is unlawful to deprive any animal of adequate sustenance, feed, water, or shelter, or expose to the elements of the weather and to the extremes of heat or cold.

Animal Control interprets this ordinance pretty loosely; as long as a pet has some form of shade or shelter and access to food and water, there is no violation of this ordinance, period. Even if the temperature is below freezing or over 100 degrees. Sound ridiculous? It should. So, now that we know that our pets don't have much of a legal leg to lean on, let's cover some do's and don'ts. (By the way; Animal Control will respond to complaints of abuse and they do have some limited power depending on the incident. Legislation current up north may solve some of the problem. And, the County DOES offer a mediation services regarding pet neighbor dispute issues.)

1. Pets should have access to air conditioning on hot summer days and central heating during the winter.


2. Pets should never be transported in open truck beds or without the benefit of heat or air conditioning.


3. Pets should always have access to COLD water during the heat.


4. Pets should be walked only during the coolest part of the day or night during our desert summers.


5. Pets should NEVER be walked on asphalt during the heat of the day (asphalt temps can exceed 130 degrees).


6. Pets should always have access to cool or cold water during hikes and hiking with pets should only be done during the coolest part of summer days. (Pet heat stress and stroke can even occur in our local mountains.)


7. Pets should NEVER be left unattended in hot cars. PLEASE!! (Metro K-9 Officers always leave their cars running with the AC on full whenever they have to leave their K-9 companion in the vehicle.)

If you suspect that your pet has been overexposed to the heat (heavy panting, discoloration of the gums or "jowls," obvious increase in body temperature, lethargic behavior):

1. Cool body temperature down SLOWLY (Never throw them in a pool or dose them with cold water) with a cool towel placed over the head.


2. Transport to your vet IMMEDIATELY.

Pet heat stress and stroke kills. Pet paw "pads" are seriously burned on our hot asphalt every year. I hear horror stories every year from local vets about pet heat-related illness, injuries and death.

Finally, let me dispel a common myth: Pets DO NOT handle temperature extremes better than we do. Ask your vet.

If this column saves one life this summer, I think I've done some good.

Kindest regards,

John Fredericks
Chief Meteorologist
News 3 Sunrise/Noon
KVBC TV-3 NBC Las Vegas, NV
www.Paws-Across-America.com

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