Wireless Wednesday - Pet Safety Tips in the Heat with Rachel Bellis, Associate Director PETA

Rachel Bellis, Associate Director of Local Affairs for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is here to talk about an important topic.

Have a listen:

BACKGROUND:

Many people have no idea of the danger that high temperatures pose for dogs, not realizing that dogs’ skin does not allow them to cool themselves through perspiration as humans can, often have a fur coat that traps heat, and can only pant to try to expel hot air build-up inside them. The danger is extreme in the case of French and Boston bulldogs, pugs, and other breathing-impaired dogs who have shortened noses and shortened windpipes. Older dogs are also particularly susceptible to heat stroke that can kill them. Every day PETA receives reports about dogs, cats, and other animals who have suffered and died of heat-related causes after being left outside or confined to a vehicle, which can become a death trap within minutes for any animal locked inside—even in the shade with the windows cracked. And even just walking a dog on hot pavement can cause permanent injury to their paws.

Breathing-impaired breeds (BIBs) such as bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs, boxers, and other flat-faced dogs are at an even higher risk of heat-related injuries. Dogs can’t sweat like humans do; they cool themselves by panting, and because BIBs are bred to have drastically shortened airways and can't breathe properly, they can't cool themselves effectively. Physical exertion, stress, or excitement can quickly escalate into a crisis for these dogs, especially in hot or humid weather.

Rachel Bellis, PETA’s Associate Director of Local Affairs, discusses why heat is so dangerous for animals, how to recognize the signs of heat stroke, and the many simple steps people can take to keep companion animals safe when temperatures rise. This will include tips for walking dogs during hot weather, what to do if someone sees an animal or a child in a parked car, and how people can help dogs who are being left outdoors.

Topics:

Why is hot weather dangerous for animals?

What should people keep in mind when walking their dog during hot summer months?

What should you do if you see an animal trapped in a hot car?

How hot is too hot?

What are symptoms of heatstroke? / How do you recognize that your dog is overheating?

Are any specific dog breeds more susceptible than others to overheating?

What else can people do to protect animals in hot weather?

Where can our listeners go for more information?

For more information please visit www.PETA.org.

As PETA’s Associate Director of Local Affairs, Rachel Bellis leads and participates in community events and meetings with law-enforcement and government officials and helps manage PETA's services in Virginia and North Carolina, which include low-cost veterinary care, free and low-cost spaying and neutering assistance for neglected dogs left chained or penned outdoors 24/7, and other around-the-clock help for animals who are sick, abused, or facing other emergencies. She works with local lawmakers to pass chaining bans and improve other standards of care for companion animals, and as a former longtime resident of Spain, she assists with Spanish-language cruelty cases around the world and with mega spay/neuter events in Mexico.