Protecting your pets from heat and wildlife

Did you know animals can suffer (or die) from heatstroke?

The SPCA of Texas offers some important reminders on the extra care you must take to help your pet avoid heatstroke.

• Do not leave pets in the car! Even with the windows down, the temperature of a car may reach 120 degrees in 10 minutes on an 85 degree day.
• Make sure to provide adequate shade and water for outside pets.
• Filling a kids’ swimming pool for your pet to cool off in.
• Tie a tarp between trees or of the back porch to provide extra shade.
• Keep your pet in good physical condition and avoid heavy exercise in the hot weather.
• Walk your pet early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Play games indoors with your pet.

Is your pet suffering from heatstroke? If your pet seems listless, is panting or his breathing is labored, collapses, has glazed eyes, he/she may be suffering from heatstroke.
How can heatstroke be treated? Immerse the pet in cold water if possible, or wrap the pet in wet towels. Apply ice packs to the head and neck. Make every effort to cool the pet down quickly. Your pet may also be dehydrated. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to protect your pets (and homes) from wildlife. (click to read more)
1. Don’t leave cat or dog food outside overnight.
2. Don’t leave birdseed in feeders or on the ground overnight.
3. Don’t put unsecured garbage outside at night.
4. Cover crawl spaces and attics with heavy gauge, rustproof wire mesh (not chicken wire).
5. Inspect your eaves and other areas where the roof and house join. Repair deteriorating boards, warped siding and loose shingles.
6. Trim overhanging branches that provide easy access to your roof for squirrels and other wildlife.
7. If you have a pet door, close it at night and cover the entrance
8. If you have a chimney, make sure you have a secure cap. Raccoons look for open spaces to give birth.
9. If you have a deck, you can prevent animals from digging underneath it by creating an L-shaped barrier. Attach heavy gauge wire mesh to the base of the deck, sink it six inches into the ground, bend it 90 degrees away from the deck for 12 inches and then cover it with soil.