Summer can be a dangerous time for pets so the city of Garland recently provided tips for pet owners to help keep their four-legged friends safe.
Hot cars are dangerous for pets…During the summer months, it does not take long for a dog left unattended in a parked vehicle to be in serious danger. The temperature inside the vehicle can quickly rise, placing the animal in a life-threatening situation.
Section 22.18 of the Garland Code of Ordinances states: It shall be unlawful to leave an animal in a standing or parked vehicle without providing the animal with adequate air and protection from heat or cold. An animal left under such conditions may be impounded.
Leaving a pet in a hot car not only risks the animal’s life, but owners also face serious fines from Garland Animal Services. If you need to make a stop while driving with a pet, take the pet home first.
Additionally, just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from dehydration, so always carry water when traveling with pets.
Provide adequate water, shelter at home…Remember to keep pets cool and dry when outside temperatures rise. Garland’s Code of Ordinances requires all residents who own pets to provide adequate food, water and shelter for the animals. Violating a city ordinance can result in Animal Services issuing a citation.
Section 22.18 of the Garland Code of Ordinances (A) Pet and Animal Care Regulations reads, “an owner shall provide the owner’s animals with sufficient, good and wholesome food and water, proper shelter and protection from the weather, veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, and with humane care and treatment.”
Animal Services officers receive calls each day about homes that do not have proper outside shelter for the homeowner’s dog. An appropriate shelter should have three solid walls and a covered roof that keeps water from entering the shelter. The shelter should be big enough to hold the dog(s) owned by the resident, and food and water should be placed where it can be easily accessed by the dog. Because of evaporation, it also is important to refill pet’s water bowl throughout the day. Animals in garages need proper ventilation in hot weather.
See other tips on how to keep pet healthy and safe this summer by checking out this month’s PAWS Newsletter at GarlandAnimalServices.org.
Information and photo provided by city of Garland.