Dog left tethered in shadeless yard dies today from heat exhaustion

Second dog fortunately survives

Monday, May 24, 2010-Acting on a call from a concerned citizen, today the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force was called to a property in St. Louis City where two one-year old Shih Tsus, a male and a female, were tethered in a backyard with no access to shade or water.  The dogs had been in the direct sun on this 90 degree day for 2 to 3 hours.  When the HSMO ACTF investigator arrived on the scene, one dog was in obvious severe distress; the other was panting heavily.  St. Louis City Police were called to the scene and determined that the dogs should be removed under “exigent circumstances” which allows animals in immediate danger to be removed from the situation.  The female died before arriving at Humane Society Headquarters. The Humane Society veterinarian who examined both dogs determined the deceased dog’s body temperature was in excess of 106 degrees (the maximum the thermometer would read). The surviving dog’s body temperature was 103.3. Normal temperature for this breed is 102.5 degrees.

“No dog should have to suffer this way,” said Debbie Hill, Vice President of Operations for the Humane Society of Missouri. “Pet owners need to understand hot weather can be deadly for pets.  And, it is illegal to allow a dog to be injured in this way.”

The Humane Society of Missouri recommends that when the outside temperature is above 70 degrees

• Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car. The temperature in a car can exceed 100 degrees in minutes. It is inhumane, illegal and can cause severe injury or even death within minutes.
  
• Be certain outdoor pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
  
• Secure plastic water bowls, never metal, to the ground so your pet can't accidentally tip them over. You can dig a small round hole and place the water bowls inside.
  
• Ensure that your pet has access to shade at all times of the day. Your dog might be in the shade when you leave for work, but the sunlight moves throughout the day. Don't allow your pet to be stranded in the scorching sun.
  
• If you run or jog with your dog, take frequent water breaks for yourself and your dog. Remember that asphalt and concrete get hot quickly. You have rubber soles on your feet--your dog does not. On hot days, leave your dog at home.
  
• Do not bicycle or rollerblade with a pet. Heat stroke and possible death can occur very quickly, particularly in hot weather.
  
• When the weather is dangerously hot, keep pets inside.
  
• If your pet is showing signs of heat exhaustion (excessive panting, vomiting, lethargic behavior), right away begin applying cold water to your pet's extremities. See your veterinarian immediately!
  
• During the summer, mosquitoes are prevalent. Make sure your pet is tested by a veterinarian for heartworm disease (a mosquito-transmitted, often fatal disease) and begin heartworm prevention medication.

 
To report an animal in heat-related jeopardy, please call the Humane Society of Missouri at (314) 647-4400.