Temperature and Heat Stroke
Just like humans, dogs and are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. It’s important to know the law in Marion County concerning animals outside in the heat and cold.
Winter
- During winter months and when the temperature is below 40 degrees F, your dog’s shelter must meet the following standards:
- The shelter must be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around.
- The entrance to the shelter must be covered by flexible wind-proofing material or a self-closing door.
- The shelter must contain clean, dry bedding. The bedding must consist of an insulating material that does not retain moisture, such as straw, and be of sufficient depth for your dog to burrow.
- Yes! Cats and dogs outdoors for too long when it is cold can suffer from frostbite and lose ears, paws, or their tail!
Summer
- On any day when the temperature is at or above 80 degrees F, your dog’s shelter must be appropriately shaded by either trees or a tarp and they must have access to water.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
- Heat stroke occurs when a dog’s temperature exceeds 103 degrees F. A cat or dog’s normal temperature is 100 to 102.2 F, so it does not take much to overheat.
- Dogs with short faces like pugs, bulldogs, frenchies, and boston terriers already struggle to pant and breathe normally and have a higher risk of heat stroke. Pets should NEVER be left in a vehicle unattended on hot days. A car’s temperature is usually 20-30 degrees hotter than outside!
- To triage heat stroke, pour lukewarm or cool (not cold) water over the dog’s neck, stomach, armpits, and feet. A fan can be used to promote cooling. NEVER use ice or cold water as blood rushes to the organs and can actually cause further heating.
- Get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible in order to prevent complications or death.
