Keep your dogs out of the heat! (houses, gardens)

[dreamofmonterey]

Many dogs suffer heatstroke- My dog died a week ago, and my neighbor left his dog outside- he came home to a dead Alaskan Malamute- remember dogs overheat very easily- mine was in the house most of the day, but the heat in the yard got to him!.

sunnys

[goodbyehollywood]

I'm so sorry! That's awful!

I've been worried about all the animals and how they're faring in these unrelenting temperatures. They need lots of fresh water, too-- and it helps to drop an ice cube in now and then to keep it cool, but not cold. It's especially hard on elderly animals and those with thick coats. My dog is miserable when he has to go out and he has short fur.

[hiknapster]

That's awful, Sunny. I am so sorry to hear this.

[happyappy]

Originally Posted by goodbyehollywood

I'm so sorry! That's awful!

I've been worried about all the animals and how they're faring in these unrelenting temperatures. They need lots of fresh water, too-- and it helps to drop an ice cube in now and then to keep it cool, but not cold. It's especially hard on elderly animals and those with thick coats. My dog is miserable when he has to go out and he has short fur.

On very hot days, my wife wraps ice in a bandana and then ties the bandana around the neck of each of our dogs. And she pours lukewarm water from the back of the neck all along their back. They seem to really love it! Their tails wag so much it looks as if they're almost unable to keep their balance!

Maybe the heat's about to break. The 10-day forecast for around here is upper 80s going down each day to the low 80s by next Saturday.

[CAtoGA]

sunny, I am so sorry to hear about your dog! Pets are part of the family and I know how hard it is to lose one.

You've brought up a very good point that some people might not otherwise think about. Thank you, and again, I'm sorry.

[SolorzanoAssociates]

I too am very sorry for your lost, but as someone mentioned pets are part of the family. I even brought in our parakeet from the front porch. It is so hot the kids do not even want to jump in the pool. Farm animals need extra TLC during these hot months, we run the sprinklers on a low mist for them.... Everyone please thing of your furry friends.

[mbmouse]

Oh Sunny, that is awful! I am so sorry, I know how hard that is.
This does bring up a great point, not only about the animals, but people as well. Especially natives to TN that just are not used to the heat. Hydration, shade,AC is so important! There are many many peoples houses who do not have AC. So bring a few ice cubes for the animals water dishes and a jug of lemonade to your elderly neighbors and sit and talk in the shade.

[knoxgarden]

Sorry to hear about your loss. It's always heartbreaking to lose a pet.
Don't forget the wild birds. They're desperately in need of water right now. Put out a bird bath and keep it filled. It can be as simple as a clay saucer, like the ones that go under large pots.
Small dripping fountains are appreciated, too. I've had clusters of hummingbirds at mine, sipping at the water while in flight.
I'm getting a lot of different birds at the baths and water gardens this year. Also squirrels and chipmunks. My cats, indoor only, are keeping busy chittering at them all.

[mjb62676]

So sorry to hear about your loss! This was a big worry of ours as we've always been in a position to be able to come home and let the dogs out during lunch hours if we needed to keep them in out of the heat...but not any more.

At the last house, we at least had shade for them to be in, but not with this one, so what we did is fashioned a door leading to our garage with an AC unit (window unit) and a dog door, so they can go in and out during the day as they please. It's been above 90 every single day since we both started being away during the day, and so far, we've been fortunate that they've done ok. The first big test now will be how the Sheltie handles the first storm that hits...

[46Barb]

I'm so sorry to hear what happened. Thank you for sharing because your story may help save another animal.