Seattle Animal Shelter Tips For Pets Owners On Hot Days

The Seattle Animal Shelter sent out this information:

Seattle Animal Shelter reminds pet owners of hot car dangers

Protect your pets, especially on 70-degree, sunny days

The Seattle Animal Shelter is reminding pet owners that, even on 70-degree days, it is not safe to leave their furry loved ones in vehicles.  Even if the ambient temperature is cool, studies have shown it’s a sunny day that can cause a car’s interior temperature to rise by an average of 40 degrees within an hour, said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter acting director.

“When the day starts out overcast and cool, pet owners sometimes have a false sense of safety,” Graves said. “But an overcast day can turn to a sunny day in the blink of an eye, and cars will get hot, very fast – and cracking the windows doesn’t help. It’s not worth the risk to leave your pet in a vehicle, on overcast days and especially sunny ones.” 

A 2015 Washington state law makes it a violation to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle or enclosed space, if the animal could be harmed or killed by exposure to excessive heat or cold, lack of ventilation or lack of water. Penalties under this law are in addition to potential animal cruelty charges.  

Graves reminded the public that the shelter’s humane law enforcement officers responding to calls about animals left in hot cars will utilize all means necessary to access vehicles to remove the animals if they believe the animals are in distress.

The Seattle Animal Shelter offers the following tips for protecting pets on sunny days and during hot weather:

·   If you must travel with your pet, carry water.

·  Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked vehicle. Animals do not perspire like humans; they cool themselves by panting. Vinyl, leather and even cloth seats in vehicles get hot under animals’ feet and prevent them from perspiring through their paws.   

·  Never leave your animal tethered or kenneled in direct sunlight. Provide a shady area for retreat, such as a dog house, porch or shady tree, and always provide access to cool water. 

·   If you leave animals indoors, open screened windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water and, if possible, leave them in a cool location. 

·   Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition. 

·  For birds, take caution and place the bird’s cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon. Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content. 

If you see an animal that may be in need of assistance, or if you have questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-PETS (7387). Information is also available here.

Tips For Protecting Pets From Forecasted Freezing Temperatures

Seattle Animal Shelter sent out these tips for the forecasted cold weather:

Seattle Animal Shelter reminds pet owners to protect pets from cold

Bitter cold temperatures forecasted, shelter seeks donations of new and used doghouses

While you’re trying to stay warm this week, don’t forget to also take proper precaution to protect your pets. That’s the message that the Seattle Animal Shelter is hoping area pet owners will hear as temperatures in the low 30s or colder are expected. To help those dogs that are left outside, the shelter is also soliciting new and used dog igloos and doghouses so that they may be redistributed to pet owners in need.

“When temperatures fall, pets need extra care to help keep them comfy, cozy, healthy and safe,” said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter acting director. “Many pets are left out in the cold with little or no refuge. We are hoping to prevent potential tragedies by making owners aware of what they can do to protect their pets.” 

The Seattle Animal Shelter suggests the following:

·         Dogs and cats can get frostbitten ears, noses and feet if left outside. Bring pets indoors during cold weather and take them out only when necessary.

·         Pets love the smell and taste of antifreeze, and even a small amount can kill them. Clean up spills at once and be alert for antifreeze on the ground or left out in open containers that have not been properly stored or disposed of.

·         If your dog must remain outside for a period of time, provide an elevated dog house with clean, dry bedding and a flap over the opening to keep drafts out. The door should face away from the west or north to avoid cold winds. If you have a garage, consider installing a “doggie” door so your pet can seek protection from cold weather. Check water bowls to make sure they are not frozen and avoid using metal bowls, as your pet’s tongue could stick to the frozen metal.

·         Gently towel or blow-dry your dog or cat if he or she gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean paws as well. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. Remember that chemicals used to melt snow and ice on driveways and sidewalks can burn your pet, so check the paws, mouth and belly after a walk.

·         Make sure your pet has a current Seattle pet license and always use a leash. When walking on snow, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. A pet license is your best insurance your pet will be returned to you.

·         Cats and kittens often nap on warm car engines and hoods. If your car was recently used, knock on the hood or honk the car horn before starting the engine.

·         Help your elderly or arthritic pets when they need to go outside.

·         Consider a sweater for short-coated breeds, such as pit bull-type dogs and Chihuahuas, before taking them outside. But choose wisely. Sweaters made from certain fibers don’t insulate when they get wet and can actually remove heat from an animal’s body. Avoid sweaters made of cotton; wool and some synthetics provide insulation, even when wet.

·         Do not leave your pet alone in a car. It gets too cold and can quickly become a freezer, causing hypothermia and possibly death.

·         Be careful of fireplaces and portable heaters. Keep fireplaces screened and heaters out of reach, as pets may chew the cord or knock it over and cause a fire.

·         Like people, dogs and cats are more susceptible to illnesses in the winter. Take your pet to your veterinarian if symptoms occur.

Dog igloo and doghouse donations may be delivered to the Seattle Animal Shelter at 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119.

The Seattle Animal Shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions and licensing.  

For more information, call 206-386-PETS (7387), or view animals available for adoption online.  

Fabulous Felines Cat Adoption Event Tomorrow At Laurelhurst Community Center

Karen, with the Seattle Animal Shelter, would like to invite the community to The "Fabous Felines Cat Adoption" event on Saturday from 12-3pm at the Laurelhust Community Center (4554 NE 41st Street).

Kittens of various breeds will be available to take home. The shelter has already taken care of several health and safety services, such as spay/neuter, vaccinations & microchip, while in their care so only an adoption fee is needed to cover those costs.

If you are interested in kittens, Karen advises to show up early as they are popular. And she told us that there aren’t many kittens available this time of year so there may be few to none at the event.

You can fill out a screening questionnaire here before going to the event.

For more information go here or call 386-PETS.

Free pet food at the Seattle Animal Shelter

The Seattle Animal Shelter and Humane Society have partnered up to celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week this week, distributing free cat and dog food to pet owning families in need.

Through tomorrow, Saturday, November 7, the shelter will be giving away up to two bags of pet food. The food is donated by Whole Foods as part of their community giving program, on a first-come first-served basis.

This event also emphasizes the importance of the animal shelter in the community, along with the role of the volunteers, reporting animal abuse and thinking about adopting your next pet from the Animal Shelter.

"The shelter and HSUS encourage Seattleites to take a closer look at the valuable role played by their animal shelter and its volunteers in enhancing the quality of life in this community, " the Seattle Animal Shelter site says.

Don Jordon, Shelter Director, is quoted on the site as saying, "Take this opportunity to visit with the animals, meet the staff and volunteers, and learn how you can help the animals. Your involvement will go a long way in saving animals’ lives.”

For more information about the Seattle Animal Shelter or to inquire about volunteer opportunities go here or call (206) 386-PETS (7387). The Shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W.