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.  

Tips For Protecing Pets During Heat

The Seattle Animal Shelter recently sent out this special notice:

Seattle Animal Shelter reminds pet owners to protect pets from the heat

Washington law prohibits animals in hot vehicles

As we enjoy the rising temperatures and the more than 70-degree weather, the Seattle Animal Shelter is reminding pet owners to exercise good judgment and use common sense when it comes to protecting their pets. 

As many homes in the Northwest aren’t equipped with air conditioning due to our normally moderate climate, people leave their windows wide open during warm weather. The fresh air is essential to you and your pets, but be aware of the enticement and danger an open, screenless window can pose for cats.  

“Make sure your window screens are secure, especially on second floors and above,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Open, screenless windows are an invitation to tempt the old adage ‘curiosity killed the cat.’ They may be known for always landing on their feet, but those little paws are no match for the combination of hard ground and gravity when the fall begins six, or even two, stories up.” 

We also warn pet owners against leaving animals in vehicles. Cars in direct sunlight can reach fatal temperatures within just a few minutes.  Even on a 70-degree day, cars left in the sun can turn into lethal ovens, and, with the movement of the sun, cars originally left in the shade can soon be in direct sunlight. 

A Washington state law that went into effect last year makes it a violation just 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. Jordan said 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. 

The Seattle Animal Shelter offers the following tips for protecting pets during hot weather:

·         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 plenty of cool water.

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

·         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. 

·         If you must travel with your pet, carry water. If a trip requires you leave your pet in the car at any point, think about saving that for another day. It’s not worth the risk.

·         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 for questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-7387 (PETS). Information is also available here.

Seattle Animal Shelter Offers Huge Savings For Adopting Pet Through End Of Year



The Seattle Animal Shelter is hosting a "Home for the Holidays” Open House on December 19th.  Holiday snacks and cider will be served. And the public will have the opportunity to learn more about the shelter and its programs and take advantage of the December adoption special.

The information says:

The holiday season is upon us, and the Seattle Animal Shelter is reminding you that one of the season’s greatest gifts is giving a homeless animal a forever home.  

Through December 31, 2015, the shelter is offering a “Home for the Holidays” adoption special, in which you can add a new pet to your home for only $15, plus applicable two-year license fees.

Both in-shelter and foster animals at least 6 months old qualify for the special pricing, although some high-interest animals are excluded. Staff are hoping this promotion will encourage potential pet owners to adopt. 

“Our team is specially trained to help families choose the perfect pet for their personalities and lifestyles,” Jordan said. “If you have room in your home and your heart, you can give an animal the greatest gift this season and save a life. We are looking forward to seeing these beautiful cats, dogs and critters find their loving, forever families.”  

For Seattle residents, a two-year pet license must be purchased with each adoption. The license fee is $27 for cats and $37 for dogs. Critter adoptions do not require licensing. 

With regular adoption prices of up to $145 (plus applicable license fees), this promotion offers up to $130 in savings.  

The adoption fee includes:

·         Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians

·         Initial vaccinations

·         Spay or neuter

·         Microchip

·         Deworming

·         Feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus testing (cats only)

 

The Seattle Animal Shelter (2061 15th Avenue W) is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions and licensing.

For more information, call 206-386-7387 (PETS), or view animals available for adoption online . Adoptable pets are also featured on “Pet of the Week” on the Seattle Channel.

Neighbor's Plea: No Fireworks To Protect Nesting Eagles, Other Animals And Dry Grass Fire Hazards

The Laurelhurst Blog received this email:

Please, do the right thing and do not shoot off any fireworks, fire crackers, etc.  Yesterday's post stated the penalty for fireworks in the city, but there are considerations beyond the penalties.   

Some neighbors may not know that there are at least 3 families of nesting eagles in our neighborhood.  Please also consider the other birds and the many, many pets (especially dogs) in Laurelhurst. 

When I asked a neighbor last year why they had shot off fireworks from their dock, she stated that everyone else was doing it.  There was a nested eagle family just a few houses down from their house.  

Many lawns in Laurelhurst are already dry and this adds to the fire danger.  

Laurelhurst neighbors and families pull together for good causes.  Let the fireworks and fire cracker ban be one of these causes.

Also the Seattle Animal Shelter sent out this reminder to protect your pets during Fourth of July celebrations which can be a stressful time for your pet,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Don Jordan.

 

General tips

·         Keep your pet indoors. The noise from fireworks can be frightening to animals and may cause them to seek safety.

·         Don’t bring your pet to a fireworks display. Crowded, unfamiliar and loud places can cause undue stress on animals. If you are going to a fireworks display or an event where fireworks will be used, the best action is to leave your pet at home.

·         Consult your veterinarian beforehand if you think your pet may need to be sedated.

·         Protect your pet from the heat. Holiday weekend weather is forecasted in the mid-to-upper 80s. Do not leave your pet in a car, even in the shade, and make sure your pet has access to cool water. Be careful not to overexert your pet.

·         Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification, such as a current pet license. If a lost pet wearing its license is brought to the Seattle Animal Shelter, the owner is notified immediately via telephone. If an officer finds a licensed pet in the field, it will be returned to the owner, instead of taken to the shelter.

·         Don’t feed your pet scraps from the grill. While it can be very tempting to share your holiday treats with your pet, it’s best to keep your pet on its normal diet. A change in diet can upset your pet’s digestion, and some human foods are toxic for some animals.

The Seattle Animal Shelter will be closed on Friday and Saturday. If you find a stray animal on either day, please care for the animal until the shelter reopens on Sunday, July 5. If you need emergency care for an injured animal, go to:

·  BluePearl (formerly Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services)
11536 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
206-364-1660

·  Emerald City Emergency Clinic
4102 Stone Way N.
Seattle, WA 98103
206-634-9000