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North Carolina
The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent
to them. That's the essence of inhumanity.  -George Bernard Shaw

Be COOL, not CRUEL - Remember the Dogs in the Dog Days of Summer

With the heat of summer upon us and the noises of the July 4th Holiday approaching, the Johnston County Animal Protection League urges pet owners to protect their companion animals by considering the following:
  • Pets living or spending time outdoors must have access to shade. A doghouse may provide shelter, but in the hot sun, may become too hot inside to provide any relief. Trees and other coverings providing shade, such as a tarp, are best to provide the necessary protection. Consider taking your pet into your home to get relief during the hottest part of the day.

  • A fresh water supply in the shade should be available at all times. If left in the sun and heat, water quickly becomes hot and is no longer refreshing. Ice cubes can be added, or the water can be changed several times a day.

  • NEVER leave your pet in a parked car. Even temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees heat up the inside of a car to temperatures above 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. Brain damage and death can result in a very short period of time.

  • Truck beds can get scolding hot in the sun and damage a dog’s paws, besides causing great discomfort. Open truck beds, even with the wind from motion, also do not provide protection from the sun.

  • Avoid walking or exercising your dog during the hottest part of the day, especially on hot asphalt. Dogs are much lower to the ground than humans and absorb the heat from the asphalt through their paws. The only way a dog can cool himself is through the paw pads and through panting.

  • Loud noises are frightening to many animals, and dogs especially have the instinct to run as far away as possible when frightened. Many pets become lost during the July 4th Holiday and can never find their way home if they survive the many dangers on their escape. Keep your pet safely confined indoors during the fireworks. Have your dog microchipped.

  • If you see an animal suffering in the heat without protection and water, please be a voice for the animal and report the situation to your animal control agency. Johnston County Animal Services can be reached at 919-934-8474.

  • For more information on pet safety tips, at home and for traveling, contact us at Webmaster@jcapl.org, or write to PO Box 607, Smithfield, NC 27577.