With temperatures on the rise, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control wants to remind pet owners to pay extra attention to provisions for their animals. Animals cannot regulate their body temperature like humans and the warm weather can cause them to become ill very quickly. In some cases exposure to high temperatures, high humidity and inadequate ventilation can cause death.

• Do not leave any animal in a parked car, even with the windows open! Already this month, Animal Control Officers have responded to more than 28 calls of animals left in cars.

• When possible, bring pets into an air-conditioned area of your home; fans are helpful where air-conditioning is unavailable.

• For animals outside, provide a shady, sheltered place to rest and quantities of fresh water in containers that cannot be tipped and spilled.

• Be aware of the sun movement through the day if your animal is outside and you are leaving for work. Shade must be available all day as well as proper food, water & shelter.

• Change drinking water often. Dirty water breeds bacteria and attracts flies and mosquitoes. The larvae from mosquitoes can cause heartworm in dogs and cats.

• Take measures to prevent fly bites, fleas, ticks and parvovirus.

• Schedule walks with your dog during the early morning or late evening, taking special care with older dogs, young puppies, and dogs with short noses.

• Parents are urged not to allow children to exercise a dog while the child is riding a bicycle or skating. The dog may get over heated and children won’t know when to stop
• Whenever taking your pet on an outing, never leave your pet inside the car and carry plenty of cool water for the pet to drink and have water that can be used to wet down your dog’s body.

• If an animal is panting excessively, or vomiting, or having difficulty walking in extreme heat, it may be suffering from heat stroke. If you suspect an animal is in trouble, move the animal to a cool place out of the direct sun and use cool water to lower its body temperature. Contact a veterinarian right away.

Report signs of animal neglect to Animal Care & Control immediately by calling 427-1244. Any animal that is found by the shelter to be left in conditions that pose an immediate health hazard to the animal will be taken directly to Animal Care & Control for its safety.