You know when it’s really uncomfortably hot outside and you just want to be anywhere with AC? That’s pretty much how a dog feels about the weather too. Unfortunately, dogs don’t always get to make the decisions, and some people are ignorant of how heat affects their pups.
Your dog won’t just be uncomfortable out there in the hot sun. The bottom line is, leaving a dog outside without access to water, shade, or shelter during extreme heat can kill them. And tragically, that happened to one poor Pit Bull mix in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.
An Act Of Animal Cruelty
Tuscaloosa County Animal Control deputies found the dog dead in a residential front yard on a 110-degree day. The dog’s body temperature had soared to over 105 degrees when they found it, according to deputies. A local veterinarian confirmed the dog’s cause of death was severe heat exposure.
Temperatures of 107 degrees or higher are critical in dogs. It puts them at risk of organ failure or death. Enduring this must have been absolute torture for the dog.
19-year-old Timothy Moore and 25-year-old Rhonda Deese have both been accused of leaving the dog outside in life-threatening conditions. The couple has since been booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail on a $1,500 bond each.
The couple took to Facebook in an attempt to dispute accusations of wrongdoing. Looks like we’ll have to follow the case as it develops to find out whether or not they’ll be charged.
Reporting Suspected Abuse In Hot Weather
Sometimes it helps to trust your instincts. If you observe a dog without water or shelter for a long period of time, contact your local animal control facility or closest shelter. You can also contact 3-1-1 or the equivalent information line in your country to find out who to call.
Apprehending a dog on someone else’s private property is technically illegal unfortunately. But you can still wait around nearby for someone to pick up the dog, and you certainly can offer them water or shade if possible. You also should gather evidence: photographs, videos, or detailed accounts help investigations.
Heat Stroke In Dogs
Because dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as humans can, they’re more vulnerable to heatstroke. Dogs suffering from heatstroke can lose consciousness and even experience organ failure.
Certain dog breeds are more prone to heatstroke than others, and that includes Bully dogs. Brachycephalic breeds, or those with flat faces, are prone to breathing problems, which heat only worsens. Overweight dogs, dogs with thick coats, and senior dogs also find themselves more at risk.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Vomiting blood
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
If you detect any signs of heatstroke, take your dog to the vet for treatment right away. You should also immediately get them into a cool place and provide them with water.
H/T: WVUA23
Featured Image: @dogosdelpaine/Instagram
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via Whisker Therapy