
Tuesday was one of the hottest days of the year in Central Oregon, Dog owners are trying to get their dogs exercise while also keeping them safe during the current heat wave.
“I walk him across, always. Keep him on the grass as much as possible. There are times he gets into the concrete and asphalt, but you just gotta get him off of it as soon as possible,” dog owner Tom Laur said.
All dog owners know their pets need exercise. That can be difficult when temperatures hit the century mark.
“I take them [to Hollinshead Park] every day when it’s this hot at about 1 p.m. or earlier. We walk around. We go from shade to shade and then they’re satisfied,” dog owner Margie Larson said.
In the last four days, Bend Police have responded to 18 calls regarding dogs locked in a vehicle. All of them were OK, but Veterinarian Dr. Crystal Bloodworth says it can only take a few minutes for that to become fatal.
“Just rolling down the windows on a hot day like today is not gonna be enough. Even just for a five-minute in-and-out. Just leave your dog at home if they can’t come along with you on your errands. It is not appropriate to leave a dog in the car in this heat,” Bloodworth said.
Internal car temperatures can heat up to 20 to 40 degrees warmer than it is outside in just 10 minutes.
Symptoms for heat exhaustion for dogs include excessive panting. Extreme cases can lead to seizure, foaming at the mouth or passing out.
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