06/17/2024
We have an unfortunate reminder this morning - if you share any of our posts, please be sure to share this one. It could, quite literally, save a life.
While we do not get as hot as the lower 48, we DO get hot enough for a dog/cat/animal left in a vehicle to go into distress and die.
Yesterday our ACROs responded to two separate calls of dogs in cars, and sadly two of the three dogs did not make it. Not only is this traumatic for our Officers, it is also traumatic for the dog owner, and those in the vicinity who witness these events.
Some types of animals are more susceptible to heat stress and should be more closely monitored include those that are:
🐾dark colored and with long or thick coats,
🐾flat-faced (i.e. pug and Shih Tzu breeds),
🐾overweight,
🐾very old or young,
🐾naturally hyper, anxious, or active, or
🐾living with underlying medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease.
While there are times where temperatures are safe to have your dog in your vehicle, in the summer it is not worth the risk - no matter the time frame.
We are NOT Area Wide - so we would like to provide numbers to contact in the event you find an animal in a vehicle:
Borough MSB AC&R Dispatch - 907 761 7501 (ACROs are in office 8 am to 7 pm)
City of Wasilla - The Administration - Code Compliance - 907 373 9034
Palmer Police Department - AK - 907 745 4811
Houston, Alaska - Animal Shelter - 907 355 8794
We want you to be able to come home to your furry family members each and every night - while we also love bringing our pets with us, there are times where it is just not worth the risk.
☀️There are several visible signs associated with heat stress in animals, including:
🐾increased effort breathing or difficulty
🐾breathing;
🐾excessive panting;
🐾drooling;
🐾bright red gums;
🐾anxious behaviour, which includes
🐾agitation and excess barking;
🐾excessive water consumption;
🐾vomiting or diarrhea;
🐾weakness, dazed expression or
🐾incoherent behavior; and
🐾collapse or seizure.
☀️What to do if a dog is suffering from heatstroke☀️
❗Transport to a veterinary clinic immediately❗
Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center or Pet Emergency Treatment - Anchorage are two emergency vet clinics in the valley. Familiarize yourself with their work hours, and location BEFORE an emergency occurs.
Move to a cool or shaded area and direct a fan on him/her
Begin to cool the body by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits and in the groin area
Wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water
