BY E.J. SMITH

Today’s column from a reader who agrees that it is a concern so alarming that it must be addressed again. Dog lovers, unite! We must inform our neighbors of the effects of high temperatures on their dogs and how to keep them safe and healthy during the hot days of summer.

The little dog down the road is tied to its house on a 5 to 6 foot rope. He is as far from the humans house as he can be without being in the road. There is no shade that he can reach and the sun is stronger and hotter each day and will not cease until September. His dog house is nearby, and the other day he was huddled as close to it as he could to get out of the sun in the tiny bit of shade cast by it. Clearly, he is suffering already from the heat; how much can he stand before succumbing to it? Dogs, like humans, can have heat stroke; they don’t sweat through their skin as humans do. Some heat is released through their foot pads and noses, but most is expelled through panting. However, the panting is not completely effective when temperatures are very high. Source: TheSprucePets.com.

According to TheSprucePets.com, the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs are:

1. Increased rectal temperature (104 degrees requires action and 106 degrees is a dire emergency).

2. Vigorous panting.

3. Dizziness or disorientation.

4. Dark red gums.

5. Tacky or dry mucous membranes (specifically gums).

6. Thick saliva.

7. Lying down, unwilling or unable to get up, and 

8. Collapse or loss of consciousness.

Some dogs recover from heat stroke, some will suffer permanent organ damage which requires life-long treatment. Some do not survive.

If you must tie your dogs outside for any reason, please make sure (s)he has shade in addition to the shelter, food and fresh water required by law. Dogs are often tied out and forgotten, except for feeding and watering. Your dog must be given fresh water more than once in a while; water gets hot in the sun and cannot cool the dog’s body temperature. If you cannot provide your dog with fresh water and shade, then don’t get a dog or give him to someone who has more time to care for him.

When the humane society is called they refer us to the animal shelter. The animal shelter cannot take action as long as the dog has shelter, food and water. I think that shade could be included in shelter, but not everyone reads it that way. One thing dog lovers can do about getting shade for all dogs is write their state legislator to change or make the requirements more clear. A simple note will be enough to let him know that the law needs to be modified. His address is below with a sample letter:

Rep. John B. Holsclaw, Jr.

425 Fifth Ave. North

Nashville, TN 37243

615-741-7450

Fax: 615-253-0310

Dear Rep. Holsclaw,

I see so many dogs tied out in the hot sun, suffering and prone to heat stroke. We need to make dog owners aware that their dogs should not be treated this way and the possible consequences of it.

Please review the law for keeping dogs safe and healthy in the hot summer months and add that they must have shade available.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Some of you probably know Rep. Holsclaw and can call him direct. I’m sure if he talked with someone he knows is sincere about this cause, he might be more understanding?? Or better yet, maybe is he already a dog lover!

Writing or calling legislators works and maybe we can get this done before it is too late for some of the dogs we see suffering in the heat this summer. Your dog depends on you for health, safety, exercise, play, attention and love. You are his best friend; take the best care of him you can.

If you have ideas or pet peeves you want to air publicly, Please email me at burnsmybiscuit@gmail.com. I will not mention your name unless you ask me to.

You are in my prayers,

E.J.