May 30, 2019 - With warmer weather here, 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. 

City ordinance requires animals be brought into a temperature controlled structure when temperatures  are above 85 degrees, or when a heat advisory has been issued by a local, state or national authority.

Animal Control Officers have already responded to 39 calls of dogs left in parked cars. It’s important to understand that when it’s 70 degrees and comfortable outside, it only takes 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to reach 90 degrees. In 30 minutes the temperature in your car will be well over 100 degrees. FWACC wants to remind everyone if you see something, say something – call our department right away if you see an animal in distress inside a car and stay on the scene until help arrives. Your actions could save a life!

Remember these tips to further protect your pets during the summer months:

  • 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 always have fresh water, cool in containers that cannot be tipped and spilled.
  • 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. When temperatures are above 77 degrees – the asphalt can be hot enough to can cause serious injuries to your pet’s paws in seconds. 
  • 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
  • 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.