[ PET OHANA ]
JO ANN YAMAZAKI FOR HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
When Jo Ann Yamazaki's dog Daisy visits her canine friend Molly at McInerny Dog Park, she keeps cool in the wading pool set up for the dogs. The one-third acre park has a grassy area, picnic tables and shaded benches. Drinking water and pick-up bags are provided. The park is open noon to 8 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays. Oahu's other off-leash dog park is Bark Park at 18th Avenue and Diamond Head Road, open from sunrise to sunset daily.
When people get overheated in hot weather, they sweat to regulate their body temperature. Our animal companions can't cool themselves by sweating, so hot weather like ours can be dangerous for their health. Animals that get overheated can become extremely sick or even die. It's up to us to make sure our pets keep their cool. Here are some simple rules: Cool’s the rule
for happy petsHawaiian Humane Society
>> Never leave an animal in the car. The temperature inside a car can zoom to 160 degrees in less time than it takes you to buy a few groceries. Heatstroke can happen quickly, before you return to the car. Leaving the windows slightly open will not keep the car cool enough to prevent your pet from overheating. So, if you have errands to run, leave your pet home. When you do take your pet out for a trip to the dog park or the veterinarian's office, don't stop for an errand -- take him home first.
>> Keep it breezy. If you have indoor pets that are left home alone, keep the house well ventilated, and give animals access to breezy areas away from the sunny side of the house. If you close the windows when you leave, air conditioning is a must.
>> Make it shady. When your pets are outdoors, they should have a place to seek shelter from the sun. Check to make sure the doghouse is in the shade, well ventilated and cool inside. If you're going for a walk with your dog, do it in the early morning or early evening when the sun is low.
>> Water is always cooling. Dehydration can quickly kill animals, so an ample supply of fresh drinking water is essential. When going for a long walk or hike, bring water for your pet. Consider adding a kids' swimming pool to the yard where your pet can relax during the heat of the day.
>> Keep your bunny happy and cool. Place your rabbits in the coolest, breeziest part of the house. Rabbits' dense fur makes them especially susceptible to heatstroke, so your bunny will appreciate having the extra hair brushed out. If your rabbit lives in a hutch outdoors, make sure the hutch is in a shady spot where the breeze can ventilate it. Rabbits dissipate heat through their ears, and misting them will help keep the rabbit cool.
Try placing a ceramic tile in a place your rabbit likes to sit -- the tile will help it feel cooler. Some rabbits like to snuggle next to a plastic soda bottle filled with frozen water. If you place a fan near the rabbit hutch, make sure it is not blowing directly on the rabbit, and keep the cord out of its reach. Keep a close watch on your rabbit when the temperature is high. If you think it might be hot, move it to a cooler spot, and try some of the cooling tips mentioned above.
>> Know the signs of heatstroke. Watch your pet for heavy panting, salivating, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures or coma. If you observe these symptoms, soak your pet with cold water and seek veterinary attention immediately. If your rabbit is overheating, moisten his ears with cool water (but don't submerge his body in water), and visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. They are at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
Click for online
calendars and events.
