Why hold Happy Pet Daze during dog days of summer?

Dear editor:

This year, on Aug. 27, Parks and Recreation is hosting the Happy Pet Daze. In addition to raising money and awareness for the Mountain Home animal shelter, it's a great event, and fun for those attending.

However, I have one question....

Why is this scheduled during the hottest month of the year? Even though dogs cool off through panting and through the pads of their feet, neither is very efficient in 90- to 100-degree heat! Dogs will be up for adoption in extreme heat, as will the contests and walk -- turning it into an all-day event. Heat exhaustion is in the making for these wonderful animals.

PLEASE think about scheduling this great event in the spring or fall instead.

Another problem. In summer, people think it's OK to take their dogs for outings, either in cars or in the back of trucks.

You may think you are doing your dog a favor by taking him with you, but in 75- to 85-degree temperatures, a car with windows partially down can heat to 110 degrees inside within minutes.

A dog's normal body heat is 100-101 degrees. Dogs can die of heatstroke in a hot car within a very short time. You may think you will be "only a minute" in the store, but in the meantime your pet will be suffering, and maybe even die.

Signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion include: panting, thirst, pale gums, dizziness, weakness, nausea, diarrhea and finally unconsciousness, which usually leads to death.

Treatment for an overheated dog is to get them in to a cooler environment immediately, immerse them in cool water to cool them, and check their temperature rectally every five minutes. When it reaches 103 degrees or less, you can safely move them.

Take them to your veterinarian as quickly as possible for further treatment.

Paula Hart