Tag Archive for: dog

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips Header

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips Header

Pet Fireworks Safety Tips

Holidays like the 4th of July, New Year, and others are great fun with lots of fireworks but are maybe not as fun for our pets. If you want to keep your dogs and cats happy and healthy, here are all your Fireworks Pet Safety Tips!

1. Fireworks are fun for us, but are scary for pets!

We might love the pretty lights but for many dogs and cats, fireworks can feel like the end of the world. If you keep that in mind it can make it easier to plan for your pets.

2. Make sure all tags and microchips are up-to-date.

If you have moved recently then your information might be out of date. Making sure it is all current will be a life-saver if one of your pets gets out.

3. Have a current picture of your pets, just in case.

If your pet is picked up by animal control you might need to prove ownership. Or if you need to make flyers you will need a current, clear picture ready to go.

4. Set up a safe and quiet place at home.

If your pet does get nervous with the loud noises, it helps to have a quiet area for them to rest. This is also helpful during any festivities like parties and barbecues.

5. Make sure all windows and doors are closed.

If your dog or cat were to get really nervous, jumping out an open window can look like an easy escape. Even screens might not stop a determined pet, so be safe and keep them securely latched.

6. Do not let dogs out loose in the yard.

Your dog may never have shown an interest in jumping a fence before, but scary noises can push a dog to new limits. I have even heard of dogs that jumped the fence while their person was in the yard with them, so be overly cautious.

7. Try calming items like music and ThunderShirts.

For pets that are extra nervous, you can try all sorts of calming items. Loud music that drowns out the sound of the fireworks may help and so may calming music for dogs. So can ThunderShirts, essential oils, and CBD oil (check with experts on these first as some can be toxic to pets).

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips Infographic

 

Be safe and have fun this holiday!

Pet Lovers Guide to Greeley

/in , , , , /by

 

Are you one of the many pet lovers living in Greeley? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet soon. Either way, eventually you will need a Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, Cat Sitter, Vet, Dog Trainer, Groomer, Rescue or Pet Shop.

But how do you find the best solution for you and your pets? We have put together a list of resources for pet lovers to make this easier for you!

 

Greeley Pet Sitter

Choosing the right pet sitter for your pet can be difficult. You want to ensure your sitter is correct for your household and your pets. Because of that, we put together an ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to give you all of the information you need to hire a pet sitter that is a good match for you.

 

Greeley Dog Walker

Dog walkers are great for dog who have a lot of energy and people who do not have enough time. A dog walk can be nice for a day when you work late, or just cannot get away to take out your pup. To learn about how to hire a dog walker, take a look at our ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker. This can guide you through why you may need a dog walker, how they work and how you find one that is a wonderful match for your household.

If you want to learn about the Benefits of Regular Dog Walks, read our recent article. If you want to learn about our dog walking services, take a look at our services page.

 

Pet Supply Stores Around Greeley

Greeley has some wonderful places to shop for all of the supplies you need for your pets. We are a huge fan of shopping local whenever possible, and we believe locally-owned stores tend to have better-educated employees to give you advice.

We have collected a list of our favorite pet supply stores in town:

A good pet supply store should be able to offer suggestions on products based on your pet’s health needs. Ask some questions and if you do not feel comfortable then try a different store.

 

Greeley Rescues

As such an animal-friendly city, Greeley has a wide variety of rescues. It would be impossible to list them all here, but we wanted to provide you the groups that are large and most likely to be able to meet your needs. Whether you want to adopt a new pet or just have questions, these rescues are all great!

Here are the rescues most likely to be of assistance:

If one of these organizations cannot answer your questions, they will refer you to someone who can.

 

Greeley Veterinarians

With Greeley being so CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we are flush with amazing veterinarians. Choosing a veterinarian that is a good fit for you is an important step in your pet care.

Here is a list of veterinarians in Greeley:

Learn more about each of these clinics to see which one is a good match for you! Best Vets in Greeley, Colorado

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our recent article 5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

 

Greeley Emergency Veterinarians

When you have a pet emergency, you want to make sure to get the best care for your animal, no matter what time of day! Emergency vet clinics are open 24/7, 365 days a year and can be a lifesaver when you need one. It is important to know where your closest clinic is so you know where to go right away.

Here are emergency veterinary clinics:

 

Greeley Dog Trainers

All dogs can use a little training, whether it be the normal sit and stay, or learning how to stop your puppy from chewing on your shoes. Plus training classes can be fun for you and your dog to have some bonding time! Dogs are smart animals and need to use their brains to keep them from getting bored.

Here are dog trainers in the Greeley area:

When choosing a dog trainer you want to pick one that works with your dog in a positive and fear-free manner.

 

Greeley Dog-Friendly Hotels

If you are coming to Greeley to visit or if you find yourself needing to stay in a hotel for a while, you want to have a hotel that is friendly for your dog.

We have made a list of hotels that are dog friendly and wonderful for you!

If you are visiting Greeley and need to leave your dog while you go out for an activity, consider having a pet sitter come to stay in your hotel. This will give your dog company and make sure she does not get in any trouble while you are gone. We provide extended stays for these types of trips which you can learn about in our services.

 

Greeley Dog Groomers

A good haircut is important to the health and happiness of your dog. Considerate groomers can make the grooming process as easy as possible.

We have collected a list of groomers in Greeley:

If you would like to get tips on how to pick the perfect groomer, read our recent article 5 Places for Dog Grooming in Fort Collins.

 

Self-Service Dog Washes in Greeley

If your dog does not need all the trimmings, it can sometimes be easier to clean them up yourself. It is wonderful to go to a self-service dog wash where you can use their space to get your pup clean without making a mess of your bathroom.

We have collected a list of self-service dog washes in Greeley:

To learn more about costs of using a self-service dog wash, read our recent article How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self Service Dog Wash?

 

Greeley Catteries

When you are traveling you can either hire a pet sitter or board your cat in a cattery. There are advantages of each, and if you decide to board your cat there are a variety of options.

We have collected a list of nearby catteries:

If you are considering hiring a pet sitter, look at advantages of cat sitting and take a look at our services.

 

Dog Boarding Kennels in Greeley

 When leaving town you can either hire a pet sitter or board your dog in a kennel.

We have collected a list of the top places to board your dog in Greeley:

If you are considering pet sitting, read our recent article Why Should I Hire a Dog Sitter, and look at our services.

 

Greeley Doggy Daycare

When your dog needs some extra exercise, you have two options:

  1. Send your dog to daycare
  2. Hire a dog walker to exercise your dog

Dog daycare can be great for well-socialized dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs. If you are unsure if daycare is a good option, read our recent article Doggy Daycare vs Dog Walker.

Here are a couple of the doggy daycares in Greeley:

If you are thinking about using a dog walker take a look at our services.

 

Greeley Poop Scooper

If you love your dog but do not love cleaning up after him then you may need a poop-scooping company!

 

Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Greeley

During nice weather, it can be a bonus to be able to take your dog with you when you go out to eat. In Greeley we have many, many food options to choose from, so you might as well pick one where you can bring your pup!

These are good pet-friendly restaurants in Greeley:

 

Greeley Dog Parks

In Greeley, folks love their dogs and we want them to have as much fun as possible! For well-socialized dogs, that can mean a trip to the dog park is a favorite activity.

Here in Greeley, we have a beautiful dog park:

  • Freedom Park – It has separate areas for different dogs and is beautifully built.

 

Do you have a resource you think should be added to the Pet Lovers Guide to Greeley? Let us know via our contact form so we can check it out!

What Can Your Pets Eat on Christmas? Header

What Can Your Pets Eat on Christmas?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

What Can Your Pets Eat on Christmas? Header

What Can Your Pets Eat on Christmas?

What can your pets eat on Christmas and what should you avoid? Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and the last thing you need is a late night trip to the emergency vet. We’ve compiled a list of things you should avoid feeding your pets this Christmas.

Avoid These Foods

  • Turkey skin
  • Cooked bones
  • Stuffing
  • Raisins or Grapes
  • Onion or Garlic
  • Fat Trimmings
  • Chocolate
  • Candied Yams
  • Bread Dough
  • Alcohol

Enjoy These Foods

  • Turkey – no skin
  • Green Beans – unseasoned
  • Baked Squash – unseasoned
  • Pet Treats

Bocce’s Bakery makes fun, festive treats that make great stocking stuffers that a thematic for the holiday.

What if my pet gets into something they shouldn’t?

It happens! Depending on what they have gotten into and the amount they may only have a belly ache. Things like alcohol, chocolate (especially dark chocolate), and large amounts of any of the things listed under avoid can be dangerous. If you notice your pet acting strangely, seek veterinary care.

What Can Your Pets Eat on Christmas? Inforgraphic

Looking for ideas of how to involve your pets in Christmas? We have you covered. Involving your pets in Christmas can be great fun as long as it is done safely.

How to Catch a Loose Dog

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

Hopefully you are looking at this post because you are curious about what to do if your dogs gets loose. In the best case scenario, your dog is safe and sound by your side and you are going to take some time to practice the techniques in this podcast so you are prepared if your dog ever does get loose. I hope that is the case. We have some great ideas that will not work for all dogs, but something in here will work, so it is best to try them out and see what is successful. If your dog is missing (not where you can see him), take a look at the links below and our previous podcast on how to find a missing pet.
CLICK HERE to Subscribe to our Podcast
CLICK HERE to read our blog and watch the video on How to Catch a Loose Dog
CLICK HERE to find out How to Find a Missing Pet

How to Find a Missing Pet

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

Next week is Take Your Dog to Work Week so it is time to get prepared! Taking your dog to work can be fun and extremely rewarding, but you need to prepare in advance to make sure the day goes smoothly and you are still able to get some work done. Today we discuss how to decide if it is a good idea to take your dog to work, how to prepare beforehand and what to do on the special day to make sure it goes smoothly!
CLICK HERE to Subscribe to our Podcast
CLICK HERE to see How to Find a Missing Pet in Larimer County
We’ve created guides specific to all of the areas we service. Click the one below that’s the most relevant!

How to Identify a Puppy Mill

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

We all love puppies but if you are thinking of adding a new pup to your household, you want to be sure it is from a rescue or from a good dog breeder, not a puppy mill. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if a puppy is from a puppy mill, so today we talk about the signs and what to look for in a good dog breeder.
CLICK HERE to Subscribe to our Podcast
CLICK HERE for Steps for Finding a Good Dog Breeder
CLICK HERE to Learn How to Socialize Your New Puppy
CLICK HERE for Cheap Puppy Toys You Can Make at Home
CLICK HERE to download a Complete Checklist for New Dog Owners

How to Safely Take Your Dog to Work

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

Next week is Take Your Dog to Work Week so it is time to get prepared! Taking your dog to work can be fun and extremely rewarding, but you need to prepare in advance to make sure the day goes smoothly and you are still able to get some work done. Today we discuss how to decide if it is a good idea to take your dog to work, how to prepare beforehand and what to do on the special day to make sure it goes smoothly!
CLICK HERE to Subscribe to our Podcast
CLICK HERE to read our blog with tips on taking your dog to work
CLICK HERE for Pro Tips to Use Kong Toys

Pet Lovers Guide to Windsor

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

 

Are you one of the many pet lovers living in Windsor? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet soon. Either way, eventually you will need a Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, Cat Sitter, Vet, Dog Trainer, Groomer, Rescue or Pet Shop.

But how do you find the best solution for you and your pets? We have put together a list of resources for pet lovers to make this easier for you!

 

Windsor Pet Sitter

Pet Lovers Guide to Windsor

Choosing the right pet sitter for your pet can be difficult. You want to ensure your sitter is correct for your household and your pets. Because of that, we put together an ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to give you all of the information you need to hire a pet sitter that is a good match for you.

Download our printable checklist on Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to help in your search.

To learn more about our pet sitters take a look at our About Us page. To learn about our services, visit our Services page.

If you have a pet sitter and want to make sure you are prepared for your trip, download our Preparing for Your Pet Sitter Checklist.

 

Windsor Dog Walker

Dog walkers are great for dogs who have a lot of energy and people who do not have enough time. A dog walk can be nice for a day when you work late, or just cannot get away to take out your pup. To learn about how to hire a dog walker, take a look at our ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker. This can guide you through why you may need a dog walker, how they work and how you find one that is a wonderful match for your household.

If you want to learn about the Benefits of Regular Dog Walks, read our recent article. If you want to learn about our dog walking services, take a look at our services page.

 

Pet Supply Stores Around Windsor

Windsor is not as large as Fort Collins but there is still a great place to do your shopping! We are a huge fan of shopping local whenever possible, and we believe locally-owned stores tend to have better-educated employees to give you advice.

We have collected a list of our favorite pet supply stores in town:

A good pet supply store should be able to offer suggestions on products based on your pet’s health needs. Ask some questions and if you do not feel comfortable then try a different store.

 

Windsor Rescues

As such an animal-friendly city, Windsor has a wide variety of rescues. It would be impossible to list them all here, but we wanted to provide you the groups that are large and most likely to be able to meet your needs. Whether you want to adopt a new pet or just have questions, these rescues are all great!

Here are the rescues most likely to be of assistance:

  • Humane Society of Weld County – General shelter for Weld County. They have adoptable animals and accept surrenders.
  • Windsor Animal Control – If you are having an animal-related problem in Windsor contact them at (970) 686-7433
  • Weld County Animal Control – These are the folks you contact for animal issues in unincorporated Weld County.
  • Larimer Humane Society – General shelter for Larimer County. They also house animal control, pet licensing and concerns about rabid wildlife. Although Windsor is in Weld County, parts of Windsor are technically a Fort Collins address.
  • Big Bones Canine Rescue – Specializing in rescue for Mastiffs and Great Danes.

If one of these organizations cannot answer your questions, they will refer you to someone who can.

 

Windsor Veterinarians

With Windsor being so CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we are flush with amazing veterinarians. Choosing a veterinarian that is a good fit for you can make a huge difference in the life of your and your pets.

Here is a list of veterinarians in Windsor:

Learn more about each of these clinics to see which one is a good match for you! Best Vets in Windsor

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our recent article 5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

 

Windsor Emergency Veterinarians

When you have a pet emergency, you want to make sure to get the best care for your animal, no matter what time of day! Emergency vet clinics are open 24/7, 365 days a year and can be a lifesaver when you need one. It is important to know where your closest clinic is so you know where to go right away.

Here are emergency veterinary clinics:

 

Windsor Dog Trainers

All dogs can use a little training, whether it be the normal sit and stay or learning how to stop your puppy from chewing on your shoes. Plus training classes can be fun for you and your dog to have some bonding time! Dogs are smart animals and need to use their brains to keep them from getting bored.

Here are trainers that use positive reinforcement training:

When choosing a dog trainer you want to pick one that works with your dog in a positive and fear-free manner.

 

Windsor Dog-Friendly Hotels

If you are coming to Windsor to visit or if you find yourself needing to stay in a hotel for a while, you want to have a hotel that is friendly for your dog.

We have made a list of hotels that are dog friendly and wonderful for you!

If you are visiting Windsor and need to leave your dog while you go out for an activity, consider having a pet sitter come to stay in your hotel. This will give your dog company and make sure she does not get in any trouble while you are gone. We provide extended stays for these types of trips which you can learn about in our services.

 

Windsor Dog Groomers

A good haircut is important to the health and happiness of your dog. Considerate groomers can make the grooming process as easy as possible.

We have collected a list of groomers in Windsor:

If you would like to get tips on how to pick the perfect groomer, read our recent article 5 Places for Dog Grooming in Fort Collins.

 

Self-Service Dog Washes in Windsor

If your dog does not need all the trimmings, it can sometimes be easier to clean them up yourself. It is wonderful to go to a self-service dog wash where you can use their space to get your pup clean without making a mess of your bathroom.

We have collected a list of self-service dog washes in Windsor:

To learn more about costs of using a self-service dog wash, read our recent article How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self Service Dog Wash?

 

Windsor Catteries

When you are traveling you can either hire a pet sitter or board your cat in a cattery. There are advantages of each, and if you decide to board your cat there are a variety of options.

We have collected a list of catteries in Windsor:

If you are considering hiring a pet sitter, look at the advantages of cat sitting and take a look at our services.

 

Dog Boarding Kennels in Windsor

 When leaving town you can either hire a pet sitter or board your dog in a kennel.

We have collected a list of the top places to board your dog in Windsor:

If you are considering pet sitting, read our recent article Why Should I Hire a Dog Sitter, and look at our services.

 

Windsor Doggy Daycare

When your dog needs some extra exercise, you have two options:

  1. Send your dog to daycare
  2. Hire a dog walker to exercise your dog

Dog daycare can be great for well-socialized dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs. If you are unsure if daycare is a good option, read our recent article Doggy Daycare vs Dog Walker.

We are currently unaware of any dog daycares in Windsor. Sorry!

If you are thinking about using a dog walker take a look at our services.

 

Windsor Poop Scooper

If you love your dog but do not love cleaning up after him then you may need a poop-scooping company!

 

Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Windsor

During nice weather, it can be a bonus to be able to take your dog with you when you go out to eat. In Windsor we have many, many food options to choose from, so you might as well pick one where you can bring your pup!

These are good pet-friendly restaurants in Windsor:

 

Windsor Dog Parks

In Windsor, folks love their dogs and we want them to have as much fun as possible! For well-socialized dogs, that can mean a trip to the dog park is a wonderful way to get those zoomies out!

Here in Windsor, we have 2 dogs parks, learn about them here!

To learn more about dog park rules in Windsor take a look at this article.

 

Windsor Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

Hiking is one of the most popular hobbies in Colorado, for good reason. The trails are beautiful all year round and there are many where you can bring your furry friend with you.

Two of our favorite Windsor trails are:

  1. Windsor Lake Trail & Dog Park
  2. Poudre River Trail

 

Do you have a resource you think should be added to the Pet Lovers Guide to Windsor? Let us know via our contact form so we can check it out!

What to Know When Puppy Sitting_Header

What to Know When Puppy Sitting

/0 Comments/in , /by

What to Know When Puppy Sitting_Header

 

If you are going to be puppy sitting, or a looking for a puppy sitter, there are many details you should know to make sure the puppy gets the best care. Puppies take a bit more work (actually a lot more work) than adult dogs so it is important that everyone be on the same page.

Puppies Need to Go Out Often

A good rule of thumb is that puppies can only last an hour per year of age, so a 2 month old puppy will need to go out every 2 hours, a 3 month old every 3 hours and so on. This can vary quite a bit by the individual puppy based on breed, personality, etc. The more consistent the house training, the better she will do.

When no one is home the puppy should be contained to a small spot, like a crate, so she learns to hold it. When puppy sitting, the puppy needs to go out often and be supervised when out loose to make sure she does not have accidents in the house. This requires a puppy sitter that is vigilant and attentive.

Take a look at suggested schedules for puppy sitting when owners are on vacation and for day walks.

Puppies Need Training

Puppies do not magically understand us like Lassie. They need lots of positive training in order to understand what we want from them. Where we want them to go potty, how we want them to play, what they can chew on, and more! When someone is puppy sitting they need to have a good idea of basic training skills and know how to enforce them. These should be the same methods you use, although a good puppy sitter will be able to offer suggestions from experience.

Puppies Need Consistency

Humans and puppies speak a different language so interactions need to be consistent in order to ensure the puppy can figure out what is going on. Imagine if you were trying to learn a new language and someone gestured at an apple and said “pomme”, but the next time gestured at the apple and said “rouge”. Well which one is it? Plus a puppy is a baby. A biting, wriggling, barking baby, but a baby none-the-less. Everything a puppy learns is new and every impression is important. If the puppy is spending time trying to figure out if you mean “pomme” or “rouge”, she will not be able to get the lesson quickly and will get confused. Everyone who interacts with the puppy should be clear and know the rules.

Puppies Need Positive Reinforcement

Yelling at a puppy or scaring her is not a helpful part of the training process. Positive reinforcement means your puppy learns our human language without fear. When a puppy is afraid, all she learns is to be scared of you. A puppy brain cannot learn when in a state of fear. Positive reinforcement means she can learn in a way that keeps her fear-free and learning all the time. The best way to be able to stay positive is to set the puppy up for success. If you know she will have accidents, then do not leave her unsupervised in the house; especially when she might be needing a potty break. Then when she goes potty in the correct place, use lots of positive reinforcement so she wants to do it again and again.

Puppies Need Socialization

Puppies need to see a wide variety of people, other animals and environments to grow up to be well-rounded adult dogs. That is why puppy sitting is so helpful! It allows the puppy to meet new people in a positive and safe way. Learn more about the Benefits of Walks for Puppies. Puppy sitters should learn to interact with the puppy the same way as the owners and follow the rules the puppy has so they can be properly encouraged.

Four tricolor Jack Russell dogs on two wooden chairs indoor

Four Tricolor Jack Russell Dogs On Two Wooden Chairs Indoor by Scopio from NounProject.com

Puppies Need Playtime

The best thing about what you need to know when puppy sitting is that puppies love to play. Play is necessary for the health and happiness of puppies. When puppy sitting, puppies need to have a lot of time in their schedule set aside for play, ideally with other puppies, with humans and alone. Puppies learn a lot from playtime with other puppies including how to moderate their bite pressure, how to not be too rough and how to read dog body language. And playtime is also a good outlet for excess energy. A tired puppy is a good puppy!

Puppies Need Lots of Meals

Puppies are burning a lot of energy and they need a lot of food to keep them going. Meals need to be at a set time every day and puppies always need to go out for a potty break afterwards. When puppy sitting, visits have to be long enough to provide time for playtime, feeding and potty breaks. Most puppies will eat 3-5 times a day.

Puppy Sitting Plan

When we provide puppy sitting we look at how a visit should be structured. Most often a puppy sitting visit will look like this:

Out of crate –> Potty time –> Playtime –> Meal –> Potty time –> Playtime –> Potty time –> Back in crate

If the weather is nice we often sit outside when puppy sitting so puppies can go potty and have playtime as needed. This cuts down on accidents. We are only there for a specific amount of time. The less time spent cleaning up accidents, the more time spent on playtime!

If you are interested in learning more about our puppy sitting visits take a look at the Benefits of Walks for Puppies and Pet Sitting Visits for Puppies. We would love to set up puppy sitting that is perfect for you and your puppy!

If you are interested in becoming a puppy sitter, we are often looking for new team members! Look at our open positions. If you’re interested in puppy sitting but aren’t old enough to join our team, ask your family and friends if you can help take care of their puppies. It will give you great experience and plus, puppies!

Dogs in Hot Cars – What are the Colorado Laws for Breaking Windows?

/0 Comments/in /by

Dogs in Hot Cars - What are the Colorado Laws for Breaking Windows?_Header

During the summer months us animal lovers will often stumble upon dogs left in hot cars. There is always a debate about exactly what to do in this situation, and what you can legally do. I know, we all say we will do whatever needed to save a dog, but it is good to know when the law will back us up. Thankfully a new Colorado law has made provisions for when you can legally break a car window in order to save an animal in distress.

how hot is your car infographic

Steps Before Breaking a Car Window

Take Reasonable Steps to Find the Owner. Write down the license late, make and model of the car, as well as a description of the dog. Ask around inside the building the car is parked in front of. Have an announcement made by the business. Do whatever you can to find the person. Ideally get someone to keep an eye on the dog so that the situation does not become dire while you are looking for the owner.

Check to See if the Car Doors are Unlocked. This may seem silly, but many people in Colorado leave their doors unlocked, especially when their dog is in the car.

Track the Symptoms of the Dog (list of heat stroke symptoms are below). You are only able to break a window if the dog is in immediate distress. This means if the dog is still panting but not yet in heat distress, you are not legally allowed to break the window. Watch for signs that the dog is passing over the threshold into heat stroke.

Contact the Police. Inform them of the situation and that you intend to break a window on the car. You will need the police there to document the situation before you leave.

Take a Video to Prove the Animal was in Distress. This will back up your story to the owner and the police if there is any question.

If the dog is showing signs of distress and the owner is no where to be found, break a window. Make sure this is away from the dog so they are not injured by the glass. Quickly remove the dog from the car and begin administering care to reduce the dog’s body temperature (details below).

Wait for the police to arrive. The police will try to locate the owner and will contact animal control to secure the dog. If the dog needs medical attention, they can help arrange it.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

  • Excessive panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Reddened gums
  • Dizziness or lack of coordination
  • Glazed eyes
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of consciousness

Treatment

  • Move the dog to a cool area in the shade.
  • Use water to cool down the dog, but not cold water. Water that is too cold will send the dog into shock.
  • Do not give the dog food and only small amounts of water to drink until she is stable. It’s important to hydrate your pets in the summer. Not just when they’re exposed to excess heat.
  • Massage her legs to help circulation.
  • Watch her temperature to make sure it continues to cool (normal is 101-103 degrees F).
  • Seek veterinary attention. Serious heat stroke can cause lingering health problems that need to be treated and monitored.

These steps also apply to cats and any animal that is in a hot car and is distressed. We most commonly see dogs being left in cars because dogs go with us more places. Any animal can be effected by heat.

Summary

We all want to help dogs in distress. Follow these steps to make sure you do not run into any legal trouble for your good deed!

dog in hot car when to break windows infographic