It’s no secret that I’m an animal rescue advocate. Living in Phoenix (where temperatures reach over 120 degrees), you can go from compassionate to crazed crusader with just ONE incident. That was me yesterday (the latter), when La called me to see what she could do about a dog that had been left in a car, unattended, on a day that reached 92 degrees. Because cars trap heat sort of like a greenhouse, the dog was actually enduring 113 degrees of sweltering heat and direct sunlight. Thankfully the owner got to the car in time, but I’m sure it’ll happen again. And again. I have no clue why people in our communities are still so oblivious when it comes to caring for their pets. Whether it be ignorance or indifference, we continue to hear the same stories every year. Luckily, there are people out there willing to be the voice. The United Animal Nation’s My Dog Is Cool Campaign urges people to be aware of how deadly a hot car can be. The website provides information on keeping pets safe and also allows you to print fliers to share with your community. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A CAR! Not even on a day with a high of 70. Here are a few other things to keep in mind this summer:

• It only takes 10 minutes for a dog to overheat in a vehicle. This is because the only way a dog can cool down is by panting and through the pads of the feet. Pay attention to heat advisory warnings and leave your dog at home on those days. If you’re taking your dog to a vet appointment, road trip, etc., make sure to thoroughly cool the car down prior to your trip. Carry a travel water dish with you like the Road Refresher and fill it with ice and cold water. If you use a crate for travel, make sure there is plenty of air flow and no direct sunlight hitting the crate.
• Walk your dog before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. in a grassy area. Avoid walking on asphalt or concrete.  During summer, I carry both of my dogs from my condo to the dog run in back of the building, so their feet won’t touch the ground. Don’t let anyone convince you that a dog’s foot pads were “made” to endure rough or hot surfaces. Remember, AZ is on a whole other level of “hot”.
• People with Brachycephalic dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers) should take extra precaution. Walks/exercise should only be during early a.m. or late at night-and in MY opinion, limited to only 5-7 minutes. Don’t let them sunbathe either. Even without movement, they’re still likely to overheat. These dogs have a hard time breathing as is, let alone in extreme temperatures.
• If you keep your dog outside, you should really reconsider being a pet owner in the first place. In the meantime, BE KIND. Allow the dog to come inside during the hottest time of the year (June through September). There are no laws in Arizona protecting dogs from extreme weather. Technically, the animal must be provided with adequate shade and water, but that’s it. Someone forgot that it’s over 100 degrees IN THE SHADE, so it’s up to YOU to do the right thing.
• Recognize the signs of heat stroke: Heavy panting, dark red and dry gums, thick saliva, vomiting, dizziness/disorientation.

What To Do In Case Of Heat Stroke

Before taking your dog to see a vet, there’s a few things to do that are crucial in saving his life.

• Remove the dog from the hot area and begin to wet him down with cool water. You can use cold compresses, immerse him in a tub, or use a garden hose. Pay extra attention to cooling the feet and chest. Once his temperature has reached 103 degrees (use a rectal thermometer if possible), STOP COOLING. Hypothermia may occur if over cooled.
• DO NOT USE ICE OR ICE COLD WATER. A dramatic change in temperature may cause shock and other life threatening conditions.
• Offer the dog water to drink, but do not force it into his mouth.
• Even if your dog seems fine after cooling, veterinary assistance is MANDATORY to ensure no damage has been done to internal organs.

If you see a dog trapped in a car, don’t wait-DO SOMETHING.

Write down the make, model, and license plate of the vehicle and call police. It’s a good idea to have the owner paged if you’re in a shopping center, but remember every second matters. Per PETA:  If police are unresponsive or too slow and the dog’s life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness (or several) who will back your assessment, take steps to remove the suffering animal, and then wait for authorities to arrive. That means you’re going to have to put your big girl panties on, bust out some windows, and illegally break into someone’s car… DO IT. You’re saving a life.

*Animal Cruelty Hotline: 602-876-1681

Awhile back, we received an email from a reader who asked us how to survive a job interview. Nothing is more nerve wracking than sitting in front of a total stranger trying to sell yourself to them. It’s humbling and definitely not easy. In fact, it can turn into a full fledged fiasco if not properly planned. The very first job I applied for (in retail), required me having to role play and “sell” a pen the manager was holding. It was awkward and scary, but I ended up getting the job because I anticipated every scenario and nailed it! Landing your dream job involves a strategized plan of attack. BE ready so you don’t have to GET ready.