KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City has deployed its staff to patrol the streets, ensuring the safety of pets during the current heatwave.
Pet owners are advised to keep their dogs indoors as much as possible during high temperatures. It is crucial to ensure pets remain hydrated, with access to fresh water and shade. The center offers cooling items to pet owners in need.
“We’re out patrolling the community, helping clients with outdoor dogs, educating them on the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and informing them of the necessities for keeping their dogs outside,” said Rae Lindsey, outreach and mobile manager for the Pet Resource Center. “We’re not only patrolling and assisting the community but also checking on known outdoor pets.”
Lindsey highlighted that an elevated heart rate in pets could indicate a heat-related illness. For cats, panting is a clear sign of heat exhaustion.
“You should never cool a pet down too quickly,” Lindsey advised. “Similar to humans, pets should cool down gradually if they’re experiencing heat exhaustion. Signs include panting, excessive drooling, difficulty standing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Heat exhaustion symptoms can persist for 24 to 48 hours.”
During patrols, staff members visit clients’ homes, providing cooling supplies such as gates, kennels, water bowls, cooling mats, and other accessories to create safe indoor environments.
Brenda Kirkwood, a client of the Pet Resource Center, expressed gratitude for their efforts. “We kept coming out here, making sure there was plenty of water,” she said. “He didn’t eat but drank the water. It’s challenging because there’s no shade, so that’s his hideaway.”
In addition to providing supplies, the center educates pet owners on heat safety and their services. “If you’re walking your pet, do it early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler,” Lindsey suggested. “And if your dog is outside, check on them regularly for signs of heat exhaustion.”
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