Bend shopping plaza plea: Don’t leave dogs in hot cars this summer

With the “dog days” of summer fast approaching, Brookswood Meadow Plaza and its businesses on Monday reminded residents and visitors not to leave a dog in a hot car while running errands, working or attending events around town.

While we all know not to leave a person in a hot and closed up car, it can be just as devastating to an animal, the shopping plaza said in a Monday news release

Each year, hundreds of pets die in cars or develop heat exhaustion when left for even a short period of time in a vehicle where temperatures can rise very rapidly.

In sunny Central Oregon, where owning a beloved furry family member is part of the area’s lifestyle, an overall awareness of your dog’s safety is important at home, when traveling, and out and about on walks and hikes.

“There are so many variables that come into play with your pet’s summer safety, including its size and breed, so when in doubt, it’s better when you travel anywhere to leave your pet in a cool home or take them out of your vehicle with you, along with proper supplies,” advises Dr. Ruth Loomis, Veterinarian and Owner of Brookswood Animal Clinic.

“Some dog breeds, particularly those with short noses, are extremely sensitive to heat and can be overcome quickly. The temperature in your vehicle can rise almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and can continue to rise, with cracked windows providing little relief. Proper care and consideration for extreme conditions help pets and humans alike enjoy the beautiful summers in Bend.”

Loomis advised to watch for heatstroke symptoms including: restlessness, excessive thirst, thick saliva, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, fever, and vomiting, among others. Keeping pets cool and getting them proper care if needed is critical.

Timed specifically for the summer season, Brookswood Animal Clinic will be offering a free pet talk titled, “Emergency Trail Medicine for Your Dog,” onSaturday, May 7, 2016 at 3 pm. Community members are encouraged to attend to find out more about caring for their pets.

The clinic works closely with its Brookswood Plaza neighbor, Cascade Custom Pharmacy, for pets who need medications. The pharmacy offers regular and compounded pet medicines for dogs requiring expanded treatment for ills of any kind.

As with many other businesses in the Plaza, the pharmacy offers water outside to help keep passing dogs cool and hydrated.

Pharmacist Angela Valerga, a pet lover herself, said, “Our pharmacy is pet friendly, so our customers are welcome to bring their dogs in while shopping here. We have treats for them too!”

She added, “We’re fortunate to live in a dog-friendly community where some shops and workplaces allow canines to be with their owners, or at the very least offer a place for animals to be leashed outside with water and shade.” She and the members of her team extend their thanks to everyone keeping their pets cool during the upcoming warmer months.