Temperatures in Marietta spiked in the upper nineties before June first!  While it has dropped a few degrees this week, we are still having an unusually hot spring with summer right around the corner.  It’s time for some quick reminders about pet safety and etiquette.

The City of Marietta is excited about the upcoming events that will be hosted on the square and Glover Park area.  From Juneteenth, to 4th of July, art-walks, Friday night concert series and the farmer’s market, we are expecting thousands of visitors.  Many of those visitors will be of the four-legged variety, or fur babies.  The Marietta Police Department would like to share a friendly reminder about the danger to your pets when exposed to extreme heat.

•    When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks on asphalt during these times to a minimum.  When in doubt, try stepping barefoot yourself to test the surface temperature.

•    Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun.  Please be careful to limit their exercise in the heat and keep them indoors when the temperatures spike.

•    Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

•    Animals with flat faces, like Pugs, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

If you do decide to bring your pets out for any of our fantastic events, please make certain you are adequately prepared to provide them water and to have the resources to clean up after them if they must relieve themselves.  Your pets need to be current on their vet visits and should always be on a leash.  We want you and your pet to enjoy your visit to our beautiful downtown area. Please be conscious of their time in the heat and come prepared to ensure their safety.

 

June 12, 2019

CONTACT: Officer Chuck McPhilamy

cmcphilamy@mariettaga.gov