I’m sure your as happy about the arrival of warm weather as our furry residents here are however don’t forget these summer tips that can mean a life or death difference for your furry friend. Also, remember to get your doggies checked for heartworm and get them on preventative NOW!!
NEVER EVER EVER EVER leave your pet in the car!!!
In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone "just a minute" that your pet will be safe while you're gone; even an air-conditioned car with the motor off isn't healthy for your pet
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If You Can't Stand the Heat...
Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
, Your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions are very serious and could cause your pet to die. You should be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck, the inside of their ear flaps, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get him to a veterinarian immediately!
Water!! Water!!! Water!!
It may seem like common sense to make sure your pet has adequate water but more often than not owners don’t take into consideration how much water their pets need when the temperature gauge rises. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool, and life jackets are reccomended for smaller dogs while boating. Provide plenty of CLEAN water and shade for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.
Don't Put Your Pet In the Back of a Truck!
It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.
Click on the link below to view our adoptable pets!!!
Please call our shelter 218-739-3494 if you would like additional information on any of our pets and our adoption process. Remember to check back periodically, as available pets are always changing. Thank you for visiting our site.
Humane Society of Otter Tail County
1933 West Fir Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN
Shelter Hours
Monday-10am-4pm
Tuesday- Friday-10am-5:30
Sat. 10am-3pm
218-739-3494
The primary mission of the HSOTC is to protect animals from cruelty, ignorance, and harm through public education and advocacy. We need more animal legislation, better enforcement of existing laws, and encouragement of pet adoption through Humane Society Shelters.
Here at the Humane Society of Otter Tail County, we try very hard to ensure that the dogs and cats who come to us find a perfect home. We do a short interview with the prospective new family, and have them fill out an application for adoption. This has them detail the home they will provide for the new pet. Once they are ready to adopt we make sure they have all the information they need to give the animal a good home. We charge an adoption fee and then we require a down payment towards the animals sterilization, which is refunded when the spay/neuter takes place. The first priority on our agenda though, is to find our animals the perfect match.