This was the temperature in Berks County last night at 7:34 as it clearly states. And this is the coolest day of the week. Yikes!
All that comes to my mind are the poor animals stuck in this heat. Puppy Mills. Kitten Mills. Dogs chained to dog boxes. People who leave their pets in their cars.
Can you imagine the poor dogs and cats stuck in mills with absolutely no way to escape this unbearable heat? Did you know puppies actually “bake” to death on wire flooring stuck outside in their outside “prisons”? The breeder dogs don’t ever have their fur groomed so they remain in the heat with long, matted, flea-infested hair. There is no way out. Unless when their breeding days are over. They are either sent to an auction for another puppy mill farmer to buy or they are killed. A reminder to everyone….Class C kennels in PA are not allowed to shoot and kill their dogs but other kennels are still permitted to commit this unspeakable act.
My heart goes out to those animals that are forced to suffer in this heat. With high humidity, the temperature is actually hotter than what it feels. This is called the Heat Index.
“Temperature and humidity (the amount of water vapor in the air) are factors translated by equations into an index that ranges from 43 to 103. In humid air, perspiration does not evaporate as readily, making it difficult for people and animals to cool down efficiently. As the humidity increases, the environment feels warmer than it actually is. This perception is expressed by the heat index. An apparent temperature, or heat index, of 105 F can be reached when the air temperature is only 90 F, and the relative humidity is 70 percent”.With this type of heat, heatstroke is very possible not only for a pet but for us humans as well. Please check in with your elderly neighbors and friends. Many elderly people don’t have air conditioning and don’t call for assistance.
Keep your pets indoors as much as possible. This heat and humidity is really affecting my Shadow with his collapsing trachea. He stays in the a/c and is only let out briefly to do his business.
And whatever you do, don’t take your pets on car rides. As much as they might want to go, it is not in their best interest during this heat wave that has blanketed 40 states. Take the proper precautions and look for the best interests of your pets and the elderly.
Don’t forget, if you see an animal in distress, call the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, the Humane Society of Berks County (I believe they have a “hot dog line” for this) or your local law enforcement. Don’t wait to call. Just do it!!
Stay cool!!!!