Heat, Water and Pet Safety Reminders for Warm Weather Weekend

With temperatures expected to hit 80 degrees by Sunday, there's no better time to break out the summer gear and take to the water too cool off. Because it's been a while, however, area first responders are offering plenty of reminders for how to keep yourselves and your pets safe.

On the Water

Chief Greg Smith of Mountain View Fire and Rescue offers these insights about recreation on the Green River at this time of year:

The Green River is flowing very high and fast, 1900 cubic feet per second.  The water temperature is between 45 and 47 degrees.  The River while it looks very inviting, is very dangerous.  Should a person end up in the water, they will quickly be overcome by swiftly moving water and the cold temperature.

These conditions are very similar to the day that King County Fire District 44 and the King County Sheriff Marine Unit, conducted eight river rescues in one day.

Fire District 44 and the KC Sheriff Marine unit work as a cohesive group and train together regularly for river rescues.  The District’s Swift water team has been in the River training sense February, floating the river just this past Monday to ensure they understand the current conditions.  The River changes every year with new log jams (called strainers) appearing from the high winter flows.

This is not a good time to purchase a small blow-up raft or inner tube to float the River,  it is much more dangerous than it looks.

If you are recreating around any body of water, ensure that children are wearing a certified personal floatation device and do not let children out of sight.

Should your dog enter the river, do not attempt a “rescue”, dogs will self-rescue. Each year several persons drown attempting to “rescue” their dog.

• Wear a PFD (personal flotation device).
• Do not use alcohol or drugs when recreating on the river.
• Watch children closely when they are on or near any type of water; stay close enough to reach them immediately.
• Choose safer swimming options with lifeguards present, such as a beach, lake or pool.

When planning a boating or floating trip:

• Always tell someone your route and when and where you expect to put in and take out.
• Have a back-up plan for emergency contact in case your trip is cut short by an unforeseen obstacle or emergency.
• Never float the river alone and, if possible, make sure there is at least one oared craft in your group in case a rescue is needed.
• Bring a dry bag with food, water, and warm clothes.

Know your limitations, know the river, use safety equipment. 

Keep Pets Cool

The following advice comes from Regional Animal Services of King County: 

"We haven't had temperatures this high for several months, so people and pets need to take it easy at first," said Dr. Gene Mueller, manager of Regional Animal Services. "After a long and dreary winter, animals need to get re-acclimated to the heat just like humans do. If you head out with your pet this weekend, keep a slower pace at first, make sure you both drink plenty of water, and find a shady spot to rest when you need it."

Animals cannot sweat like humans, and they are vulnerable to overheating quickly, especially when the temperature rises above 70 degrees. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cool water to your pets, and shade from the sun. Though pets need exercise during warm weather, take extra care when exercising older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and dogs with thick coats, as they are especially vulnerable to overheating. On hot days, limit exercise to early morning or late evening hours.

Another danger is leaving pets in a vehicle. In sunny weather, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to 120 degrees or more, even with windows left slightly open. Animals left in a hot car, even for just a few minutes, can suffer from heat stroke, brain damage, or death. In addition, leaving a pet unattended in a hot car can be grounds for animal cruelty charges. In warm weather, leave your pets at home instead of taking them with you on errands.

If you see an animal in distress in an unattended vehicle, first try to contact authorities at the location you are visiting. They may be able to help locate the vehicle's owner to unlock it quickly. If security guards or other authorities are unavailable, call 9-1-1 or 206-296-PETS (7387) immediately. 

Your pet's paws can be burned when walking on hot pavement, and the skin on a dog's nose can sunburn. Be sure your animals have access to shade and lots of fresh, cool water when playing outdoors. Do not over-exert pets during the warmest hours of the day, and avoid long walks or extended exercise outdoors. If your dog or cat becomes overheated, apply cool water or cool, moist towels to their head, neck, and chest. Then immediately take the animal to a veterinarian. For additional warm weather precautions, consult your pet's veterinarian.

This is also the time of year when lawn care and gardening heats up. Plant food, fertilizer, weed killers, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. These chemicals can also cause irritation if they get in contact with paws or skin. If you suspect your pet has ingested or otherwise come into contact with lawn and garden chemicals, contact your veterinarian immediately. Summer is also flea and tick season, so make sure you use a flea and tick treatment recommended by your veterinarian.

By taking these simple precautions, you and your pets will be able to enjoy the long warm days ahead, and keep yourselves healthy and safe.