Did you know?

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"They" say not everything you read or hear is true.

The "ancient" (outdated) traditions and fantastical lore 

you believed about dogs and cats to be "real", 

may actually not be real at all.

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Ice

MYTH: Ice is unsafe for dogs and can cause bloat or death.

-> Is Ice Water Dangerous for Dogs? 

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/dogs-and-ice-water/

-> Can you give your dogs ice cubes? Vets address popular myth

https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/pets/a37087639/can-you-give-dogs-ice-cubes/

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Cars

MYTH: If windows are opened, it is safe to leave dog in car.

-> What To Do If You See a Dog in a Hot Car

https://www.woofdoctor.vet/dog-hot-car/


It is illegal to leave a dog in a parked car under conditions that endanger its health or well-being, such as extreme heat, cold, or lack of ventilation. 

 While laws vary by state, 32 states and the District of Columbia have specific statutes addressing this, with penalties ranging from fines to misdemeanor charges. 


Key Legal Considerations:

  • Prohibited Conditions: Most laws prohibit confining an animal in a stationary vehicle if it faces imminent danger of suffering, disability, or death. This includes temperatures that cause heatstroke or hypothermia, regardless of whether windows are cracked open. 
  • Rescue and Immunity: Many states allow any person to break into a locked vehicle to rescue an animal if they believe it is in imminent danger, provided they first contact law enforcement or 911 and use only necessary force. 
  •  In some states, like New York, only law enforcement officers are permitted to break windows for rescue. 
  • State Variations:
  • California: Penal Code § 597.7 makes it illegal to leave an animal in conditions endangering health or well-being; fines can reach $500 and jail time up to six months for serious injury.
  • Washington: Leaving an animal in conditions harmful due to heat, cold, or poor ventilation is a civil infraction under RCW 16.52.340.
  • New York: Confining a dog in extreme temperatures without protection is a violation, with escalating fines for repeat offenses.
  • Arizona: Class 1 misdemeanor for leaving an unattended animal where physical injury or death is likely. 
  • Distracted Driving: While few states require pets to be harnessed while the vehicle is moving, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New Jersey have specific restraint laws. 
  •  In other states, an unrestrained pet can lead to citations for distracted driving or careless operation if it obstructs the driver’s view or control. 

If you are in a state that does not have a specific state statute explicitly banning leaving animals in cars, such actions may be prosecuted under general animal cruelty laws or local ordinances if the animal suffers. Always call police if you find a dog in distress. 

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Paw Pads

MYTH: Dog boots / booties protect paws from hot surfaces / burns.

TRUTH: Dog boots can potentially hurt dog's paws, especially in warm weather.



Dog booties can get hot because they trap the body heat that dogs naturally expel through their paw pads, potentially causing overheating if the boots lack breathable materials or are worn for extended periods. Breathable dog shoes designed for hot pavement use lightweight mesh uppers and heat-resistant rubber soles to protect paws while allowing airflow, whereas insulated or fleece-lined boots are not suitable for warm weather. 

To ensure safety and comfort:

  • Choose breathable materials: Look for shoes with mesh fabrics or ventilation holes to allow sweat to evaporate and air to circulate. 
  • Check the pavement: If you cannot comfortably place the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws, regardless of whether they are wearing booties. 
  • Limit wear time: Use booties for short, necessary walks on hot surfaces and remove them immediately after to let paws cool down. 
  • Avoid insulated boots: Do not use winter or fleece-lined boots in summer, as they retain heat and increase the risk of heat stroke. 
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Air Flow

MYTH: Fans or breezes do not help dogs cool down because they do not "sweat".

TRUTH: Airflow is critical for dogs to cool down because it facilitates the evaporation of saliva, which is their primary method of thermoregulation since they lack sweat glands over most of their bodies. 


When a dog pants, rapid air movement across the moist surfaces of the tongue, mouth, and respiratory tract allows the saliva to evaporate, effectively drawing heat away from the blood and lowering the dog's core body temperature. 

Key mechanisms include:

  • Evaporative Cooling: As air passes over the wet tongue and mouth, the evaporation process absorbs body heat, cooling the blood circulating through these areas before it returns to the brain and heart. 
  • The surface(tongue)-area-to-volume(body) ratio means internal heat is trapped longer in larger dogs than smaller dogs.
  • Oral vs. Nasal Exhalation: Dogs can modulate their cooling rate by adjusting how much air they exhale through their mouth versus their nose; exhaling through the mouth releases warmer, moisture-laden air that enhances evaporation. 
  • External Factors: Moving air, such as from a fan, can significantly aid this process by increasing the rate of saliva evaporation and improving convective cooling, especially in humid environments where natural evaporation might be slower. 

Keep fan placement in mind, these are some reasons why your dog might avoid the fan:

  • Sensitivity: Direct airflow can feel invasive or too cold, causing anxiety or stress, which may paradoxically increase panting due to a raised heart rate. 
  • Noise: The sound of the fan may be frightening or irritating to some dogs. 
  • Preference: Some dogs simply prefer other cooling methods, such as seeking shade, tile floors, or water. 



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