YOU SAID IT: Dog owners beware

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DOG OWNERS BEWARE

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Ontario was hit with hot and humid weather conditions for most of the past week (and will no doubt face them again many times this summer). Leaving an animal in a vehicle in this heat — even for a few minutes — can have deadly consequences.

While humans can sweat to cool down, dogs must rely on panting to expel heat from their bodies. Contrary to popular belief, constant panting isn’t normal or comfortable behaviour.

If a dog’s tongue is hanging out and their mouth is wide open while they’re panting heavily, they are likely hot and trying to cool themselves. It’s even worse for breathing-impaired breeds such as bulldogs and pugs, whose flattened faces and distorted airways make them particularly vulnerable to overheating. They can hardly catch their breath, let alone regulate their body temperature.

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I urge all dog guardians, especially those with breeds prone to breathing issues, to be vigilant. Recognize the signs of heat-related stress, which include heavy panting, excessive drooling, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, impaired balance or co-ordination, lethargy, seizures and collapse. Never leave an animal in a car, an enclosed space without ventilation or air conditioning, or unattended outdoors.

Keep your animals safe at home, inside, with the air conditioning and/or fans running. Call the police immediately if you see an animal in distress. There’s no time to spare — heatstroke can kill in minutes.

MELISSA RAE SANGER

THE PETA FOUNDATION

NORFOLK, VA.

SO WHERE’S THE REAL VIDEO?

I wonder if White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has heard the Eagles song “Lying Eyes” because in the press briefing a week ago she looked at the press and said the videos recently of President Biden are “deepfakes”, manipulated videos done in bad faith.

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Now, I saw the video of Obama reaching out to Biden indicating it was time to leave the fundraiser, and putting his hand delicately on Biden’s back the same way many do with seniors, then walked Biden slowly from the stage.

If Karine Jean-Pierre has the “real” video of Obama and Biden leaving the stage with Biden waving goodbye to the audience, well, she should show it at her next press briefing.

Until KJP shows the “real” video, I’m believing what I saw, and if Biden gets another four years, all I can say is, “God bless America,” because they’re going to need all the help they can get.

JILL YOUNG

OTTAWA

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