Fire department rescues dog that refused to keep hiking
Digital Reporter
Monday, June 11, 2018, 3:21 PM - The local fire department was called in to help 5-year-old Kato, a 120-pound Great Pyrenees that went for a walk with his family Sunday and became too tired to go on.
Kato's owners contacted Colorado's Evergreen Fire Rescue when the dog became tired and possibly dehydrated, USA Today reports.
When help arrived, Kato was unable to stand up but was alert.
(RELATED: HERE'S WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN YOUR CAR)
His rescuers carried him out of the hiking trail using the same device they'd use on a human in distress.
Rescuers said the trail Kato had been walking was a challenging one, with lots of steep elevations, but the fire department was happy to help.
"We heard 'dog in distress,' and a bunch of us showed up," Stacee Martin, public information officer for Evergreen Fire Department said, according to KUSA-TV Denver.
When taking your pet on a hike, experts say it's important to bring water and snacks and make sure your furry friend is fit enough to complete the trail.
SUMMER SAFETY AND YOUR PETS
Here are five tips to help protect your pets this season, courtesy of Dr. Meredith Allum, veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of Oakville in Oakville, Ontario.
- Prevent heat stroke: It's important to keep your pet cool. Around this time of year, officials take the opportunity to remind the public to never leave children and pets unattended in hot cars. Temperatures can rise quickly inside a vehicle, resulting in heat exhaustion and in some cases, death. Veterinarians often treat heat stroke with intravenous fluid therapy to provide hydration directly into the bloodstream. It's also a good idea to surround your pets with ice packs and cool blankets if they are overheated.
- Watch out for hot surfaces: We have all walked on hot pavement in the summer. Ouch! It can get really hot during the summertime, which can easily burn your pet's footpads. Owners should give their furry friends an opportunity to walk on the grass.
- Prevent Lyme disease and ticks: Black-legged ticks are known to spread Lyme disease. If you find a tick, it's essential to remove it right away. Tick twister tools are available at local pet supply retailers and online. Talk to your veterinarian as there are a number of medications available to prevent Lyme Disease. Stay out of long grasses, brush and leaf cover as these are areas where ticks tend to hang out.
- Prevent bug bites: While mosquitoes are repelled by citronella, dogs have a keen sense of smell and owners should be cognizant of using product that is overpowering. It's a much better idea to spray insect repellent on a T-shirt or bandanna.
- Water safety: If your pup likes to swim, it's always important to supervise them in case they run into any trouble. Owners can purchase brightly coloured life vests so they can be visible to other swimmers and boaters.
