Dog Rescued from Hot Vehicle by Police

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  June 6th, 2024

All pet parents should know that you should never leave pets in your car alone, especially when it’s hot out, as it can lead to death. A dog in Florida was rescued from a hot vehicle, thanks to police who responded and were able to help the animal before it was too late.

My Ocean Production/Shutterstock

Dog Left Inside Hot U-Haul Truck


According to a Facebook post by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department, police officers were alerted to a dog that had been left alone inside a U-Haul truck for almost one hour on June 2, 2024.


The owners, who had left their pet in the vehicle while they went to the beach, had left the windows open only by a small amount. They also did not leave any water for the dog.


As seen in the video that accompanied the Facebook post, the pet was panting and trying to get her nose through the tight space of the slightly open window in an effort to get some air.  


Police Rescued the Dog and Charged the Owners


Anyone who has spent time in Florida knows how hot and humid it can get, and on the day that the dog was locked in the truck, the temperature was 86°F. The officers also noted in their Facebook post that there wasn’t any cloud cover. The temperature inside the truck was probably at least 100°F or higher.


Thankfully, the police became aware of the situation when someone reported it to them, and they were able to respond in time. As you can see in their video, they gave the dog some water through the window. They were then able to remove the dog safely, and took the pet to Southeast Volusia Humane Society.


The police stated that charging affidavits for the dog’s owners were sent to the State Attorney’s Office. Both individuals were charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and could face jail time, a fine, or both if they are convicted.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Kevin the Gentle Giant Crowned World’s Tallest Dog

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Great news! Lyft, the popular ride-sharing app, has now introduced a new feature that’s sure to create excitement for pet parents everywhere: Pet Rides! This feature lets pet parents connect with pet-friendly drivers, guaranteeing your companion can join you on your adventures. Pet Rides officially launched on National Dog Day – celebrating the role dogs (and other pets) play in our lives. The convenient feature provides more flexibility for pet parents on the go.To use the feature, you will need to select “Pet Ride” when searching for ride availability. This will ensure that your options exclusively include drivers who have opted to allow pet travelers in their vehicles. The additional $4 (plus tax) fee for the Pet Ride will be factored into the upfront price shown in the app. However, an extra cleaning fee may be charged if your pet leaves an excessive mess or damages the vehicle during the trip.Of course, this is for companion pets, not service animals. Drivers are still required to accommodate service animals, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.The Pet Ride feature allows for one pet per pet-friendly ride, with no restrictions related to breed or size. Additional pets may be permitted on the ride at the driver’s discretion, but it is not guaranteed. Pet rides are currently only available in the United States.This feature is similar to the Uber Pet feature offered by the most popular competitor, Uber.“At Lyft, we believe that everyone belongs, and that includes our four-legged family members,” stated Audrey Liu, the Executive Vice President and Head of Rider and Community Safety at Lyft. When asked about the feature, she explained that it will make it “easier than ever for pet owners to get where they need to go with their pets.”While there are no specific rules or requirements in terms of how a pet can travel in the vehicle, pet parents are asked to be respectful of the driver and other riders by keeping their pet in a carrier, on a blanket to keep any mess contained (like muddy paws or shed fur), or seated safely at your feet while the vehicle is in motion. If a dog does create an unsafe situation, serving as a distraction and putting the driver and any passengers in the vehicle at risk, the ride may be canceled.Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially if this is your first time. From trying to find pet-friendly accommodations to determining whether public transit options will even allow your pet to ride, a fun adventure can quickly become frustrating and overwhelming.By offering a pet-friendly ride option, Lyft is the latest company to demonstrate its commitment to creating options for pet-friendly travelers. But this isn’t the first time that Lyft has stepped up to create a safe and accommodating solution for a particular population among the app’s users. For example, Women+ Connect allows females and non-binary riders to request a female or non-binary driver, addressing safety concerns they may experience when getting into a vehicle with a stranger. As a pet-friendly traveler myself, I’m excited to see what companies in the travel industry will be the next to revolutionize travel as we know it with our furry (feathered, scaly, etc.) friends in mind!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter   here.

Can Cats Get Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a well-known threat to dogs and humans, but what about our feline friends? Should we take steps to prevent transmission or protect our cats when they are spending time outdoors? While cats CAN contract Lyme disease, it’s far less common than in dogs. (PheBorrw!)This begs the question: Should cat parents be concerned about this tick-borne illness? How significant is the danger to our furry friends? Let’s dive into the details to understand the risks and preventative measures to keep your cat safe. What is Lyme Disease? Let’s start at the beginning – What is Lyme Disease and why should we be concerned about the risk it poses for our cats? Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (and, on rare occasions, Borrelia mayonii). This bacterium is transmitted to the animal (or human) through the bite of an infected tick. It then moves through the bloodstream, spreading the infection and leading to potentially serious health complications. Cats are capable of being infected by the bacteria responsible for the disease. Luckily, our feline friends are also highly resistant to it, making the infection highly unlikely to develop and spread. Their grooming habits also help to prevent a problem from occurring. But, if you’re like me, you recognize that highly unlikely doesn’t mean it can’t happen and would rather take steps to prevent a problem just in case. How is Lyme Disease Spread? The bacteria responsible for Lyme Disease is carried by infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks), which are commonly found in many areas of North America. When the tick bites an animal or human, it transmits the bacteria into the bloodstream, but this transmission isn’t instantaneous. As the infection spreads, it starts to impact different areas of the body, including the joints, kidneys, neurological system, and heart. The infected animal or person often feels the effects of this infection for the rest of their lives. In the most severe cases, Lyme Disease is fatal. Removing the tick in the first 24-48 hours reduces the infection risk. Of course, the best way to avoid Lyme Disease is to prevent tick bites from occurring in the first place.

Can You Potty Train a Parrot?

Parrots are known as very fun pets and quite intelligent creatures. They are adored all across the globe, in all their various sizes and colors. But, as many parrot owners know, they can be messy with how and where they poop. And often, it can require a lot of cleaning up. So it is only natural that owners are wondering - can you potty train a parrot? While this might seem like a daunting task, with a bit of patience and consistency, it is actually doable. These birds are smart and are capable of learning behaviors, including where and when to poop. Now, keep in mind that training them won’t be the same as with a dog, but with the right approach, it can be a simple process.How to Potty Train a Parrot: Step by StepBefore you tackle this process of potty training your bird, it is crucial to understand how parrots behave. Naturally, these are rather clean animals. In their wild, natural habitat, parrots tend to relieve themselves away from their nests, as to avoid attracting predators. And this exact instinct can be utilized during potty training. However, keep in mind that parrots don’t have control over their bowel movements like humans do. They often relieve themselves every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on their size and diet. Knowing this, you can plan your training sessions accordingly.#1 The first step in your potty training process is to choose a specific command or cue. This could be a simple word, such as “poop” or “potty”, or even a specific hand signal. The key is consistency - use the same command each time. #2 Next, you want to pay close attention to your parrot’s natural behavior. Notice when they are about to relieve themselves - common signs include tail lifting or squatting. Understanding this routine will help you anticipate when they need to “go”.#3 Decide on a specific spot where you want your parrot to go potty. This can be their perch, a spot in their cage or enclosure, or a paper-lined area. By repeatedly taking your parrot to this spot when you see they need to “go”, they will begin to associate the area with the act.

Do Dogs Need Fiber in Their Diet?

Fiber is an integral part of a balanced diet for your dog, just like it is for humans. It helps ensure their digestive system runs smoothly and can also play an essential role in weight management (or weight loss if that’s what you’re working toward).But how much fiber does a dog actually need, and what is the best way to add fiber to their diet?In this guide, I’ll discuss why fiber is important for your dog's health and well-being, the different types of fiber, and the best options to boost fiber content in their diet. Let’s get started…How Much Fiber Does a Dog Need?While I would love to say the answer to this question is easy, it’s not as simple as giving a specific amount that will work for every dog’s ideal diet. Instead, the amount of fiber needed will vary considerably based on several factors, including your dog’s age, weight, digestive health, or any conditions they currently live with relating to their digestive system.For example, a senior dog usually needs more fiber than a young, healthy adult dog as their bodies in these later years have a more challenging time with different stages of the digestive process. Our golden oldies often suffer from conditions like constipation that, while not life-threatening, do have an impact on their overall quality of life. Making changes to the fiber they are consuming can offer relief.That being said, experts use some general guidelines to create a foundation for these decisions. Depending on who you ask, fiber recommendations for a healthy adult dog range from 1.5% to 4% of a complete diet.How Can Fiber Help My Dog?As already mentioned, fiber can help support a healthy digestive system. But what exactly does this nutrient do to help keep your dog happy and healthy? Let’s look at some of the benefits of fiber for dogs:Encourage Healthy Bowel MovementsIf you have a dog that suffers occasionally (or regularly) from constipation, you may be searching for a solution to help regulate their system, soften waste, and make doing their business easier. After all, no one wants to live with that discomfort, including our dog! Including the right amount of fiber in your dog’s diet can help move waste through the intestines more quickly, softening stool and allowing it to pass on a more frequent schedule.But be careful – too much fiber can also be hazardous. You don’t want your dog to deal with constipation, but diarrhea can also be upsetting and uncomfortable. The goal is to find a happy medium for healthy bowel movements.Prevent Anal Gland ProblemsThe anal glands are an element of a dog’s health that is sometimes overlooked simply because we don’t understand their function or don’t want to discuss that general area. However, ignoring your dog’s anal gland health can lead to severe complications.These little pouches serve an essential role in communication. When your dog does their business, they release a strongly scented fluid that will share key information with other dogs that discover it, including their age, sex, and overall health. However, if that fluid isn’t released with your dog’s bowel movements, it can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and abscesses.One way to promote better anal gland release is to ensure your dog is passing healthy stools, which can be accomplished with the help of fiber.Regulate Blood Sugar Levels If your dog is a diabetic and has been prescribed a medical approach to manage their blood sugar levels, don’t consider this a reliable alternative. However, for healthy dogs, having their blood sugar suddenly spike can actually lead to diabetes and other health problems. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent these conditions is by keeping their blood sugar balanced and regular. Fiber works by slowing some stages of the digestive process, which also slows the amount of sugar released into your dog’s bloodstream. This isn’t to say it magically eliminates sugars from your dog’s diet, but it spreads out when they are absorbed into the bloodstream, preventing a sudden sugar spike.

Give Your Cat a Purr-fect Treat

A lot of emphasis gets put on treats that help keep your dog’s teeth clean, but it is also an important consideration for your cat.

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