Durham Animal Response Team - DART

07/02/2026

It's hot!

Even if the air temperature is "only" 85°F, asphalt can easily reach 130–140°F. On a 90–95°F day, it can climb to well over 150°F and that is hot enough to burn your dog's paw pads in less than a minute.

A good rule of thumb is the 7-second test: place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't comfortably keep it there for 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

If your dog needs to go outside, stick to grass whenever possible, walk early in the morning or later in the evening, and keep walks short. Better yet, save the long walks for cooler days.

Burned paw pads are painful and can take weeks to heal. A little planning goes a long way in keeping our four-legged friends safe during this stretch of hot weather.

07/01/2026

This heat is hard on all of us....but don't forget it's hard on our livestock, too.

Take a few extra minutes today to check water troughs, make sure they're full, give them a quick scrub if needed and maybe even drop in some ice! Animals will drink a lot more than usual over the next few days, and a dry water tank can happen faster than you think.

A little extra attention now can make all the difference.

07/01/2026

A quick reminder with the heat we're expecting this week...

If your pets don't absolutely need to be outside, today is a good day to keep them indoors in the air conditioning or cooler temps. Even a short walk or a little too much play can become dangerous faster than most people realize.

Dogs don't sweat like we do, so they rely almost entirely on panting to cool themselves off. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs are especially at risk and can develop heat stroke in just a matter of minutes during extreme heat. Senior pets, puppies, overweight pets, and those with heart or respiratory disease are also much more vulnerable.

Watch for excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, vomiting, stumbling, or collapse. If you notice these signs, move your pet to a cool area immediately, begin cooling them with cool (not ice-cold) water, and contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital right away. Heat stroke is a true emergency, and every minute matters.

The sidewalk is hot, the air is hot, and our pets can't tell us when they've had enough. When in doubt, it's always safer to skip the walk, keep playtime short, and stay inside until temperatures come down.

Stay safe out there and give your pets an extra treat for being good sports about staying in today!

06/30/2026

With the heat expected over the next few days, don't forget to put out extra water if you can.

A bucket in the pasture, a fresh bowl for your dogs and barn cats, or even a shallow dish in the shade can make a big difference for wildlife trying to get through the heat.

It only takes a few minutes, but it could mean a lot to an animal looking for a drink. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and let's help our four-legged (and feathered!) neighbors do the same.

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

‼️WARNING ‼️

Today’s heat index could cause animals to have heatstroke or death very quickly !!

Cars act as greenhouses, heating up to dangerous, fatal temperatures in minutes—even on mild 70°F days. Flat-faced breeds (like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs) have compromised airways and cannot cool down efficiently through panting, making them exceptionally susceptible to heatstroke.

Brachycephalic dogs have narrow tracheas and elongated soft palates, meaning they are already challenged with breathing on a normal day.

In just 10 minutes, the interior of a car can reach well over 100°F.The When overheated, their airways can swell, which can quickly lead to suffocation, organ damage, and death.

If you see an animal locked in a car ( and the car is not running , providing any type of air flow and or the animal is in distress ) contact the appropriate authorities and take action immediately.

Animals cannot speak for themselves so we all need to be their eyes , ears and advocates 🙏

06/11/2026

DART has been busy!

This past week, our team responded to three animal-related calls and we’re happy to report positive outcomes all around.

We assisted with two down horse calls across the state. One which we used our glide and various equipment to safely move the horse where it could then stand. While Xena just needed an opportunity and maybe a bit of mechanical help to get her feet under her! We also responded to loose livestock locally and were able to use our panels to corral the escapees. Thanks to the teamwork of owners and responders, and volunteers, everyone is safe and sound.

These calls highlight the importance of quick coordination and strong partnerships when animals are in need. We’re grateful to everyone who helped ensure positive outcomes and proud of the dedication our team brings to every response. Thank you for supporting DART and helping us continue this important work in our community.