It is important not to pour water directly into a bird's beak. Miller said their trachea is in the middle of their tongue, so it's really easy to aspirate it. Instead, cooling the bird externally is the safest method.
People can help birds cope with the heat by placing water sources in gardens or patios. Miller emphasized the importance of changing the water at least once a day to keep it clean and fresh. Adding ice to the water can also help keep it cool.
“One of the issues that you have with the bird feeders,” Miller said, “is we do see a rise in a disease called trichomoniasis, which comes from drinking out of a contaminated water bowl.” It's crucial to clean and change the water regularly.
Beyond the dangers posed by heat and dehydration, birds face other threats in the wild, including toxic pesticides and lead from ammunition.
“It's not an intentional thing,” said Miller. “They ingest it and end up very sick from it.”
These affect not only birds but also other wildlife.
As Miller finished her rounds, she walked over to a small cage holding a rabbit. The bunny had been brought in by a concerned citizen, but since Liberty Wildlife specializes in birds, the rabbit was being transferred to the Arizona Humane Society for further care.
Humane Society rescues pets and finds them new homes
Pet shelters across the metro area are facing a crisis, with all facilities operating at over capacity. The region is grappling with an overpopulation of pets, compounded by a nationwide shortage of veterinarians.
The Arizona Humane Society receives and cares for unhoused, injured animals, owner surrenders and pets confiscated by law enforcement in abuse cases. The organization works to rehabilitate the animals and, ultimately, find them new homes.
The newly opened Papago Park campus provides space for these animals in separate areas. Cats and bunnies occupy the upper floor, while dogs and other pets are housed on the ground level.
The building's interior is designed to foster a sense of openness, with large windows replacing traditional walls in many rooms. The layout provides transparency and connection between spaces while maintaining a comfortable and secure environment for the animals.
On the upper floor, kittens are grouped by litter in small, secure enclosures that provide comfort and privacy. Adjacent to them, older cats rest in individual spaces. Across the hall, another room is home to several bunnies.
Downstairs, the kennels are divided into family groups. Some hold individual dogs , while others contain mothers with their puppies or sibling pairs kept together for companionship.
During the summer months, many pets arriving at the Arizona Humane Society are victims of the extreme weather. Cases include pets rescued from disasters like fires and floods, as well as dogs left chained outside or locked in cars on a hot day. High temperatures pose life-threatening risks to animals.
“A lot of times, people assume that pets are more tolerant or more prepared to handle the heat than we are, but that's not the case,” said Joe Casados, a spokesperson for the Arizona Humane Society.
Casados explained that cars can overheat quickly, rising from 100 to 120 degrees within 10 minutes. If you see a dog left in a hot car, call the police immediately, and in situations where the pet 's life is clearly in danger, it may be necessary to break a window to rescue them.
“It really is dangerous to be outside for extended periods of time. So the best thing you can do is please keep your pets inside your home,” he said.
Casados also emphasized that when pets need to go outside, it's best to take them out in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Owners should always bring plenty of water to keep their pets hydrated. Dog booties can help protect their paws when the pavement is hot.
“Not all dogs like wearing them, so you want to introduce them slowly and make sure they fit properly,” he said. “They might walk a little funny at first, so give them some time to get used to them. That'll help protect their paws.”
Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, Casados noted that burn paws on dogs are still a common sight at the shelter.
When temperatures exceed 90 degrees, it's best to avoid running or hiking with dogs . Long-haired pets, in particular, are prone to overheating, but short-haired breeds are equally at risk for heat exhaustion and even more vulnerable to sunburn.
The signs of heat stroke in pets include excessive panting or drooling, inflamed gums, glassy eyes, collapse, vomiting and seizures. Casados urged pet owners to act quickly if they notice these symptoms. The first step is to move the pet into a cool area and contact a veterinarian immediately. Applying a cool washcloth to the pet 's neck or stomach can help, but dumping ice water on them can send their bodies into shock.
Casados emphasized that the Arizona Humane Society is not a public emergency clinic, so pet owners should always contact their veterinarian for urgent medical care. But if someone comes across an injured or heat-stricken animal and can't assist, the Arizona Humane Society's emergency number, 602-997-7585, ext. 2073, is available daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Due to the current overpopulation crisis, the best course of action when finding an unhoused pet is first to try to locate its owner. If that's not possible, notify the city's animal control or local authorities. In cases where the pet is injured, and you cannot provide assistance, the Humane Society can step in.
The Arizona Humane Society relies heavily on community involvement to continue its lifesaving work. People can support the organization by volunteering, donating, fostering, or adopting pets in need. These efforts help the shelter manage overcapacity while ensuring vulnerable animals receive the care they deserve.
Trilce Estrada Olvera writes about environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send comments and story tips to trilce.estradaolvera@arizonarepublic.com.
Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust .
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