High-Rise Syndrome --- The Other Summer Danger

Heat stroke is usually top on the list of summer dangers to pets. Pets falling out of open windows (or balconies) are also high on that list. It happens so often that it earned the name High-Rise Syndrome.

As summer temperature rises, more people open their windows for some relief from the heat. Those living in condos or apartments are often high above the ground, and may not think twice about leaving the windows open when they are not home. There is less concern about burglary when the windows are 3 or more floors above the street.

Most of these windows do not have screens. There is nothing to keep Fido the Dog or Sylvester the Cat from falling out the windows as they try to follow a bird, butterfly, or even a drifting leaf.

Please do not think it could never happen to your pets. A secured window screen is all it takes to avoid the pain and veterinary expenses associated with high-rise syndrome.

If they are fortunate enough to survive the fall, they may still sustain injuries such as fractured legs, fracture jaw, and/or internal injuries (hernias, lung contusions, internal bleeding).

Some of the injuries are not readily apparent to the untrained eye. Pets who may have suffered high-rise syndrome should be immediately evaluated by a veterinarian.

If you leave the windows open, make sure secured window screens are in place to save you and your pets from needless trauma and expenses.

High-rise syndrome is a preventable accident.