06/13/2024
Summer has arrived, and we know you are all excited to get out and enjoy the sunshine with your fur babies! However our furry companions do not tolerate the heat as well as us, and can develop heat exhaustion, also called hyperthermia. This occurs when your pet's body temperature rises above a healthy range they are unable to regulate their own body heat. This conditions ranges from mild heat exhaustion, which can be treated at home, to severe heatstroke, at which point your pet can lose consciousness, run a high fever, or even experience organ failure. So here are a few tips so you and your pet can enjoy the summer safely:
1. Never leave your dog in a parked car. Even just for a minute. Even with the windows cracked. Every year, hundreds of dogs left inside parked cars suffer heatstroke and die.
On a 26°C day the temperature inside of a car can rise to 55°C in just 30 minutes. This temperature can be fatal.
2. Do not leave your dog outside too long. If your dog does spend plenty of time outdoors, make sure the have plenty of fresh water and access to cool shaded areas. Bring them indoors during peak temperature hours. Avoid walking your dog at this time as well.
3. Keep your house cool. Leave the air conditioning on or make sure there are plenty of fans running.
4. Make sure your dog has enough water. The only place dogs have sweat glands is on the pads of their feet, so they regulate their body heat by panting, resting and drinking water. Keep their water bowls full.
Here are a few visual aids on what to do if you suspect your pet is experiencing heat exhaustion/stroke: