07/29/2024
Do's and Don'ts for your pets regarding warm summer temperatures:
* Do not leave your dogs unattended in a vehicle. Even on a 70-degree day that doesn't seem hot to you, that's 110 degrees inside your vehicle! Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death. Cracking a window does NOT make a difference.
* If your pet has to be outdoors, make sure it has plenty of shade throughout the entire day and plenty of fresh, cool water. Add ice cubes to the water throughout the day. Some dogs enjoy chewing on ice cubes so you may want to offer a few on the side also.
* Do not walk your dog unless it is early in the morning or early evening. Test the walking surface. If you are unable to hold the palm of your hand on the walking surface for less than 10 seconds, you will end up burning your dog's pads of his feet. Let your dog walk on grass as much as possible. Also, limit your pet's exercise. Especially brachiocephalic (pushed in face) dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with heart conditions.
* Do not shave your pets coat if they are a breed that is not meant to be shaved. Even though a thick coat seems warm to you and I, it does provide insulation for your dog. Also, they can get sunburned after being shaved.
* SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down
- Brick red gum color
- Fast pulse rate
- Unable to get up
* IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR PET HAS HEAT STROKE:
- Take their temperature rectally.
- If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down
SLOWLY. Place the dog in a tub of cool, NOT COLD, water and
place damp, cool towels on the dog. Bringing the dog's
temperature down too quickly can cause it to go into shock.
- Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103
degrees Fahrenheit.
- Seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.
