Keeping Cool During the Dog Days of Summer
Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that people do
during the hot days of summer. Overheating, dehydration and heat
exhaustion can happen very quickly. Heat stroke is more serious
and one of the most common emergencies in the summer months. Without
proper precautions, heat stroke can be fatal.
Ways to avoid a trip to the ER are quite simple if you plan ahead
and think about the things you need and/or should avoid on a hot
summer day:
- Never leave your pet alone in the car- a car can reach up
to 120-140 degrees in the sun.
- Always carry an extra bottle of water for your pet, whether
you are on a walk or taking a short trip in the car.
- Do not exercise your pet during the heat of the day- try
for early morning or evening.
- If you are enjoying an outdoor summer day at the beach or
barbeque, always provide shade for your pet.
- Be extra careful with older, ill, and overweight animals
in hot weather as they are very sensitive to heat.
- Brachycephalic dog breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston
Terriers, Lhasa Apsos and Shih-Tzus should always be kept in
cool, air-conditioned areas.
- Additional trips to the groomer can avoid overheating for
some animals with a thick coat of fur. Give them a short cut,
but don’t shave them as this can increase the risk of
sunburn.
- Be aware and very careful of hot pavement, it can burn your
dog or cat’s paw pads.
- Bring a handheld fan with you and direct it toward your pet
if he/she seems to be getting hot.
- Wrap the feet of your pet in wet towels to get his/her temperature
down.
Signs of Trouble:
- Panting
- Lethargy
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Dazed/dizziness
- Collapse
If you are afraid that your pet could be suffering from overheating
or heat stroke, lowering his body heat is the best thing you can
do. You can spray him down with a hose, put him in the bathtub
full of cool water and/or apply ice packs to the head and neck
areas. Once you have done this, call your veterinarian right away
for further care.
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