Warm Weather Tips for Pets:

• Make sure your pet always has plenty of fresh, cool water to drink.
• When walking your dog, keep him on a leash so he doesn't run into the street and get hurt.
• Like you, your dog can get sunburned if he stays outside for too long on sunny days.  It's a good idea to put sunscreen on your dog's nose and ears 30 minutes before going out.
• Brush your dog often to keep his coat clean.  Use this time to check for ticks and fleas.
• Not every dog likes or knows how to swim.  If you plan to play in the water with your dog, take it slow and make sure that your dog is comfortable.

Just as with people, pets also can experience a heat stroke when they get severely overheated.

Causes of heat stroke in pets:

• Pet is left in a parked car.
• Previous episode of heat stroke.  Any pet with a history will be more susceptible in the future.
• Lack of appropriate shelter for an animal outdoors.
• Animal is not acclimated to the heat.
• Underlying disease state, especially heart or lung disease.
• Excessive exercise in hot, humid weather
• Breed dispositions.
• Prolonged seizures
• Heavy-coated dogs in warm climates.

NEVER, EVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A PARKED CAR!
Even with the windows cracked, your pet can quickly suffer heat stroke and even die.

Signs of heat stroke:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Body temperature 104 o F or above
• Collapse
• Bloody diarrhea or vomit
• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiratory rate
• Depression, stupor, seizures or coma
• Salivation

Dogs and cats don't have sweat glands so they can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Make sure that your pets have plenty of cool water and shade during hot weather.

First Aid:

• Get your pet out of the direct heat.
• Check for shock
• Take your pet's temperature
• Spray your pet with cool water. If using an outdoor hose, run the water for a minute before spraying your pet. Spray for a minute or two, then retake the temperature
• Place water-soaked towels on your pet's head, neck, feet, chest and abdomen
• Turn on a fan and turn it towards your pet
• Rub alcohol under the pet's front and back legs and on the pads. Do not use large quantities of alcohol, it can be toxic to dogs and cats
• Take your pet to nearest veterinary hospital immediately!

The goal is to decrease the body temperature to about 104 o F in the first 10- 15 minutes. Once 104 o F is reached, you must stop the cooling process.

 

Warm Weather Tips for Pets !