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Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer Summer is starting to heat up, as our thermostats climb so do our number of activities this summer. Many enjoy including their pets in all their fun times this summer, but often pet owners are not aware of the dangers they are outing their pets in. Take notice: The happy, tongue-lolling smile may also be a warning of impending heat stroke. This can cause nausea, loss of consciousness, irreparable brain damage and maybe even death. Walks on the beach or festivals may not be comfortable for your pet’s paws. If you can’t stand on the sidewalk, blacktop or sand neither can you pets. Try to take walks in the morning or evening or a least try to walk on the grass. Beware of your heat and exhaustion. If you are tired and thirsty then so is your pet. Panting in fact can even dehydrate your pet more easily. Plus if your pet is in a crowded area all the commotion and activity can add to your pet’s exhaustion. Cars are very hot and not the place for pets during the summer. On an 85-degree day the temperature inside a car, even with the windows down will climb to 102 in ten minutes. Your dog will love you much more for keeping him/her in a safe cool house. Recognize and care for your pet emergencies. Heat
stroke in pets usually means a lot of panting, agitation and upchucking. At this
point pet owners can usually cool min/her down with ice cubes and sponging
him/her down with a cool wet towel. If your pet is in an extreme emergency
related to heat stroke symptoms usually manifest themselves as gums looking gray
or a blur tongue and maybe even loss of consciousness. It is important that you
act immediately. Immerse him/her in cold water and direct a fan on him. Remember
to get his/her body temperature down first and then call the vet. |
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