Best Friends' animal medical staff advise on summertime fun
Summertime is a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors with your pets, however, you should proceed with caution and use common sense. These tips could save you both a trip to the veterinarian and help you have a happy and healthy season!
DOGS:
Your dogs should not be allowed to run outside or be taken on hikes during the high heat of the day. Please use the early morning and evening cooler temps to exercise your dog and also shorten the length of any activity – it is very important that dogs not be tempted to run outside when the temperatures soar. Be especially careful with dogs that have existing respiratory problems or heart or kidney disease. Any breed of dog that has a “short nose” (brachycephalic) such as a Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Boxer, etc., -these dogs are more prone to heat-induced problems. Since dogs cannot sweat, the only way for dogs to dissipate heat is through panting, so anything affecting their air flow will limit that dog’s ability to cool itself.
Remember that sand, sidewalk and asphalt get very hot and may retain heat for long periods of time, so please be aware of walking dogs on these surfaces so as to protect their feet.
Do not leave your dog in a parked vehicle for any period of time when it is hot – even if you park in the shade! Cracking windows is not enough - and air conditioners are not efficient when the car is not moving. And with these current high temperatures - if you do not have a working air conditioner system in your vehicle, please leave your dogs at home! Remember, while you are in the grocery store or a restaurant, your car could possibly stall and it will only be a matter of minutes before your car will reach unbearable temperatures.
CATS:
Outdoor cats can usually find appropriate shade and cool area if not confined. Indoor cats should have access to a ventilated room or air-conditioning. Most cats will temper their own activity to avoid heat stress.
HEAT ILLNESS IN DOGS:
Signs of heat illness to watch for:
*persistent heavy panting
*congested gums and tongue (deep red)
*elevated heart rate;
* weakness, stumbling, unusual lethargy.
If these signs occur, you should immediately seek veterinary help - and in the meantime attempt to reduce the dog’s body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water! If possible shave the belly of the dog and apply alcohol to the foot pads. But the most important thing to do is get the dog medical attention right away!
For More Information:
Click here to learn more about how you can beat the heat for your pets!
Check out the medical advice column from Dr. Michael Dix in the Best Friends Magazine –click here to subscribe!
image by Clay Myers, Best Friends photographer
posted by Denise LeBeau, staff