We are looking at the next few days to be the hottest our area has seen in several years. While some of us may stay hunkered down in our air conditioning as much as possible, others with a tropical soul will be outside enjoying every sultry, sweaty, HOT moment they can. But it is vitally important for all of us to remember that even the very healthiest of pets can succumb to dehydration, sunburn and heat stroke.
Dehydration happens quickly!
- KEEP A CONSTANT SUPPLY FRESH CLEAN WATER AVAILABLE
- DO NOT OVER EXERCISE A PET
- BE SURE TO KEEP THEM IN A SHADY PLACE IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS
- KEEP THEM IN THE COOLER INDOORS, WITH A/C OR FANS BLOWINGI
HEAT STROKE CAN BE FATAL IF NOT TREATED ASAP! Please, if you even think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, IMMEDIATELY get help from your veterinarian.
Pet owners need to know the symptoms to watch for:
- Excessive panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart and respiratory rates
- Mild weakness
- Drooling
- Stupor or collapse
- Seizures
- Vomit and bloody diarrhea combined with a body temp over 104 degrees
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle! The tragic death of K9 Wix serves as a reality check that dogs can die when left in running, air conditioned cars. Machines fail! Cars become furnaces, with or without the windows open, and animals die.
When the temps get as high as we are going to hit this weekend, don’t let your pet linger on hot asphalt. Being in such close proximity to the ground, a pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during times of extreme heat to a minimum and limited to mornings and after sunset when it is somewhat cooler. PLEASE DO NOT RIDE YOUR BIKE AND RUN YOUR DOG!
