Posted in Announcements

• Tip 1
Dogs can only cool themselves down by sweating through their foot pads and panting. They cannot sweat like human beings. This, along with a fur coat, puts them at greater risk for overheating. Be sure to keep your pets in the shade or air conditioning whenever possible during summer months.

• Tip 2
Older dogs, dogs with hypothyroidism, and dogs with laryngeal paralysis are at greater risk for developing heat stroke. Talk to your family veterinarian about how to protect your pet from heat stroke if they suffer from one of these conditions such as keeping them indoors.

• Tip 3
Humidity will add to the risk of a pet overheating despite the temperature being lower than you’d expect to cause distress. Keep your pets indoors on warm humid days.

• Tip 4
The temperature in a car, despite the windows being cracked open, can rise to well above 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. Under no circumstances should an animal be left in a car on warm days. Some states have fines and/or laws against leaving animals in cars.

• Tip 5
Exercise your dog in the morning or evening when it is less hot. Strenuous or vigorous exercise should be completely avoided in extreme heat.

• Tip 6
Overweight dogs are much more susceptible to overheating and resultant heat stroke!

• Tip 7
Heat stroke is a severe, life threatening problem that can develop in your pet in a matter of minutes under the wrong circumstances. Early signs of heat exhaustion include panting and an unwillingness to move. Life-threatening signs include increased body temperature, red or dark pink gums, inability to stand, and diarrhea or bloody diarrhea.

• Tip 8
In addition to keeping pets out of extreme heat by providing shade or bringing them indoors, make sure your pet also has unrestricted access to plenty of cool water throughout the day.

• Tip 9
Pets with any kind of matting of the fur, or skin lesions, are at risk for maggot infestation (myiasis) during the warmer months. Eggs laid by flies in these areas hatch within days. Make an appointment to see your family veterinarian if you notice skin lesions or a foul odor on your pet.