Summer Pet Safety: watch out for heatstroke. Symptoms include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting and collapse. If you think your dog may have heatstroke, get to the vet ASAP — the condition can cause permanent organ damage and death. Breeds with shorter noses, such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Bulldogs and Boxers, as well as very young and senior dogs are especially vulnerable. Even in the shade, a dog exposed to extreme heat and humidity is at risk for heatstroke You will need to refill your dog’s water bowl more often than usual on very hot days. NEVER leave your dog alone inside a car. Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a car can heat up to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes on a warm day. And, leaving the air conditioning on is no guarantee that your dog will be safe. The intense heat of midday can overwhelm your dog during a walk. Exercise your dog during the cooler hours and, if your dog is in the sun for an extended period of time, apply doggie sunscreen. Avoid hot sidewalks and streets. Your dog’s paws can easily become burned on hot surfaces, including pavement, blacktop and sand. Brush your dog regularly. A clean, untangled coat can help ward off summer skin problems and help your dog stay cool. If you want to give your dog a haircut, and your vet thinks it will help him cope with the heat, keep his fur at least one inch long to protect him from the sun. Shaving down to the skin is NEVER recommended. Be alert for coolant leaking from vehicles. Dogs are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant, and just a small amount can make your dog sick — or even cause death. If you believe your dog may have ingested coolant, take him to the vet right away. Tell us! Has your dog ever had a close call with heatstroke?
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:23:29 +0000
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