Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Summer Heat

Summer time can be dangerous and uncomfortable for your pets. With humidity,  high temperatures and summer storms, your pets can be stressed and become sick. Or even die!

Here are some helpful tools and tips to help your fur babies safe and cool during the hot summer months.

Practice basic summer safety:

NEVER leave your pet in a parked car, EVER.

Even with the windows cracked, temperatures can reach as high as 120°, in 30 minutes, on an 85° day. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage, or die. Not even for a minute should you leave your pets in the car. The pet will suffer terribly if left in a hot car unattended, no one wants that.

Humidity

Humidity is as dangerous for your pet as it is for you. Your pet “pants” to help evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. With high humidity levels, they will be unable to cool themselves and their body temperature will soar to dangerous levels, very quickly.

Signs of heatstroke

Signs of heatstroke include are heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heart beat, difficulty breathing, lethargy, vomiting, deep red or purple tongue, and becoming unconscious. Young or older animals are more susceptible to heatstroke, and some breeds with short muzzles will have a harder time breathing in hot weather.

If heat stroke happens, move your pet into the shade or an air conditioned area. Run cool, not cold, water over her/him, and apply ice packs to the neck, head and chest area. Let the pet drink small amounts of water, or lick ice cubes. Take the pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Prevention is the best medicine

Always provide ample cold, fresh water and shade for your pets, and the ability for them to get out of the sun if you can’t be home with them. Try and keep them in an air conditioned room if at all possible. Dogs do not respond to fans the same way as humans, because dogs mainly sweat through the paws, so it is not as effective.

Limit exercise on hot days, to early morning or late evening when it is cooler. Try to have a leisurely walk instead of a strenuous work out. Always carry water with you to keep your dog from getting dehydrated.

Just a few commons sense items will keep your fur babies happy, healthy, and cool!

Enjoy the summer!

**The Humane Society of the United States newsletter,

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets_safe_heat_wave.html