subject: 5 Top Tips For Keeping Your Pet Safe During The Summer Heat [print this page] Summer is almost here! Do you know how to properly protect your furry friend from the harmful and potentially life threatening effects of the warm weather? Many people either forget or are unaware that while working up a sweat in the summer sunshine is alright for us, overheating is a very serious, very dangerous condition for most animals that can result in irrevocable damage and in extreme cases, death.
Fortunately for those of us that include four legged friends in our life, there are some very simple, inexpensive solutions to help your pet beat the heat.
5 Top Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Summer Heat
1. The first and most important thing you can do for your pet in the summer months is make sure you are capable of recognizing the signs of animal heat stroke.
Animals that are suffering from heat stroke can exhibit the following symptoms: deep red gums and/or tongue, rapid heartbeat, glazed eyes, fever, lack of coordination, heavy panting, vomiting, excessive thirst, dizziness, lethargy and unconsciousness.
If you suspect heatstroke in an animal, you must act quickly! Take the animal to the nearest veterinarian. If an immediate qualified individual is not available, apply cool (not cold!) water to the chest, neck and head of the affected animal and move to a shaded area, allowing small sips of cool water until help is available.
2. Restrict outdoor access when necessary.
Controlling the times of day that your pet is allowed outdoors, especially on particularly hot and/humid days can help alleviate heat stress on the animal. Restricting access to the every early morning and late evening hours prevents your pet from being exposed to the very hottest parts of the outdoor weather.
3. Keep your animals trimmed when necessary.
Unlike cats, dogs are not especially proficient at keeping themselves cool during the summer heat. Special requirements may be necessary when dealing with dogs in the summer. Some dogs may benefit from having their undercoat trimmed. Though, always remember to check with your veterinarian before grooming your dog, some dogs coats are meant to act as a sun block.
4. Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water.
If the water dish is placed outside, make sure it is located in a shady area. Adding ice cubes to the water can help combat evaporation throughout the day. If you plan on being gone for an extended period of time, make sure to secure the water source so tipping is not an issue.
5. Be aware that animals can get sun burnt too!
Fair skinned animals can burn as easily as we can. Ears and noses are particularly vulnerable. Sunscreen for pets is available, but and PABA-free sunscreen can be used on pets. Dogs and cats can develop skin cancer from extended periods in the sun the same as humans, so make sure your pet is properly protected from the summers rays.
by: Renee Laurin
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