Summer is here and we all love spending time outdoors with our pets. Summer heat can be dangerous and even have fatal consequences. To prevent our pets from overheating here are some simple tips:
- Come and see us and make sure your pet is healthy and on heartworm prevention.
- Pets get dehydrated easily, make sure they have access to water at all times when it is hot or humid outside. Ensure they have access to shade and avoid peak heat times.
- Know what overheating looks like in pets. These signs include excess panting, trouble breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, mild weakness, or even collapse. Severe signs can include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and elevated body temperature.
- Our smush face friends like pugs, bulldogs, Frenchies, and persian cats are at higher risk for heat stroke because they cannot pant effectively. These pets, along with elderly, overweight pets, or pets with cardiac or respiratory disease are at increased risk.
- Never, never, never leave your pet alone in a car. It can lead to heat stroke and death. Within just 30 minutes the inside of a car can go from 80-120 degrees on a warm day.
- Avoid walking your pet on hot asphalt. When the air temperature is 87 degrees the asphalt can reach up to 140 degrees. Please check the asphalt with your hand to ensure it is a safe for your pet.
