Summer is almost here, time for the SPF, and beach days to keep us cool. Our furry little friends need help staying cool this summer too. On these warm summer days pets have a harder time cooling off. Dogs can cool down with the help of their sweat glands on the pads of their feet or panting, but if put into the wrong situation it could turn deadly.
This summer, owners should take precautions against the danger of heat exhaustion and heatstroke of their pets.
- Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Even partially opened windows won't protect your pet from heatstroke.
- Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Even partially opened windows won't protect your pet from heatstroke.
If you see a dog in a car and in distress, take down the car's color, model, make, and license-plate #, have the owner paged inside nearby stores, and call local humane authorities or police.
-Exercise your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures and pavement are cool.
- If your pet is outside during the day, remember to provide protection from the sun, plenty of fresh water and if possible provide a nice wading pool to aid in cooling. Remember the older, short muzzle and over weight dogs are more likely to overheat during hot weather.
- Keep your dog properly groomed. Dogs with longer hair are more susceptible to heat stroke and other hot weather problems.
- Pets indoors should also have cool water throughout the day. Remove insulating bedding from dog crate or bed, such as blankets or pillows. Keep a fan or air conditioner on if the area is likely to heat up during the day. Pull blinds or shades over areas where direct sunlight enters to keep your home cool.
Have a safe and healthy summer!
