Since summer officially began on June 21st., our area can see some pretty hot days; therefore we’d like to provide some summer precautionary tips for your (and our) best friends. One of the major worries in summer is heatstroke, especially where humidity is high, but it can also happen when not expected. Bulldogs and other short-nosed dogs are more prone to heatstroke, but it can happen to any dog. Labs that jog with their owners, especially those with black hair because it absorbs the heat, are a concern because they are the type of dog that will keep going until they can’t go any farther. To help combat this potentially fatal problem here are some tips to remember.
· Always make sure there is plenty of fresh water available for your dog whether inside or outside, even during car trips.
· Pay attention to the National Weather Service’s heat index. (The temperature the body feels when heat and humidity are combined.)
· Be careful when leaving your pet in your car, while you both are out. With the car windows left slightly open, and an outside temperature of 85 degrees, the temperature inside the car can rise to 102 degrees within 10 minutes, and 120 degrees within half an hour. Park in the shade if possible, leave cold water for them to drink and make sure there’s adequate ventilation to keep the interior of your car at a reasonable temperature. Bottom line: If it feels too warm in your car for you, it probably is for your pet also.
· If you feel that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, contrary to what some believe, pets should not be placed in ice water baths, as this constricts blood vessels. You should spray your pet with cool water and place them in front of a fan. And, of course call your veterinarian.
· Summer is also a time when many more people are out with their dogs on walks and playing in parks. Remember to keep your dog on a leash, which is required by law in most cities, since this prevents them from running across the street after squirrels, and other creatures, that might cause them to be hit by a passing car. Keeping them on a leash also gives you more control over other unknown and possibly aggressive dogs that may come up to you while you’re out and about. REMEMBER- NEVER PUT YOUR HANDS IN BETWEEN FIGHTING DOGS TO TRY AND BREAK THEM UP! The chances of you being bitten and bitten badly are the kind of odds you’ve always dreamed of having to win the lottery! Sticks or brooms are much better objects to put in between two or more fighting animals. Even spraying them with water is a better option to keep you from being at the emergency room along with your pet.
· The heat from summer is also a time when stool (feces) from animals warms from the heat of the sun causing a higher chance for bacterial and intestinal parasite infections to be passed onto our four legged friends. Remember to always clean up right after your pet has “left a little present” on walks or in the park. Also, the same holds true of your own yard, especially if your pet has already contracted one of these problems, so as not to re-infect themselves over and over.
Keep cool and enjoy the summer right along with your pets!
