Summer Tips

As the heat and humidity climb, so does the chance at heat related injuries and illnesses. Below are some tips to keep your pets safe in the summer.

1. Water, water, water! Always keep fresh, cool water available for your pets, indoors and out. If you will be traveling with your pet, bring water along with a bowl.

2. NEVER leave your pet in the car. Even if it feels cool outside, the interior of a vehicle heats up quickly in the summer sun. If you have to run errands, it is safer to leave your pets at home.

3. Be cautious on high heat and humid days. Shorter snouted breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and boxers especially have a harder time when the temperature climbs. While all owners need to keep an eye on their pets during extreme weather, the above breeds can go downhill much more quickly than others. Avoid strenious exercise during the heat of the day.

4. Keep an eye out for heatstroke. If you suspect heatstroke, it is a medical emergency and you need to act quickly but calmly. Contact your vet immediately and start by cooling your pet down with cool wet towels, especially in the hairless areas of your pet. Signs of heatstroke can include panting, warm dry skin, rapid heart rate, vomiting and eventual collapse.

The Weather Channel has a web page devoted to your pets and their comfort in all sorts of weather. From telling you the best time of day to go for a walk to the comfort level for your individual pet, go to:
http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/pets/