Tips to Keep Fido & Fluffy Safe on Hot Summer Days
We all know how important it is to keep ourselves well hydrated, and the importance of applying sunsceen when we are out on a hot summer day. But, do you know how to protect your pets?
With the extreme temperatures that are headed into the Tristate over the next few days, it is imperative that you not only know how to protect yourself from the heat, but also how to keep your pets safe as well! While some of the tips that are offered by the ASPCA may seem like common sense, we are all guilty of forgetting the obvious from time to time. Here are a few tips from the ASPCA to keep your pets safe...
Your pets may exhibit symptoms of overheating. You should be on the look out for excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart & respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms of overheating can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and even an elevated body temperature of 104 degrees. Some animals shouldn't be in the heat at all... these include animals like Pugs, do to their short noses, they have difficulty panting effectively. Elderly & overweight animals as well as pets with heart or lung disease should be kept in an air-conditioned space.
Make sure that you provide plenty of shade to keep your pets out of direct sunlight if they must be outdoors. Dehydration can happen quickly so regular refills of fresh clean water are a must! It's best to keep them indoors when the thermometer is reaching excessively hi temperatures.
This one may seem like a no brainer to most of us, but inevitability this summer you will see someones pet left unattended in parked car. This is a BIG NO-NO! I cannot stress this one enough! While the temperatures outside reach 100 degrees, that car, even with the windows cracked, will reach temperatures in excess of 120 degrees. Take a look at this chart from www.MyDogIsCool.com. The Left side of the chart shows the outside temperature. The right side of the chart is the inside of the car with all 4 windows cracked, and is broken down into two sets of measurements. One is calculated using a standard indoor/outdoor thermometer. The other is calculated using an oven thermometer.
Oh! And in case the temperature inside your car is not enough to deter you from leaving you pet locked inside unattended, it is also illegal. It falls under Animal Cruelty Laws.
When the mercury is moving up the thermometer, be careful with your walks. Lingering on hot asphalt is never a good idea. Not only can it burn your dogs paws, but it can also cause the dogs body temperature to rise. Fido will heat up quickly being so low to the ground. A summer shave can do wonders to help keep your pet cool. Just don't cut the hair too short, as it protects the skin from sunburn.
When considering taking your pets swimming there are a few things to remember as well. Not all dogs are good swimmers, and animals should never be left unattended in a pool. You'll also want to rinse Fido off after he gets out of the pool. This way you can rinse the chlorine or other pool chemicals from his fur and skin.
Sometimes when it's hot out, an open window and a fan is all it takes to cool of us humans. Unfortunately, that open window can pose a serious risk... especially in homes with window above the main floor... think apartment complexes or highrise apartments. Check your screens. Make sure they are secure. If the window does not have a screen, keep the window closed. Animals all over the country are seriously injured when they fall out of window. Some injuries prove to be fatal.
Your pets depend on you to keep them safe. They need you to look out for them. Please be a responsible pet owner.
Don’t forget, June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. This is the time of year that all of the unspayed momma cats start having their babies, and the shelters start to overflow! It’s a great time to add a furry member to your family!
Remember: Don’t Shop – Adopt! And don’t forget to spay or neuter your pets!!
A few local places to look for your next adoption:
The Humane Society of Henderson County
It Takes A Village Canine Rescue
All of these locations have adoptable dogs and cats. Some even have small animals for adoption as well.
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