As the weather continues to get warmer it is very important that we pay as much attention to the needs of our furry family members as we do to our own needs. Preventing them from overheating and dehydration during hotter weather can be a challenge, but being aware of what needs to be done is the first step.
It’s also important to ensure you have visited your vet and had your pet kept up to date on all their vaccinations, especially the heartworm, flea, and tick for the warmer months. So, if you haven’t done that as of yet…get the appointment scheduled.
Make sure you provide your pets with plenty of clean, fresh water throughout the day and ensure they have shady and cool spots to rest. If you’re taking them on walks or hikes, be sure to bring water bowls and water to refresh them along the way. A side note- sidewalks heat up dramatically in the sun. As an example, when the air temperature is 86 degrees, the asphalt temperature is 135 degrees! Clearly way too high for a dog’s paws.
This also applies to the car. Leaving your pets in a car when temperatures are hot outside can be deadly, not to mention inhumane. Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside the car is much too hot and humid for a dog to reside. If you must take your dog with you when traveling, they must be taken out of the car and with you when you stop.
Know the signs of an overheated pet:
- Excessive panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart and respiratory rate
- Drooling
- Mild weakness
- Collapsing
If your dog has any of the following symptoms, you’ll need to contact your vet immediately:
- Seizures
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Temp over 104 degrees
If you have a pool in your yard, it’s very important to watch your dog carefully. Not all dogs are great swimmers. If you have introduced your dog to the water, you’ll still want to keep an eye on them and watch for signs of distress. Using a flotation device is still a recommendation to protect them at all times. Remember to rinse them off if they have been in the pool to get rid of the chloride and other pool chemicals.
Enjoy the summer with these lovable family members while protecting them too.
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