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SUMMER HEALTH ALERT:
HOT TIPS TO KEEP PETS COOL
& SAFE
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Stay
Cool ! |
| Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that
humans do—overheating, dehydration and even sunburn—when the mercury rises.
By taking these simple precautions, you can keep your animal companions happy
and healthy in the hot weather:
Top ten Hot Weather Tips
from the ASPCA website:
In summertime, the living isn’t always easy for our
animal friends. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same
problems that humans do, such as overheating,
dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple
precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your
pets happy and healthy.
- A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or
early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test
for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round
preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal
companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe,
effective flea and tick control program.
- Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia
can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked
automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time.
Parking in the shade offers little protection, as
the sun shifts during the day.
- Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold,
fresh water when traveling with your pet.
- The right time for playtime is in the cool of
the early morning or evening, but never after a
meal or when the weather is humid.
- Street smarts: When the temperature is very
high, don’t let your dog standing on hot asphalt.
His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive
paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to
a minimum.
- A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you
can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh
water for your companion. Salty dogs should be
rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.
- Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for
animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed
doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside
during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of
the house.
- Be especially sensitive to older and overweight
animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or
snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston
terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as
those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept
cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- When walking your dog, steer clear of areas
that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides
or other chemicals. And please be alert for
coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your
vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste,
and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call
your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect that your
animal has been poisoned.
- Good grooming can stave off summer skin
problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats.
Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never down
to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection
from the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats
should be brushed often.
Bonus tip: Please
make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or
doors in your home through which animals can fall or
jump.
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Some animals will need extra special care in hot
weather, especially those who are elderly and overweight or have heart or lung
disease. Certain breeds of dogs,
including pugs, bulldogs, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, also need extra attention
on hot days. If your pet is showing signs of heat stroke or exhaustion, take him
to your veterinarian immediately.
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Signs of Heatstroke: 
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heavy panting and salivating
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warm dry skin
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rapid pulse
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dizziness
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vomiting
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deep red or purple tongue
-
losing consciousness
-
glazed eyes
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Stay
Cool !
| Wagging
Tails Pet Sitting Services
wants you, your family and all your fury
friends to have a
Very Fun & Safe Summer ! |
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