Providing for you pets during the "Dog Days of Summer"

-During the summer months of June through September it is very important to remember your furry friends outside.  Taking precautions will help provide them with comfort as well as preventing serious illness and possible death.  The following simple steps will help keep your pets from suffering unnecessarily.

-For those animals that remain outside for the majority of the day it is imperative to provide them with plenty of cool water in a bucket or bowl that cannot be dumped over and is out of the direct sunlight.  The second most important element is adequate shade for your pet to get out of the grooling sun.  Without proper housing a dog or cat left out in the heat can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

-Signs of heat stroke include, but are not limited too:  heavy panting, salivation, respiratory difficulty, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, increased heart rate, depression, seizure and collapse.  The effects of heat stroke are very severe and include shock, brain damage, and death.  If you suspect your animal is suffering from heat stroke it is very important to seek the help of a veterinary team as soon as possible. In the mean time remove the animal immediately from the heat source and into a cool environment, wet the animal with cool water on head, neck and feet.  It's important to bring temperatures to safe levels slowly so please do not place pets in shower or tub with cold water as it can cause shock.

-Another suggestion to help keep your animals safe during those hot days is too remember to NEVER leave an animal in a car unattended. Even with the windows down an animal can suffocate or become dangerously warm within moments.  It is also a good rule of thumb to not over exercise dogs during the hottest point of the day without water provided regularly.  When walking your pet be cautious of hot side walks and trails in relation to dogs feet and pads.  To avoid burning their feet make sure to choose a trail that is grassy or shaded throughout.

-Lastly, for all animals inside or out it is important to remember to treat your pets for parasites like heartworms, fleas, and ticks and biting flies to provide them with the best health care possible.  For questions about products for control of these parasites please call and talk to our staff to find the best medications for you.  If you suspect heat stroke or other problems please call us at 252-5105 or Animal Emergency Clinic at 554- 4990.