When it's hot, it's definitely hot for your pet too! Many of us think of summer days as a great time to be outdoors but don't forget our four legged friends need just as much care in the summer as they do in any other season. Summer presents some special challenges that you can help your pet meet:
Food and Water: since many dogs and cats are less active in the summer they may need less food but cool, clean water is a must! Refresh the water bowls often and be sure the bowl doesn't flip over.
Shelter: When outside, a dog must always have a shady and sheltered place to rest. Keep your cat inside so your pet won't get lost or injured. Cats get plenty of exercise inside no problem!
Heatstroke and Panting: Heatstroke is a fast killer. Unlike humans who sweat to cool themselves, dogs and cats cool by banting - breathing throught the nose and out through the mouth. But panting on works for a short time. Prolonged panting can be dangerous. High humidity can make this even more leathal since cooling is even harder. So easy access to shade and lower activity levels, especially for dogs, is important. Cats usually lower their activity level according to the heat. It is wise to limit activity time for dogs to the cooler hours of early morning or evening.
The first signs of heatstroke are panting, droolinging and a bright red tongue and gums. Then the animal may collapse. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY! 1. Get the animal into cool water, under a cool shower or give him a cool water rubdown right away. However, cooling the body back to normal is often not sufficient to save his life. 2. Rush the pet to a veterinarian for continued treatment.
Never leave your animal in a parked car in warm weather - not even for a short time with the windows open! On a moderate 75 degree day, overhead sun on a prked car can very quickly push the temperature to over 120 degrees!!! Although you and your pet like to be together, during the hot summer months it's much kinder and safer to leave your pet home.
Heartworms: Heartworms are internal parasites that are passed to dogs by mosquitoes. Because dogs with heartworms can suffer severe distress and die from heart failure, you should see a veternarian for preventive medicine. This medicine should be given year-round because winter does not always kill mosquitoes.
Skin diseases and grooming: Your companion animal may have more skin problems in warm weather. If you animal is scratching more than usual or has raw skin, call your vet. Daily brushing will keep your pet's coat healthy and clean. Give bath if your pet seems dirty or smelly but regular brushing helps keep them cleaner.
Vacations: Make certain the care-giver for your pet is reliable and knowledgable about your pets care. They should also know the phone number for your veternarian and what action to take if there is an emergency situation. Never leave your pet alone without care in an empty house or tied outside while on vacation.
