Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer

When the sun is hot, it sure does feels good to splash around in the water! It’s pretty easy for us to cool off as needed, but much less so for our animals. When we suffer due to the heat, it’s important to remember that they do too. Heatstroke can be deadly. Here are a few suggestions in order to help your pet avoid it:

• Keep your house cool by leaving the air conditioner on, and keeping the shades drawn. Turn on a fan and leave the windows open if you don’t have air conditioning.
• Limit physical activities when it’s hot and humid. Take walks in the early morning or late in the day when it’s a little cooler and remember to bring water.
• If you intend to walk on the pavement, check the temperature by holding your hand on it. If it’s too hot for your hand, it will be too hot for your dog to walk on as well. Try to walk somewhere where there is grass if possible.
• Remember to make sure that your dog always has plenty of fresh, cool water and make sure he has access to a shady area under a tree. A doghouse for shade is not appropriate because it can trap and intensify the heat. A small pool or a sprinkler can also be helpful in keeping your pet cool.
• And most importantly, NEVER LEAVE YOUR ANIMAL ALONE IN THE CAR WHEN IT’S HOT. EVEN FOR A FEW MINUTES. EVEN WITH AN OPEN WINDOW OF SOME CENTIMETERS.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A HEAT IN THE ORDER OF APPEARANCE?

• Rapid breathing and panting
• Excessive salivation (foam in the mouth)
• Agitation, discomfort, vomiting
• Blue, purplish, dark gums and tongue
• Weakness, convulsions or coma
• Death

If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer all of your questions.