Newsletter: Summer 2009
KEEP YOUR PET COOL & SAFE THIS SUMMER
Both you and your pet need lots of fresh water during the summertime. Remember to check water bowls throughout the day and keep them full and fresh.
Keep your pet indoors during the hot and humid weather. Elderly, very young, overweight and ill animals may have an even harder time in the humidity and heat so make sure they stay cool and have plenty to drink. Never leave your pet unattended outside.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR
The sun can quickly raise the inside temperature of a car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, even with the windows rolled down. This can happen in a matter of minutes, and the result can be fatal to your pet (and children, too). It is best to leave Fido at home when you are running errands!
HEATSTROKE IS A SUMMER DANGER
Pets are vulnerable to heatstroke during the hot summer weeks. The warning signs of heat stroke include panting, staring or anxious expressions, a refusal to obey commands, warm and dry skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat, and possible vomiting. If your pet shows these signs, lower the body temperature quickly with cool water, either by immersion or by spraying thoroughly with a garden hose. But be careful not to overcool your pet and never use ice. Call your veterinarian immediately.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that results when pets cannot adequately rid themselves of excess body heat. Pets rely on panting to cool down. Although panting is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas with high humidity or low ventilation. The intake of cool, fresh water improves the cooling effects of panting.
Dogs with short noses (such as Pugs or Bulldogs) are more likely to develop heatstroke because their small nasal passages make it difficult to circulate air flow for cooling. Overweight dogs, whose extra layers of fat act as insulation, are also prone to overheating. Age can also be a factor in an animal's tendency to overheat. Very young pets and elderly pets are likely to develop heatstroke. Cats are generally better at regulating their body temperatures, but without appropriate shelter and water, they too can overheat.
VACATIONING WITH YOUR PET?
When traveling with your pet, here are some important things to remember:
- Take along your pet's current vaccine information and any pertinent medical information.
- Take along plenty of your pet's prescription medications and diet.
- Make sure you know the number of a veterinary hospital near your location in case your pet needs medical care.
- Have current ID on your pet. Have your pet microchipped prior to traveling & keep current tags on his/her collar. Include a tag with your phone number engraved on it.
- Carry a first aid kit for your pet. While it is not a substitute for veterinary care, knowing first aid could save your pet's life.
**We have First Aid Kits available at WFVH.**
