Summer and Our Pets! – No Place Like Home

Summer is definitely here. Summer is a great time for so many activities, but the heat can make it a challenge for our pets to keep them safe.
Here are some things to avoid during the hot temperatures. Trips in the car, even if you’re just going to run into a store for a few minutes. The temperature in a car raises rapidly. We have to be careful, walking dogs outdoors during this heat, as the temperatures of the cement and pavement become unsafe quickly. Furthermore, long walks and hiking in general are unsafe in these higher temps.
If you do feel your pet has overheated, seek medical care as soon as possible. Some signs are heavy panting, rapid breathing, drooling, dry mucous membranes, red gums and tongue, hot skin, and a higher heart rate. Other signs can be discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and mental dullness or loss of consciousness. Advanced signs are uncoordinated movement, collapse, dehydration, elevated temperature and disorientation or stumbling.
You would first want to make sure that your pet has been moved to the shade or indoors if possible. You want to use cool water, but not ice water, as this restricts the blood vessels and actually is counterproductive and cooling our pets. Cool towels placed on the feet and often replaced, a fan placed on your pet will help the water evaporate and help cool your pet as well. Again, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, as heat stroke needs medical treatment.
With the right precautions, summer is a great time to have fun with your pets. For more information about No Place Like Home, please email info@noplacelikehome.vet or call/text 818-400-1986.