Summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pet- as long as precautions are taken to prevent overheating. Every year, the media reports sad instances of a family pet being left in a vehicle or small space in the extreme heat and not surviving. While pet owners can choose to seek the comforts of cooler environments when the mercury sizzles, pets rely on their owners to provide a safe and healthy environment.
As preparation for the "dog days of summer" is just around the corner, it is good to look at activities and products that will help avoid a dangerous or fatal condition that is highly preventable in pets. A spring/summer check-up may also help detect early problems such as kidney disease, which may have greater impact with the stress of extreme heat along with greater risk for older or overweight pets. It may also be a good idea to cut your pets' fur shorter as warmer months approach.
Many pet owners fail to recognize that heat stroke is very serious. Dogs and other pets can be in danger of experiencing a heat stroke if they are not used to hot weather, confined in a hot space, or if they have worked or played too much without cooling down periods. This condition is commonly seen in dogs, especially in dogs that live in hot and humid climates. A heat stroke in dogs can develop into a potentially deadly situation in as little as 20 minutes or over many hours.
Recognizing the symptoms of this condition is critical which include extreme panting, salivating, staggering, vomiting and diarrhea. As it becomes fatal, your pet will become comatose and their temperature will range from 104-110°F. "The main reason hot weather is an issue for pets is because they are not able to cool off as efficiently," says Tom Carpenter, DVM and former American Animal Hospital Association President and President of Newport Harbor Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa, Calif. "They don't sweat and have to pant to release the heat."
According to Dr. Carpenter, dehydration can lead to lethargy as it progresses, and the pet's eyes may appear to be sunken. In mild to moderate cases, giving your pet small amounts of water to drink over time will help, but in severe cases they'll need IV fluids administered by a veterinarian and time is of the essence to obtain care.
Pet owners may want to consider purchasing a portable air conditioning product to help prevent heat stroke in pets this summer season. A portable air conditioning and heating unit is ideal for "creature comfort" and is environmentally friendly with no carbon monoxide or fluorocarbon emissions. These units can be set to maintain temperatures of 62-88 degrees and is easily installed so that you have the coolest pet in the neighborhood.
By taking precautions to keep your pet safe from summer heat, you'll have little to worry about. Then you can focus on enjoying a doggone great summer together!
Disclaimer:
This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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