Did you hear about the dog who was left in a hot car and honked the horn to get help? What a champ! It's great to see a happy ending to that story, because leaving your pet in a hot car can end tragically.
You all know we love trivia, but we're taking a break from posting trivial facts to post some really important facts. Here are some tips to help keep our pets safe in this summer heat.
Never transport your pet in the back of a pickup truck. It's actually illegal in many states. Pets can fly from the bed if you stop suddenly or choke if they are tied up. Watch out for allergic reactions in your dogs and outdoor cats. Pets can suffer from allergies from grasses and other summer allergens. Pesticides and fertilizers can also bet toxic. Your dog may not show obvious signs that he or she needs to stop jogging in the heat. Consider running earlier in the morning or at night. Keep in mind that asphalt can burn a dog's feet. You can buy dog booties or special cooling bandannas for extra heat protection. Protect your pets from sunburns. Talk to your vet about what brand of sunscreen is best and apply it to your pet's nose and ears. Light-colored pets or pets with little fur on their ears are especially vulnerable to burning. If you think your pet is in danger, cool him down with cool towels and make sure he has access to water or ice to lick. Most importantly, get your pet to the vet immediately.
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Animals with flat faces like Persian cats or Pug dogs are at a higher risk of heat stroke because they cannot pant very well. Older pets and pets with thick coats are also at higher risk.Know the warning signs of heat stroke: symptoms of dangerous levels of overheating include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, glazed eyes, weakness, increased heart rate, disorientation, and collapse. More serious symptoms include seizures, vomiting and diarrhea. Did you know that unlike people, dogs and cats don't really sweat? They release heat by panting and by dispelling it through the pads on their feet. Consequently, hot temps cause extreme stress. Make sure your dogs and cats have easy access to water and shade. Even if your pets do have access to water and shade, they shouldn't be left outside all day in summer heat. If you see a pet in a hot car, the Humane Society recommends contacting a store manager to locate the car's owner. If the owner can't be found, call local animal control immediately.Do not leave your pet in the car, even if the car is in the shade or the the windows cracked. Did you know that during hot weather, the temperature inside your car can reach 120 degrees in just minutes?
