Preventing Heat Stroke
Help your best friend keep cool and enjoy Summer with a bit of knowledge. As long as you take into consideration the following rules, both you and your pet can enjoy the Summer safely:
- Have a cool, well-ventilated space for your pet. Good ventilation is critical because many animals lose heat by panting (evaporative cooling) which relies on good air flow. Outdoor pets should also always have access to shade.
- All pets should have access to plenty of fresh clean drinking water at all times.
- Never leave your pet in a car as temperatures rise extremely quickly even on mild temperature days and can kill pets rapidly.
- Avoid exercising animals in hot weather.
- Avoid hot sand, concrete, asphalt areas or any other areas where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade.
- Be aware of the symptoms and look out for the signs in your pet. These include:
- Panting which increases as heatstroke progresses
- Drooling, salivating
- Agitation, restlessness
- Very red or pale gums
- Bright red tongue
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing distress
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness, staggering
- Lethargy, weakness
- Muscle tremors
Foods that can be Toxic to Dogs
We put together a handy list of the top toxic people foods to avoid feeding your dog. As always, if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Avoid Lawn Products Hazards
We want our yards to look nice, but pet exposure to lawn products is a common problem. Keep your dog safe with 4 tips:
- Keep dogs out of areas where any products are being applied
- Make sure you follow all instructions for the product
- Keep dogs inside until products are dry or no longer prominent
- Make sure your dog has access to water so they don’t go seeking it in the wrong places