Hot Tips, for Hot Dog Days
Help keep your four-legged friends cool on these hot summer days

When the temperature rises, so does your pets chance of suffering heat-related illnesses. In the wild animals choose habitats that keep them cool. But with pets, it’s our job to provide a safe and cool environment that reduces the chances of sunburn, heatstroke and dehydration.

HOW HOT is it?
All animals are susceptible to overheating. If your animals are used to being inside, extreme heat will definitely send your pets system into over-drive. Animals that are over weight or with heart and lung problems are at a greater risk. Pets with thicker coats, short noses or flat faces are also in a higher risk category. Animals with respiratory problems also struggle because this often times prevents effective panting since this is how animals get rid of most excess heat

Dogs get sunburned?
Direct sunlight also proposes a problem for our four-legged friends. If you trim your dogs coat be sure and leave it at least an inch long to prevent a sunburn. Ask your veterinarian about pet-specific sun block. Areas that need the greatest attention are ear tips, bellies and noses. Make sure your sunscreen is pet specific and safe for cats as well as dogs.

GET A DRINK!
When you head outdoors be sure and take plenty of water for your furry friends as well as yourself! Make sure your dog or cat is drinking plenty of water and doesn’t appear to be overheating. Signs include dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes and skin that appears to have lost turgidity. It’s also okay to pour a cup or two on your pet when he appears to need cooling. Wading pools are also great ways to cool your dogs down.

Play it Cool
Never leave a pet in a parked car. It can quickly reach 120 degrees inside and cracking a window is little help. Limit exercise on hot days to brief walks and steer toward grass since paws can burn too. Always keep safety in mind.

HEATSTROKE HELP
Pets can suffer heatstroke even on an 80 degree day.

SIGNS
• Elevated body temperature
• Panting or drooling
• Inability to be calmed
• Weakness or inability to stand
• Fast heart rate
• Vomiting or bloody diarrhea
• Seizures
• Wobbly walk, stupor, collapse

STEPS TO TAKE
• Remove pet from direct heat.
• Take his temperature with a pediatric rectal thermometer. If it’s more than 104 degrees(normal is 100 to 102.5 for dogs and cats)begin cooling measures.
• Spray him with cool water; put cool, wet towels on his head, chest, abdomen and feet or direct a fan toward him.
• Add measures slowly checking his temperature between each one to make sure you don’t cool him too quickly. At 103 degrees stop cooling measures.

Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately-its important to get him checked even if he appears to be acting normal.