How to help your pet through the Summer heat

       A little caring attention to your pet’s needs can keep 

them safe and happy through the hotter 

Summer months.

The summer months can be uncomfortable—even dangerous—for pets and people. Follow some simple tips to keep your favorite pal healthy in the Summer heat.

Practice basic summer safety
Never leave your pets in a
parked car! Not even for a minute. Not even with the car running an air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees.

Watch the humidity  
Humidity can make already high temperatures worse. Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly. If your dog’s temperature reaches 104 degrees, they are in danger of heatstroke and organ failure.

Don’t rely on a fan 

Fans don’t necessarily cool a pets feet and that is where they primarily sweat.
 
Provide ample shade and water

Any time your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from heat and sun

and plenty of fresh, cold water. Shade trees and tarps can help. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.

Cool your pet inside and out   

Always provide water, whether your pets are inside or out with you.

Watch for signs of heatstroke

Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke. Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness. Older animals, and those with short muzzles are particularly susceptible to heatstroke.

How to treat a pet suffering from heatstroke

Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or run cool (not cold) water over her. Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take her directly to a veterinarian.

Flea and Tick Season is here                 

Be on the lookout and check your pets for ticks in addition to checking them for fleas. As

early as early May, we were seeing signs of an increase in fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and

other pests for your pets, due to a mild winter and soggy spring.