TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE IN THE SUMMER HEAT

Each year Summer brings with it a special danger to your pet. A danger that is unseen, but one each of us can understand……..HEAT.

There are some simple rules that you can follow to protect your pets from becoming seriously sick or even from death.

The following guidelines can save your pet from suffering from heat stroke, and your family from the heartbreak of losing a member of the family.

1. If at all possible leave your pet at home and provide adequate protection from the sun.
2. Make sure there is enough water and it is kept in a shaded place. Water left in the sun will heat to a non-drinkable temperature.
3. If you must take your pet in your car try to park in a shaded area and leave a window open on each side of the vehicle to provide for cross ventilation. The temperature in a vehicle can be 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature.
4. Heat stroke can occur when the temperature reaches only 110 degrees. On days when the outside temperature is close to 110 degrees your pet should not be kept in the vehicle longer than 5 minutes without taking it out on a leash.
5. Know the signs of heat stroke in your pet.
   
   a. Rapid panting
   
   b. Wide eyes
   
   c. Salivating
   
   d. Staggering and weakness
   
   e. Advanced heat stroke may cause the animal to collapse and become unconcious

If you notice any of the above conditions immediately do the following:

• Cool the animal down by spraying cool water or placing the animal in a tub of cool, not cold, water.
• Give the animal small amounts of water or allow the animal to lick ice cubes.
• If your animal continues in distress immediately take your pet to a veterinarian.