Defending Our Four-Legged Friends

With heat indexes hitting triple digits we need to defend our pets by being aware and taking action when required to protect them during the warm summer months.

Even the youngest and healthiest cats and dogs can become dangerously overheated in minutes – especially if left in closed spaces. Obviously, pets can’t tell you when they’re hot and thirsty, so assume that if it’s hot for you, it’s exponentially worse for your pet.

 Pro-Active Protection:

• Give pets appropriate haircuts according to the breed.
• Avoid walking pets on hard surfaces exposed to direct sunlight, which can heat up under the summer sun and burn a pet’s paws on contact.
• Consider leaving your dog at home in a cool ventilated area.
• Reduce strenuousness of exercise, and limit to early mornings and late evenings.
• Always keep a fresh, full bowl of water nearby.
• If possible, don’t take your pet in the car. Even with air conditioning, pets can overheat when exposed to direct sunlight in the car.
• Never leave a pet in a car in the summer heat, even if the vehicle is in the shade with the windows cracked. It only takes a few minutes for temperatures inside a vehicle to reach dangerously high levels, and it’s against the law in many places.

For some additional tips to prevent dog dehydration and heat stroke check out this article from Web MD.

 See the Signs:

Heat Stress – Signs of heat stress include weakness, reluctance to move, refusal to continue exercising, unusually red or dark coloured gums, excessive salivation, unusual thirst, excessive panting or difficulty breathing.

 If you observe any of these symptoms get your pet to a cool shady area and provide water and rest. If your pet does not recover quickly consult a vet and immediately cool them with water, wet towels, fans and/or ice packs.

 Heat Injuries – Early signs of heat injuries include lameness (from cramping), vomiting during or after exercise, and the inability or refusal to rise or walk. Heat injuries can progress rapidly and need to be treated immediately. Cool your pet as best as possible and get them to a vet for emergency attention. Excalibur Insurance Group recommends you consider these tips to make sure your pet is safe this summer.