Provided by Buddy and Porky
OSWEGO, NY – Dear Porky, whew, it sure is hot outside. Are there any special precautions that I should take with my pets in this kind of weather?
Diane
Dear Diane,
Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do – overheating, dehydration and even sunburn – when the mercury rises.
By taking these simple precautions, you can keep your animal companions happy and healthy in the hot weather:
Exercise your dog in the cool of the early morning or evening, never when it’s extremely hot or humid. Take care not to let your dog stand on hot asphalt, as his sensitive paw pads can easily burn.
Provide plenty of shade and cool, clean water for animals kept outdoors. Bring a supply of water with you if you take your pet on an outing to the beach or park and make sure there is shade available. And during the hottest part of the day, please bring your cat or dog inside to rest in a cool part of the house.
NEVER EVER leave your animal alone in a vehicle. Overheating can be fatal. Even with the doors open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.
Some animals will need extra special care in hot weather, especially those who are elderly and overweight or have heart or lung disease.
Certain breeds of dogs, including pugs, bulldogs, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, also need extra attention on hot days.
Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.
If your pet is showing signs of heat stroke or exhaustion, take him to your veterinarian immediately.
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