Community Corner

Dog Daze: Make Sure the Pets Get the Same Protection as Children and Adults

Let your out of door friends enjoy some chilled air conditioning.

You know how hot is it out there? Pets refuse to go out of doors when given the opportunity. These are the dog days of summer and we haven’t reached July 1 yet.

Local police remind people not to neglect the four legged friends. They say every precaution should be taken, the same as you would for elderly people and children too.

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Here’s what the National Veterinary council has to say:

Time to get out with the family (and likely a family pet or two) and enjoy recreational activities. The purpose of this is to serve as a reminder of summer dangers for pets, so that all of the fun isn't spoiled by an unsuspected emergency or illness.

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Don't leave a dog in a car in the heat

Most people are aware that leaving a pet in a locked car on a 100F degree day would be dangerous. However, it is the seemingly mild days of spring (and fall) that pose great danger, too. Driving around, parking, and leaving your pet in the car for "just a minute" can be deadly.

Cars heat up fast -- even with the windows cracked. Check out these sources for additional temperature information:

Avoid Heat Stroke 

Signs of heat stroke include (but are not limited to): body temperatures of 104-110F degrees, excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, coma, death.

Brachycephalic breeds (the short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs), large heavy-coated breeds, and those dogs with heart or respiratory problems are more at risk for heat stroke.

Jogging is also dangerous this time of year. So your dog jogs everyday with you and is in excellent shape - why alter the routine? As the weather warms, humans alter the type and amount of clothing worn, and we sweat more.

Dogs are still jogging in their winter coat (or a slightly lighter version) and can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of sweating through the foot pads. Not enough! Many dogs, especially the 'athletes' will keep running, no matter what, to stay up with their owner. Change the routine to early morning or late evening to prevent heatstroke.

Housing

Consider your pet's housing. If they are kept outdoors, do they have shade and fresh water access at all times? I have treated one case of heat stroke in a dog that did indeed have shade and water while tethered under a deck, but had gotten the chain stuck around a stake in the middle of the yard -- no water or shade for hours.

If you live in a warm climate, it is a good idea to hose down the dog before work, at lunch or whenever you can to provide extra cooling (if you dog is not overheated in the first place).

Information provided by the National Veterinary Advisory Council.

This U-Tube video explains what you need to do to help your dogs in this extreme heat.


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