ASPCA HOT WEATHER
TIPS
We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager
in hot weather can spell danger, warn ASPCA experts.
"Even
the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat," says Dr. Lila Miller,
ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, "and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly."
Take
these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet
is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.
Visit the Vet
A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure
your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your
animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program.
Made in the Shade
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors.
Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.
Know the Warning Signs
According to Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice
President of Veterinary Outreach, "symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing,
increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody
diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees." Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and
Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly,
the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
No Parking!
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
"On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat
stroke," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended
in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.
Make a Safe Splash
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce
your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt
from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause
stomach upset.
Screen Test
"During warmer
months, the ASPCA sees an increase in injured animals as a result of High-Rise Syndrome, which occurs when pets-mostly cats-fall out of windows or doors and are
seriously or fatally injured," says Dr. Murray. "Pet owners need to know that this is completely preventable if
they take simple precautions." Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens
are tightly secured.
Summer Style
Giving
your dog a lightweight summer haircut helps prevent overheating. Shave down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so your
dog still has some protection from the sun. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
As far as skin care, be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for
use on animals.
Street Smarts
When
the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch's body can heat
up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
Avoid Chemicals
Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and
garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear
of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products and
insect coils out of pets' reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance.
Party Animals
Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque
or party? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. "Keep alcoholic beverages away
from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas," says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Senior Vice President
of Animal Health Services. "Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for
your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes,
onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol."
Fireworks Aren't Very Pet-riotic
Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. "Exposure to lit fireworks can
potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous," says Dr. Hansen.
"Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and
other heavy metals."