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Our August monthly article:

Warm Weather Cautions
Content provided by Purina

Mingled with the joys of summer are possible dangers to our pets. Being aware of threats to their comfort and safety can make summertime living easier for you and your dog.

HEARTWORM – Summer means mosquitoes and the danger of heartworm disease. Before warm weather arrives, schedule a trip to your veterinarian to have your dog checked for heartworm as well as other internal parasites and to begin a heartworm prevention program.

FLEAS – Your veterinarian can recommend flea control products for your pet and its environment.

PROVIDING PLENTY OF COOL, FRESH WATER – will help keep your pet cool throughout the summer.

CONFINEMENT IN A CAR OR ANY OTHER POORLY VENTILATED ENCLOSURE CAN BE FATAL TO A PET – One study reports that when the outside temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, a closed car will reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit in five minutes and 110 degrees in 25 minutes. Avoid excessive exercise of dogs during hot days or warm, humid nights. The best time to exercise dogs is either early in the morning or late in the evening.

AS TEMPERATURES SOAR, PETS BECOME MORE VULNERABLE TO HEAT STRESS – Puppies and
kittens and geriatric dogs tend to be more susceptible. Others at risk include shortnosed breeds, like the bulldog and the pug; overweight pets; pets with cardiac or respiratory disorders; and those who recently moved from cool to warmer climates.

HEATSTROKE – is the most common kind of heat stress. It develops rapidly and is often associated with exposure to high temperatures, humidity and poor ventilation. Symptoms include panting, a staring or anxious expression, failure to respond to commands, warm, dry skin, extremely high temperature, dehydration, rapid heartbeat and collapse.

To treat heatstroke, move the dog to a cool place and immerse the pet in cool water or soak it with a garden hose to help lower its body temperature. With any form of heat stress, prompt veterinary attention is important. Remember, never leave your dog outside or in a closed car in extreme heat. Leaving windows open a few inches in heat does not provide sufficient air to keep your dog cool and comfortable. For general guidelines on appropriate environmental temperature ranges, consult your veterinarian.

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