Summer Safety Tips 

Summer can be a great time for you and your dog to be outside together. However, you need to be careful. Leaving your dog in a parked car, even for a short time and with the windows cracked, can easily cause a heat stroke or brain damage.

Summer is also the worst time of year for fleas. If your dog or cat gets them, their whole environment must be treated, including the yard. If your dog or cat is not treated, it may eat fleas, which could cause internal bodily harm (including tapeworms).

Make sure your pet always has access to shade and water, especially when weather turns hot and dry. If they do overheat, pour cool water over their back and head, or place ice packs on their shoulders. If your pet is in distress, call your veterinarian immediately. It is important to note that a dog or cat's normal body temperature is between 101 and 102 degrees.

Keep your pet cool:    

• keep water bowls full of cool, fresh water
• provide shaded areas for pet to rest in
• use a misting hose to provide a cool area for a pet while outside
• utilize a “kiddy pool” for dogs to splash and play in
• exercise in the cool of the morning or at dusk, not during heat of the day
• do not leave pet unattended outside when it gets too hot; bring inside
• leave your pet at home when you are running errands

In Cars and Other Vehicles

We do encourage you to leave your pet at home and inside when you dart to the store or the mall. The inside of a car heats up very quickly. On an 85-degree day, a vehicles interior temperature can rise to 120 degrees in 20 minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Another concern is dogs riding on uncovered pickup beds. The sun heats up the metal truck bed and can burn your pet's pads. Have your pet ride in the cab with you, put him in a secure crate, or leave him at home and inside a cool place.

The Sun

• If you leave your pet out in the yard, provide plenty of shade and water.
• Light colored pets may become sunburned. Check with your veterinarian before applying sun block to your dog or cat's nose.
• Walk time for your dog should be in the morning or at dusk when the temperature drops - avoid strenuous playtime outside in the heat of the day.

Best Place for the Heat of the Day

The best place for your pet to be during the heat of the day is inside with you - especially if you have an air conditioner or fan. 
 

Pet Heat Emergencies

Symptoms of heatstroke could include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, vomiting, and lack of coordination. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

If your animal is overcome by heat exhaustion, immediately immerse or spray him/her with cool running water (not cold water as that could cause shock) and continue until body temperature lowers. Give him/her water to drink and consult your veterinarian right away to determine if additional treatment is needed.

If you suspect an emergency has developed and an animal is in immediate danger from the heat, first consult the owner if possible and then contact your local animal control agency or local police department.