SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

Hot weather can make us all uncomfortable, and it poses special risks for your dog. Please keep the following safety concerns in mind as the temperatures rise.

GENERAL HEALTH

1.       Make sure your dogs vaccinations are up to date, especially since dogs tend to stay outside more and come in contact with other animals more in the warmer weather.

2.       Ask your veterinarian for an effective preventive for fleas, ticks and mosquitoes which carry heart disease and are more of a problem in the summer months.

3.       Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers.

HEAT HAZARDS

1.       If your dog stays outside please be sure to provide a shady spot for your dog to rest during the day, doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they trap heat. A good idea is to fill a child pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.

2.       Always provide plenty of fresh cool water.

3.       Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Try to take walks early in the morning or late in the evening. You may also want to try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand which can burn your dog’s paws.

4.       Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. Temperature inside of an automobile can rise over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. The best thing is to leave your pet at home for a trip around the corner, you may think you are doing them a favor by letting them ride but they are much better of to stay at home on hot days.

5. Putting a dog unsecured in the back of a pick up truck is dangerous even if you are only traveling a few blocks. anytime a dog must ride in the back of a pick-up truck it should be covered with a fiberglass shell that has screened windows which can be open for cross-venilation, you should add a rubber bed liner and blankets for comfort. Camper shells provide protection from harsh elements and can be locked to protect your dog from anyone getting to them.

WATER SAFETY.

1.       Never throw your dog in the water and never leave your dog unattended in water.

2.       Most dogs enjoy swimming but some cannot and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog’s preference and skills before trying to make him swim.

3.       Do not let your dog over do it when swimming, swimming is very hard work and they can tire easily. If you are swimming at the ocean be sure to be careful of strong tides.

4.       If you own your own pool make sure your dog know where the ladders and stairs are located and be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown.

HEAT STROKE

Heatstroke can be the serious an often fatal results of a dog’s prolonged exposure to excessive heat.

The early stages of heat stroke are:

1.       Heavy panting

2.       Rapid breathing

3.       Excessive drooling

4.       Bright red gums and tongue

5.       Standing 4 square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.

The advanced stages are:

1.       White or blue gums

2.       Lethargy, unwillingness to move

3.       Uncontrollable urination or defecation.

4.       Labored, noisy breathing

5.       Shock

If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down by:

1.       Applying ice packs to the groin area

2.       Hose them down with water or put them in a tub of water

3.       Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drinks small amounts of water

4.       Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes.

Check your dog’s temperature regularly during this process. Once the dog’s temperature has stabilized between 100 to 102 degrees, you can stop the cool down process.

If you can not get the dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heat stroke, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

Bottom Line:

Keep a good eye on your dog, do not leave them unattended and always excercise common sense and proceed with caution to help keep your dog safe, regardless of the season.

Summertime comes with its own sets of hazzards, so make sure you are familiar with the risks, and learn the warning signs that mean trouble for your pet.

Whenever in doubt, call your vet right away.