 |
| McKenna, cvt |
Summer is
finally upon us. It is time to spend time outside and enjoy the weather. However, during these fun times please
remember our four legged friends. Just
like us, pets are susceptible to heat. Here are some tips keep your pet safe.
1. Water. Always have fresh water available for
your pet. It sounds simple but dehydration and other issues such as heat
stroke can occur fast on hot days and can lead to many problems. Setting up a
kid’s pool in the yard or a sprinkler is a great way for dogs to keep cool.
2. Walking. Our pet’s feet are sensitive. Touch your hand to the pavement; if it is too
hot for your hand then it is too hot for a walk. Try to avoid asphalt and walk
on the grass. Best times for a walk are
early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are down.
3. The Car.
Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. It does not matter if you
are gone for a few minutes or park in the shade. Dogs overheat easily, their
normal body temperature ranges from 100-102.5. The slightest increase in
temperature can cause many problems such as heat stroke, seizures, brain
damage, or death.
4. Breeds. Some dogs are more prone to heat than
others. Specific breeds are the brachycephalic dogs (short noses) like pugs and
bulldogs. It is harder for them to intake oxygen due to the facial structuring.
Also dogs who have heart disease or are overweight have a harder time in the
heat. Take extreme caution with them and limit exercise.
5. Cooling.
Make sure to keep your pet cool inside and outside. A cool area with shade is a
must both inside and outside. If your pet has long hair, consider a haircut. Try making some doggy popsicles (see recipe
below) they are cooling and delicious.
How to make
peanut butter popsicles
Ingredients
1 cup peanut
butter, preferably unsalted and unsweetened (Check your peanut butter's label
to make sure it doesn't contain any kind of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.)
Half of a
ripe banana, mashed
Water as
needed
In a small
mixing bowl, combine peanut butter with a little water or half of a mashed
banana. (The water and banana aren't essential, but they help with freezing
consistency.)
Line a cookie
sheet with waxed paper, or use Kong-style rubber toys that have a cavity you
can fill.
Spoon the
mixture onto the tray just like you would cookie dough, or stuff it into the
toys. Freeze the tray or toys for several hours or overnight. If you need to
reuse the tray right away, pop out the cubes and store them in a bag or
container in the freezer.
Watch
for signs of overheating. Contact your Veterinarian if you see these signs:
-Trouble breathing
-Dark red gums or tongue
-Disorientation/Dizziness
- Heavy panting/Drooling
Follow these basic tips to help your pet keep cool and enjoy
the summer.
My Dog is Cool
