SAFETY TIPS

Tips to prevent heatstroke in your pet

Avoid this preventable emergency!
Hot weather creates additional hazards
for your pet. Unlike humans, animals
can't change their wardrobe or turn on
the air conditioning like humans do to
keep comfortable. Follow these
common sense tips to prevent a
heat-related pet emergency.
Besides the obvious... provide shelter
and shade, fresh water, and good
grooming, here are some tips to help
keep your pet cool in the summer heat.


Be aware of ways that your pet could
accidentally be caught without shade -
is your pet on a tether and could
potentially get caught out in the full
sun? Will the shade be available all day?
While the shelter provides shade, is it
hotter inside the shelter? If possible,
utilize shade from trees in addition to
the dog house; assuring that there is
sufficient shade all day long.
If your pet is left indoors, is air
conditioning available? Will the house
stay cool through the heat of the day?
Basement access will provide a
naturally cool area to keep your pet
comfortable.
For indoor or outdoor animals, a cool
water "bath" before leaving for work
will provide additional cooling for your
pet.
Is fresh, cool water available at all
times? Can your pet spill the water
source? Consider installing an
automatic pet waterer.
Do not plan long walks or go jogging in
the heat of the day.
This can be life-threatening for some
dogs. Plan exercise and outdoor
activities in the relative coolness of
morning and evening time. Be sure to
bring along fresh water or a collapsible
drinking bowl to allow your pet to get a
cool drink when needed.

NEVER leave your pet in the car, even it
is only for a "quick errand"! This is very
dangerous, even on days that are only
mildly warm. If you see a pet locked in
a car, please call local animal authorities
immediately, you may save a life!

From Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
Your Guide to Veterinary Medicine.
"People" food: Pet
parents often think
they are giving
their four-legged
friend a special
treat by feeding
them from the
table, but they are
actually doing
more harm than
good. People food
is simply not
meant for pets.
Table scraps
leftover from a
holiday feast,
especially ones
covered in gravy
or poultry skin,
can cause severe
gastrointestinal
upset. If your meal
includes poultry of
any kind, do not
give the bones to
your pets.
Unfortunately,
poultry bones can
splinter, form
sharp points and
get stuck in the
throat, gums or the
roof of the mouth,
causing severe
problems. Onions
are another
ingredient that can
be toxic to both
dogs and cats. And
lastly, never feed
your pets
chocolate.
Chocolate contains
the heart stimulant
theobromine which
can cause a fatal
heart attack if
ingested in large
doses.
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