PREVENTING HEAT EXHAUSTION

A routine walk during the heat of the day, a backyard without ample shade or a five minute sit in a parked car could lead to heat exhaustion, which can cause irreparable brain damage or even death for your pet. Pets, especially outdoor pets, require extra protection from the summer's scorching temperatures.

Dogs with short-muzzles, such as boxers, pugs and mastiffs, have an even more difficult time breathing during hot, humid days. Dogs and cats don't sweat like humans, they pant to cool themselves. Loud, rapid panting however; is one of the first signs of heat exhaustion. Other signs include rapid pulse, glazed eyes, excessive salivation, elevated body temperature, excessive whining or agitation, staring or vomiting and white or bluish gums. Only one of these symptoms has to be present to indicate your pet may be in trouble.

The following tips will help protect your pets from heat exhaustion:

1. Keep plenty of cool, clean water in a spill-proof container available to your pets. When outdoors your dog may enjoy a baby pool filled with fresh water to lie in when the temperatures are very high.

2. Bring pets inside, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Be particularly careful with senior and overweight pets, they have more difficulty regulating body temperatures.

3. Brush your pet's coat to keep it free of mats. Do not shave off your pet's coat because bare skin can sunburn. Fur protects your pet from the heat and insects and retains cooling water after a refreshing swim or a wetting from a garden hose.

4. Walk your pet during the cooler morning and evening hours. Avoid the hot pavement which can burn and blister your dog's paw pads.

5. On hot, humid days, avoid jogging/running with your pet.

6. Don't take your pet with you when you run errands. The temperature inside a parked car can kill a pet in a matter of minutes. When the temperature is 85 degrees, the temperature inside you car can soar to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and 120 degrees in 30 minutes. And that's with the windows open and the car parked in the shade!

If you suspect you pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, cool your pet immediately by placing him in the shade and sponging or hosing him down with cool water, especially on the head, feet (pads of the feet!) and groin area. Give him small amounts of water to drink.
Once your pet's temperature is back to normal, take him to your veterinarian for immediate care.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: PATRICIA A. MONTGOMERY MEDIA 24-HOUR HOTLINE (630)697-2862