Summer is here and our pets can become dangerously ill from the summer heat. Be responsible and make sure your pets remain healthy and comfortable this summer. Here are 6 summer hazards for your pets:
Pavement- Put your hand to the pavement or sidewalk before your start a walk with your pet. If it's too hot for your hand it's too hot for paws. Use common sense and if your pet needs a walk during the hottest parts of the day, stay away from asphalt and look for shadier softer paths.
Prolonged Outdoor Activity- Limit your pet's outdoor activity on the hottest summer days. Carry a portable water bowl when outdoors or away from home. Our pets always need access to fresh drinking water whether your pet is indoors or outdoors make sure they have plenty of fresh water. Remember some dogs will dig holes and lay inside to cool their body temp, so if you notice your dog has done this on a very hot day, back off on punishment and consider how to cool him off instead.
Cars- Never, ever leave your pet in a turned off car! When turned off a car acts like a greenhouse, trapping the sun’s heat. The air a dog pants out is 100% humidity, so now you have a sauna inside that hot car. On a day when it is 85 degrees outside, the temp in a car increases to 102 degrees in 10 minutes and to 120 degrees in 30 minutes. Even ten minutes alone in a hot car will result in physical damage leading to heat stroke. If you crack the windows on a 100 degree day the temp inside the car still reaches 124 degrees quickly.
Heat Stroke- Signs of heat stroke include:
-vigorous panting
-dark red gums
-dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums
-lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
-collapse and/or loss of consciousness
-thick saliva
-dizziness or disorientation
Your pet needs to be seen by Dr. Daniels immediately if you suspect heat stroke!
Insects- Fleas, Ticks and Bees! If your pet gets stung by a bee, watch how your pet responds to any swelling. If they are very irritated, they may scratch the stung area, pulling out the fur creating a "hot spot". "Hot Spots" need to be treated. Check your pet for fleas and ticks daily. The results from flea and tick bites can be deadly for cats and dogs. Talk to Dr. Daniels about the preventative that is best for your pet and do not buy these preventatives online! We have special offers on Advantage Multi, Bravecto & Trifexis.
Swimming- Never try to force your pet into the water. Most cats do not want to or cannot swim. Surprising to some, not all dogs have mastered the doggie paddle. Before you take your pup boating, to the beach, to a pool consider buying a doggie flotation device. | 
