HEATSTROKE!

picture copyright of Kim Malonie 2009

Heat stroke!

Temperatures in cars can heat up to dangerous levels within a few short minutes! (even with windows cracked open!)

 Did you know it can take between 10 to 60 days for pets to acclimatize to summer temperatures? If higher temperatures are forecast, plan ahead for your pets! Keep plenty of water available, and if your pets go outdoors, make sure there is a cooler/shaded area they can reach so they can escape the heat.  

You can even have a doggy swimming pool for them to cool themselves (a gentle hosing off can work well too!) Keep exercise and vigorous play at a limited level during the day; try to exercise them during the cooler morning or evening hours. If you must exercise during the daytime, stop frequently for water breaks.

On a hot day be mindful of heatstroke; some of its early signs include: lethargy, panting, lack of appetite, stiff gait, vomiting or diarrhea after exercise and/or heat exposure. If your pet is showing any of these sign put cold wet cloths under their "arm pits" and on their bellies and around their necks, and if this doesn't seem to help them take to a vet asap.