06/18/2024
With the wave of extreme heat in the coming days/weeks, please be sure to keep your pups safe!
Dogs can't cool down as effectively as we can, making them more susceptible to heat-related issues.
1️⃣WATCH THE HUMIDITY
• "High humidity amplifies the negative impact of high temperature on your pet—and in combination, these factors magnify the danger zone," says Dr. Barbara Hodges, DVM, MBA, of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.
2️⃣LIMIT EXERCISE ON HOT DAYS 🥵
• limit exercise to early morning or evening hours
• be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing.
•Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible.
•Always carry water with you to keep your dog from dehydrating.
3️⃣PROVIDE AMPLE SHADE & WATER
• In heat waves, add ice to water when possible or freeze water bowls to have ready.
• A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.
4️⃣KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
•heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness.
•very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or have heart or respiratory disease are more susceptible.
•boxers, pugs, shih tzus and other dogs (and cats) with short muzzles will have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat.
Be Safe & Stay Cool ! 🥶
