06/18/2025
The summer heat & humidity have officially arrived!
Heat exhaustion & heat stroke are both very real, very dangerous & can happen in just minutes. This is especially true in pets with short noses (Bulldogs, Frenchies, Pugs, Shih Tzu etc), elderly pets & those with laryngeal paralysis, as they can succumb to the effects of heat much quicker. If you are bringing them out & about, make sure to keep the air conditioning on & have cool water available at all times. Please, PLEASE don't leave them in the car, back of a truck (with or without topper) or camper without air-conditioning - it takes just a few minutes to significantly harm your pet.
*** Please know your vehicle!! Many newer vehicles have an automatic engine shut off if left in idle more than 15 minutes or so (not to be confused with the remote start). You may have to manually go into your car settings to disable this if you're leaving your pet inside w/ air conditioning running... AND you may need to reset this every time you restart your car (example; this is a default setting for the 2017 Ford Explorer).
*** If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, rinse your pet with cool (NOT COLD) water, get in your car & turn on the air conditioning, point all fans right at them & head to the nearest Veterinary Clinic (call them when you're on your way so they know to expect you). If you are near a water source, you can bring them to the water for cooling BUT have your hands on them the whole time – Heat stroke can cause collapse, incoordination, disorientation & even unconsciousness, so it’s important to be with them to prevent further injury. Do NOT cover your pet with a cool/wet towel (think green house effect - it traps their body heat), though you can lay a cold, wet towel underneath them & replace with another one regularly. Do not use ice directly onto them - You can place an ice pack under a towel, under their abdomen/groin/armpit area.
Rule of 4 for battling heat illnesses...
Water.
Cooler environment.
Air flow.
Ventilation.
If you are here for an appointment & have multiple pets with you, please let us know so we may accommodate them all inside.
If you see a pet in distress in a vehicle, call the police.
Be safe ACVC fans!
