For our pets, however, these fond remembrances can turn into nightmares in an instant.
Below are some tips to help keep your 4-legged family friend safe and cool during the hot summer months.
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Made in the Shade
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Parked Pets: It seems like common sense but we have all seen it, or even done it ourselves…
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It only takes a 10 minutes on an 850 day for the temperature inside a car to rise to 1020. If you wait 20 more minutes the temperature inside your car may soar to 1200.
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At these temperatures you pet may suffer from irreversible organ damage and may even die.
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Avoid heat exhaustion: The humidity in Central Illinois can be killer… literally.
Signs of heat exhaustion:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=366
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Heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heart beat
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Breathing difficulty, lethargy, fever, lack of coordination
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Excessive salivation, vomiting, excessive thirst
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Deep red or purple tongue, seizures, unconsciousness
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Dogs rely on panting to release heat from their bodies. When the humidity level is high the heat cannot be “panted away”.
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Tips to keep your pet cool
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Limit exercise to cooler times of day; before 10am and after 8pm
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Offer ample shade for outside animals: check to make sure that the area continues to stay shaded all throughout the day.
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Provide a kiddie pool for pet to wade in and drink from. Use proper safety precautions
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Some animals will not drink water if it is hot. Offering fresh and cool water with an automatic pet watering bowl may be the answer to this problem.
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Home made automatic waterer
http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Awesomest-Coolest-Easiest-Water-Bowl-for-DOGS-/
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Amazon site with several waterer ideas http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=dog+automatic+water+bowl&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=45368358968&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1108890253622877132&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_5y2lhikavj_b
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Set up an oscillating sprinkler that gently cools your pet throughout the day.
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Give your pet a good hose soak before you leave in the morning and when you return in the evening.
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Keep Cookouts and Gardening Safe
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Keep charcoal briquettes out of reach: Once covered in yummy drippings the bricks are a treat to your dog. The bricks may contain toxic chemicals and, if ingested, may get stuck in the stomach or intestines. If this happens your dog may end up needing surgery to remove the briquette.
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Don’t allow your pet to eat drippings or food from a cookout. BBQ scraps and leftovers can cause pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a painful and potentially lethal inflammation of the pancreas.
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Corn cobs and peach pits are also a no-no as they can become lodged in the intestines and require surgery to remove.
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Many plants and shrubs are toxic to pets: To check out the safety of the plants and shrubs you have in your garden please visit: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
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A few common toxic varieties include:
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Azelea, Rhododendron, Oleander, Yew Bush
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Lilies (cats), Clematis, Elephant Ear, English Ivy
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Foxglove, Onion, Garlic, Geranium
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Lock up plant food and insecticides as they may contain potentially fatal compounds
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Firework Follies
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Fireworks contain toxic chemicals and “parts” that can get stuck in the intestines. Keep your pets clear of these before and after they have been set off.
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Keep your pets safely indoors during the firework display times. Many animals are lost each year when they are startled by the loud noises and sights in the sky.
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Be sure your pet has a microchip so that it can be returned home safely. Please contact your local veterinarian if you need more information about micro-chipping your pet.
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Please call a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about the health and well-being of your pet.
My wish is for your family (2 and 4-legged) to have a fun filled summer. Please remember to keep your pets cool and safe from common summer related ailments.
