NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA SAYS "PLAY IT SAFE" WITH PETS DURING SUMMER HEAT WAVES

With the forecast calling for blistering days and high humidity, North Shore Animal League America reminds owners to safeguard their pets during the warm stretches ahead “It’s vital to be aware of the dangers high summer heat poses for our pet dogs and cats,” advises Gerard Laheney, DVM, of NSALA’s Lewyt Veterinary Medical Center. “We need to be proactive as temperatures soar. Panting is an inefficient means of releasing heat and animals don’t perspire as humans do. Therefore, they are more prone to feeling the effects of heat than we might realize. For animals, hydration and retreats from sunlight are essential. ”

Dr. Laheney suggests the following:

Never leave your pet in the car. When the temperature is in the 70's and 80's, temperatures inside a parked car can top over 100 degrees in as little as 10 minutes. While it might be tempting to leave your pet in the car "just for a minute" while you pick up your dry-cleaning, you could be putting his life at risk.

Make sure your pet has access to fresh clean water throughout the day. Dogs need to drink more during warm weather, especially after playing or walking outside. So you may notice that you dog needs an extra “bathroom break” – aka, outdoor walk, as they drink more water during the summer months. Keep your pets’ water bowls cold and filled by adding a few ice cubes each time you refill.

Also, be aware that a thirsty pet may look for water in atypical places and can get into trouble. Chemicals, like garden fertilizer, rat poison, weed killer, swimming pool cleaners and antifreeze from your car can make their way into pools of water in the yard or driveway, especially after a rainfall. To avoid problems, prevent you pet from drinking from any sources other than a hose or a bowl you’ve filled yourself

Take it easy. Dogs love the summer months because they get to go to all sorts of fun places with their people. Keep in mind that your puppy is not going to be good at "pacing himself". You can avoid the risk of heat stroke by doing more strenuous exercise and activity in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler. Signs of heat stroke in a dog include heavy panting or labored breathing, bright red gums and tongue (in later stages the gums can turn blue or white), excessive drooling, loss of balance, or sudden lethargy.

Certain breeds, like Brachycephalics, including pugs, bulldogs and others with pushed-in noses, plus animals with respiratory and cardiac conditions are at an increased risk of heatstroke. If you think your dog or cat has heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately. You can help to cool your puppy off by hosing him down with cool water, offering small chips of ice cubes, and wrapping an ice pack in a dishtowel and applying to the dog’s body.

Finally, if your pet likes to relax in the shade of a yard or deck, watch out for yellow jackets, bees, toads, and snakes. Bite or sting symptoms are usually swelling of the face or affected areas. Once stung or bitten, the pet’s skin may start to look wrinkly or bumpy. This is a first indicator and If not treated by a veterinarian could result in death due to toxins taking over and shutting down the body or causing airway swelling to the extent that breathing is impossible.