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Now that summer has
officially started, the heat of summer brings with it
the discomfort and even the danger to both humans and
pets. However, with a few preparations and a little
common sense, you and your pet can bear and survive the
summer heat.
It is important to
remember that some pets may have a harder time dealing
with the heat and humidity. So, if your pet fits into
one of the following categories be sure to monitor that
pet carefully. Dogs with short muzzles (brachycephalic
breeds), such as pugs, Boston terriers and bulldogs, do
not handle high temperatures at all and should be housed
inside.
Obese pets can also have
difficulty with the heat. Of course, the very young pets
under 6 months of age and the geriatric pets are also
considered to be at higher risk for heat related
problems. Finally, if you have a pet that has a chronic
illness or is on medication, you may want to use caution
as well.
For outdoor pets, it is
critical to provide a few essentials. Obviously, a daily
fresh supply of water in large amounts is one of the top
priorities. The water needs to be checked daily for both
quality and quantity. Pets, just like us, enjoy clean
and cool water. For owners of large dogs or for those of
you with multiple pets, you may find that a large bucket
may do a better job of providing a sufficient quantity
of water throughout the day instead of a couple of
bowls. Remember to make sure that your pet cannot tip
over the water containers and place them in a shaded or
covered area in the yard. Another fun way to provide
cool water and some summer fun for your pets is with the
use of sprinklers or with a small baby pool.
Another summer essential,
which cannot be stressed enough, is adequate shade and
shelter from the hot sun. If you leave your pet outside,
they must have plenty of shaded areas to relax in at all
hours of the day, not just for certain hours.
Summertime grooming is
also another ritual for many pets both indoor and
outdoor. It is rarely, if ever, recommended to shave
your pet down to the skin. That delicate skin is
extremely susceptible to severe sunburn and other skin
problems. By keeping your pet well groomed and bathed,
you will help to greatly reduce the incidence of skin
problems. It is definitely best to consult with your
veterinarian and groomer first, since they know your pet
and its skin best.
Remember to check on your
outdoor pets periodically throughout the day to ensure
that they are handling the high heat and humidity well.
Observe their activity and feeding habits, which can
normally be somewhat reduced, but neither one should be
extremely depressed. It is of course advisable to make
indoor accommodations if the heat and humidity become
too much for any pet. Any signs of heat stress or heat
stroke require immediate veterinary attention.
For dog owners, like
myself, who enjoy their daily run/walk with their
companion, it is essential not to overdo it when the
temperature and humidity reach suffocating levels. It is
advisable to exercise your dog in the early morning or
late evening hours. Remember, that sidewalks, roadways
and beach sand can be blistering hot and can burn the
pads on your dog's feet. So, always check the surface
that you and your dog will be exercising on to prevent
serious injury.
Unfortunately, I must
reiterate the point of not leaving your pet inside any
vehicle even for one minute during any time of the day.
This includes a vehicle with the windows left open or
parked in the shade. Your vehicle only becomes an oven
with a temperature of well over 120 degrees Fahrenheit
within minutes, so, never do it, ever.
Now that you have a few
helpful suggestions for keeping your pet cool during the
heat wave of summer, you can ensure that your pet will
have a safe summertime.
———
Dr. Tracy Acosta is a
veterinarian at Biloxi Animal Hospital. Call
1-866-450-8255 or write to South Mississippi Veterinary
Medical Association, 20005 Pineville Road, Long Beach MS
39560; include self-addressed stamped envelope.
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