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Summer Tips
Tip 1: Never leave your pet in a parked
car
Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any
period of time. On a 70 degree day, the temperature in a parked car
can reach 110 degrees in a matter of minutes -- even with the car
windows partially open or parked in the shade. Your pet can quickly suffer
brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high
temperatures. This is what you should do if your pet is exposed to high
temperatures:
- Be alert for the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a
rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or
purple tongue.
- If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature
immediately by:
- Moving your pet into the shade and applying cool (not cold) water all
over their body to gradually lower their temperature.
- Applying ice packs or cold towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest
only.
- Letting your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
- Finally, take your pet directly to a veterinarian -- it could save their
life.
If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call
your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately!
These fliers are available for posting:
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Tip 2: Never transport your dog in an open
truck bed
- Any sudden start, stop, or turn may toss your pet onto the highway
where the dog can get hit by oncoming traffic. It is estimated that at
least 100,000 dogs die this way each year.
- Do not leash your pet inside the truck bed--many dogs have been
strangled when tossed or bumped over the side of the truck and been left
helplessly dangling.
- If they must ride in the back of the truck, put the pet inside a crate
that will give them some protection from the wind and weather. Tie the
crate securely to the walls of the truck bed, so it cannot slide about or
be tossed out of the truck.
Tip 3: Never over exercise your dog in warm
weather
Tip 4: Make sure your pet always has fresh,
cold water
Tip 5: Beware of sun-baked pavements; they
can burn tender paw pads
Tip 6: Begin flea and tick prevention
early
Tip 7: Protect your dog against
heartworm
Tip 8: Keep small pets and birds out of
direct sunlight
Tip 9: Keep animals indoors during
thunderstorms and fireworks displays
Tip 10: Keep a close eye on your pet near
the swimming pool
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