Got a "HOT" Dog? WOOF!
by
Karina B. Salvo of PawPrints Animal Medical Cenre P.C.
Summer Heat is blaring
and the a/c is running 24/7!! With the change of season comes the change in
weather and increasing heat and
humidity.
As we all enjoy the changing seasons and the warm weather, we also have to be
aware of hydration and the overheating potential (heat stroke) in our
pets!!
Our dogs love to go
for walks and play at the parks and along the beach…but increasing
temperatures can be a very dangerous thing for our little furry friends.
Working in an animal ER, I have seen numerous cases of heat exhaustion,
dehydration and heat stroke during the summer
months. Many of these pets come in and are severely dehydrated, (excessive
panting increases dehydration). They are often weak and have temperatures of
above 104 degrees. These little patients have to be hospitalized and receive
intravenous fluid therapy and slow cooling of body temperature and close
monitoring of vital signs (usually for several days). Some patients present
appearing stable but quickly decompensate and become critical to grave within
minutes to hours of presentation.
Overheating can happen
very quickly and can lead
to devastating consequences!
It
is important to keep your man or woman’s best friend cool and hydrated during
the next few months as we are now within the hottest time of the year. Be sure
to bring plenty of water with you to the parks or even on walks! It is true
that some breeds are more likely to overheat before others ( bulldog,
frenchies, pugs etc…the short nosed little ones). Although this thought
holds true for those short nosed breeds, every dog outside for any extended
period is certainly at risk!
Another concern are
for those pets that are overweight, heat and humidity makes any movement,
especially long walks, very difficult.
Longer walks
should be done in the early mornings and late or early evening hours…when its
cooler. Never leave your dog in a car, even with the windows down or the a/c
on…accidents can happen and are simply avoided by not leaving your pet
unattended. Cars can act as ovens and temperatures inside a car can reach well
over 120 degrees. Leaving your dog outside, even though he or she has a dog
house and water? Put yourself in their four little shoes…I wouldn't want to be
stuck outside all day…its hot out there!
As we all welcome the
summer festivities here in the Rockaways, please remember to bring the
water with you ( to the beach, the park and for a walk), avoid the hottest
times of the day ( besides the pavement gets HOT for those little toes! Those
can burn too..so make a midday walk QUICK!). I hope that all my readers
are more aware of the heat and the effect it can
have on your pets.
Have a Happy & Safe
Summer!
Dr. Salvo & Staff at PawPrints
AMC
If you ever have any questions or concerns about your pet or their
medications etc, please do not ever hesitate to call us at any time!
We want the best for our pets, and yours too...afterall, they are a part
of the PawPrints family!
Best Regards,
Dr. Karina Salvo
PawPrints Animal Medical Centre PC
718-474-PAWS
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