Summertime is upon us and we have several summer safety tips to keep in mind so you can keep your family healthy and happy. People are spending more time outside with their pets now, so it is important to be aware of the risk of the hot temperatures here in Texas.
Dogs don’t sweat, they expel heat through panting, and cats only sweat through their paw pads. Because of this, both are very susceptible to heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke can include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums/tongue, disorientation, wobbling, and even seizures or coma. If you see any of these signs, you should take your pet immediately to a veterinarian so the temperature can be lowered gradually. You can take a rectal temperature with a thermometer – if it is over 104 degrees, contact your veterinarian for instructions.
Always have multiple fresh water sources for your pet, both inside and outside, which will help keep your animal cool and hydrated. Make sure that if your pet is out in the middle of the day, they have access to shade and possibly put up a fan for them. Definitely keep brachycephalic (short nosed dogs) or elderly dogs inside during the hottest part of the day. Even though it seems obvious, never leave your pet inside the car or even in the bed of a truck unattended. Temperatures can rise to over 120 degrees inside a car with no air conditioning.
If you are going to travel with your pet, make sure they are restrained in the car by a crate, seat, or harness. Take your pet’s food, toys, bed, updated vaccination records, collar with identification and leash, medications, litter box, and a pet first aid kit. Another thing to consider is a permanent means of identification such as a microchip in case your pet does get loose in an unfamiliar place. They are very easily placed in any dog or cat and can be the only means of reuniting with your pet. Another thing is to make sure you know where there is a veterinary clinic nearby in case of an emergency.
The warm weather also brings an increased number of parasites – fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, so make sure your cats and dogs are on a monthly flea and tick preventative along with their heartworm prevention. If your pet is around any open water, make sure they know how to swim or have them wear a pet life jacket. If you have a pool in your yard, make sure they know how to get out of the pool or have it fenced off if your pet can’t swim well.
Lastly, cars are more likely to overheat and leak antifreeze which can be deadly when ingested. It tastes very sweet, so dogs and cats will lick it up if they get the chance. If you see your pet ingest any amount, get them to a veterinary hospital immediately. If not treated soon and aggressively it will cause irreversible damage to the kidneys.
We hope you have a safe and wonderful summer with your pet! If you have any questions, give us a call @ 281-485-2496!
-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM
Dogs don’t sweat, they expel heat through panting, and cats only sweat through their paw pads. Because of this, both are very susceptible to heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke can include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums/tongue, disorientation, wobbling, and even seizures or coma. If you see any of these signs, you should take your pet immediately to a veterinarian so the temperature can be lowered gradually. You can take a rectal temperature with a thermometer – if it is over 104 degrees, contact your veterinarian for instructions.
Always have multiple fresh water sources for your pet, both inside and outside, which will help keep your animal cool and hydrated. Make sure that if your pet is out in the middle of the day, they have access to shade and possibly put up a fan for them. Definitely keep brachycephalic (short nosed dogs) or elderly dogs inside during the hottest part of the day. Even though it seems obvious, never leave your pet inside the car or even in the bed of a truck unattended. Temperatures can rise to over 120 degrees inside a car with no air conditioning.
If you are going to travel with your pet, make sure they are restrained in the car by a crate, seat, or harness. Take your pet’s food, toys, bed, updated vaccination records, collar with identification and leash, medications, litter box, and a pet first aid kit. Another thing to consider is a permanent means of identification such as a microchip in case your pet does get loose in an unfamiliar place. They are very easily placed in any dog or cat and can be the only means of reuniting with your pet. Another thing is to make sure you know where there is a veterinary clinic nearby in case of an emergency.
The warm weather also brings an increased number of parasites – fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, so make sure your cats and dogs are on a monthly flea and tick preventative along with their heartworm prevention. If your pet is around any open water, make sure they know how to swim or have them wear a pet life jacket. If you have a pool in your yard, make sure they know how to get out of the pool or have it fenced off if your pet can’t swim well. Lastly, cars are more likely to overheat and leak antifreeze which can be deadly when ingested. It tastes very sweet, so dogs and cats will lick it up if they get the chance. If you see your pet ingest any amount, get them to a veterinary hospital immediately. If not treated soon and aggressively it will cause irreversible damage to the kidneys.
We hope you have a safe and wonderful summer with your pet! If you have any questions, give us a call @ 281-485-2496!
-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM
