June Tips & Tricks!

image01June! The beginning of summer, sandals, and swimwear! Its also a great time for you pet to get out and get some much needed exercise! Along with the beach weather comes the heat… and this month’s tips and tricks are dedicated to keeping your pet safe in the sun!

What is HEATSTROKE – and how to avoid it!

Heatstroke in our canine friends is caused by the ambient air around your pet being hotter than their body temperature. Dogs cool themselves by panting, ultimately exchanging hot air inside them for the cooler air outside the body. If the ambient air around a pet, like inside a hot car is hotter than the air they are exhaling a pet could go into heat stroke. Dogs do not sweat like we do, therefore this exchange in temperature is vital to their health. These are some of the signs of heatstroke-

  • Increased heart rate
  • Excessive panting
  • Increased salivation
  • Bright red tongue
  • Red or pale gums
  • Thick, sticky saliva
  • Depression
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
  • Diarrhea

image02As heat stroke progresses without treatment it can also cause seizures,coma,cardiac arrest and sometimes death. Heat stroke doesn’t always mean a pet was left unattended in a car. Heat stroke can happen on a walk when the day is too hot, when the pet can not get enough water, or running around a backyard with no shade to cool themselves down in. Here are AGA’s tips on avoiding this truly awful situation!

  • Keep pets with health issues like heart disease, obesity, problems breathing or senior pets cool and in the shade. Even normal activities for this pet could result in heat stroke on a hot day.
  • Provide WATER for all pets all the time. Make sure their water bowl or trough is located in the shade.
  • DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR! Even for a few minutes. Body temperature can rise to deadly heights in just a few moments.
  • Make sure any pet outside has ample shade.
  • Do not exercise your pet on a hot day. Make playtimes out side shorter and keep them cool at all times when the heat is excessive.
  • NEVER muzzle a pet when the temperature is high, this stops a pets availability to pant.
  • Avoid concrete and asphalt, this not only is hotter but can burn your pet’s paw pads.
  • Wetting down your dog throughout a hot day will cool their external body temp. The cold water in their mouth also helps exchange heat!

If you suspect your pet may be suffering from heat stroke waist no time getting to your local emergency veterinarian. Saving your pets life may depend on it!

Pet Sunscreen, they get sunburn too!

image00Most people do not realize that certain breeds and the size of their pet can ,make them more susceptible to sunburn. The sun, just like on us causes UV damage, which we need to avoid. We put on sunblock, wear big funny hats and use beach umbrellas to help fight UV damage. Our furry friends are not as conscious of the problem as we are. Sun damage in pets can cause all types of problems from extreme burn to skin cancer. Here are some time on using pet sunscreen and general sun safety for your Furchild!

Size Matters… Most people don’t realize that pups with short legs are more susceptible to sunburn than others. Because their bellies are closer to the ground the UV rays from the sun are able to reflect off of the ground and directly onto your pet’s delicate underside. This are also being less covered with hair exposes more skin.

Breed Matters… Some breeds are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer than others-These breeds are at the higher end of susceptibility:

  • Pitbulls
  • Dalmatians
  • Boxers
  • Weimaraners
  • Greyhounds
  • Chinese Crested Dog

Sun screen- If your pet has to be out in the sun use a sunscreen. Many pets do just fine with a spray form of pet sunscreen applied to areas that are exposed. The list of highly susceptible dogs need to be completely covered with sunscreen. Many forms of horse and dog sunscreen are inexpensive and last through the summer. Some of them even have a natural bug repellent to help with pests.

Sun Exposure- Avoiding sun at the hottest times of the day is one sure fire way to not get a sunburn. The same goes for our pets. Make outdoor time during the hottest part of the day short and sweet. Keep your pets cool and safe indoor when the weather really starts to heat up!

Make it Fun- Make the sunscreen ritual fun for your pet. Make sure you never spray directly in the face. Spray some on your hands and apply to delicate areas. Give treats, their favorite toy or a Kong filled with peanut butter the first few times so Fido knows the spray will not hurt him! Above all be smart, if your hot your pet is too, so settle for a movie, some ice cream, and the air conditioning!

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