It's all about the Shade!

Pet Family,

Did you know that warm weather is quickly approaching?  Fred and I want you to be mindful of the dangers that we as pets can experience during the summer months. Do us a favor and keep in mind that even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburns, if overexposed to the heat.  As pet owners it is your responsibility to take simple precautions to ensure that your precious pets are safe from overheating.  If you suspect that your pet is suffering from a heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.

We love to hang out with our humans, but keep us in the shade.  Florida is hot, hot, and hot and we dehydrate quickly, so give us plenty of fresh and clean water when it’s hot outdoors.  Make sure that we have a shady place to get out of the sun, and although we like to exercise, keep it to a minimum in the heat as well.

Parents, there are still a lot of you that just haven’t gotten it yet.  NEVER leave us alone in a parked car.  On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time, even with the windows open; which could lead to a fatal heat stroke.

Do you know the warning signs or symptoms of overheating in pets?  Excessive panting or difficulty breathing increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.  We can also have seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. 

Watch out for our Pugs and Persian cat friends, (although Fred has a problem with cats) they have flat faces and are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.  These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight (like Fred, oh, I meant, the elderly), and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible (Yeah, Nikki loves the air conditioner).

Remember, to take us to the veterinarian for a spring or summer check-up and make sure you get us tested for heartworms, if we aren’t on a year round preventive medication.

Nikki and I want to help you take care of your beloved pets by offering tips on what to look for, if you see signs of a heat stroke.

Visit www.chloes-paw.org

"Helping one paw at a time"