July 16, 2011

Hot Weather & Dogs


With the temperature soaring to over 30˚ C, it is vital that pet owners be aware of how extreme heat can affect their pets. 

Leaving your dog locked inside a hot vehicle can be fatal.  
Even when parked in the shade, with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to over 50˚ C in minutes.  Heat this extreme can cause irreparable brain damage and eventual death to a dog as they are not able to cool themselves quickly enough through panting. 

During a heat wave, always leave your dog at home in a cool place with lots of water. 
If you must leave your dog outdoors, make sure he or she has a sufficient dog house for shelter with a large bowl of ice and water inside. 

In addition, follow these tips to keep your pet safe this summer: 
Keep outdoor activity to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day, going for walks only in the early mornings or evenings.  

Remember that asphalt can get very hot and burn your pet’s paws.  

Pay special attention to older dogs, short-nosed dogs and those with thick coats as they will be most affected by the heat.  

Don’t take your pet with you to the beach in the middle of a hot day. 

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