Pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn just like humans can if overexposed to the heat. Some breeds, like Bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih Tzu's, Pugs and Boston Terriers, are even more at risk than others. But Dr. Kim Hammond says the pets we love can be comfortable and safe in the heat if owners take simple steps.
Baltimore, June 21, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The first major heat wave of the summer is blanketing the U.S.
East Coast with scorching temperatures that are sweeping across the
region. Temperatures of 100 degrees and higher are expected
and Dr. Kim
Hammond, DVM and founder of Falls Road Animal
Hospital, warns that pets can suffer in the same way humans can
when temperatures rise to dangerous levels.
"Pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn just
like we can if overexposed to the heat," says Dr. Kim
Hammond. For example Dr. Kim
Hammond says that on an 85-degree day the temperature
inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees
within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120
degrees.
"Heat stroke can be fatal for pets if not treated promptly,"
says Dr. Kim
Hammond. "
A pet left alone in a hot car may suffer
irreversible organ damage or die."
But the four-legged family members we
love can be comfortable and safe in the heat if
we take simple steps. Dr. Kim
Hammond advises taking these precautions during a heat
advisory:
- Water - Give your pets plenty of fresh, clean water.
Animals can get dehydrated very quickly especially in the
heat.
- Shade - Make sure your pet has a place to go to get out of
the sun. Try to keep them indoors during extreme heat.
- Rest - Do not over-exercise your animal in the heat.
On a sweltering day, the best time to exercise your pet is in the
early morning or late evening.
- Watch - Never leave your animals alone in a parked
vehicle. In extreme heat, the temperature can rise in your
vehicle very quickly. This can leave your pet vulnerable to
heat stroke, which can onset very quickly.
Signs of Pet
Overheating
- Rapid panting
- Pale gums
- Thick, drooling saliva
- Wide eyes with a glassy look
- Unsteady gait
- Bright red tongue and skin
- Dizziness and lethargy
- Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting
What to do if Your Pet is
Overheating
- Move your pet into the shade, or indoors where it is
cooler.
- Use a fan to blow air on your pet.
- Wet your pet's coat with cool water to lower his body
temperature.
- Offer cool water if the dog will take it.
- If the above do not seem to be working, place ice packs or wet
towels in the groin area, armpits and neck.
- Contact your vet for further guidance.
Dog Breeds Particularly
Susceptible to Overheating
- Certain dog breeds - including Bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih Tzu's,
Pugs and Boston Terriers - require extra care in the heat. These
breeds become susceptible to the effects of warm surroundings and
exertion more quickly as they do not pant as efficiently as longer
faced dogs.
About Falls Road Animal
Hospital
A large multi-doctor practice, Falls Road Animal Hospital has
been serving the Baltimore area for over 30 years. We practice
aggressive medicine and offer a full complement of
ancillary diagnostic equipment including endoscopy,
ultrasonography and a modern in-house laboratory. Our sick
patients are closely monitored in a separate Intensive Care Unit. We offer three surgical
suites for soft tissue and orthopedic procedures
(including bone plating) accommodate a diversity of surgical cases.
We serve a diverse client base including dogs, cats, exotics
and wildlife. Two full-time emergency doctors complement our
staff providing 24-hour care. We voluntarily have our hospital
evaluated by a consultant who makes sure we meet or exceed the
association's high veterinary hospital standards. For more
information please visit us on the web at www.fallsroad.com or by calling 410-825-9100.
CONTACT: For more information or to schedule an interview please contact Karen McGagh at 443.632.4217 or via email karen@karenmcgagh.com.
