Welcome to the Pet Bow-Tique Blog!
Posted by petbowtique on May 7, 2009
Check the links at the top to read and post to specific topics. Have a general question or comment? Post it here!
Thanks for visiting!
Posted by petbowtique on May 7, 2009
Check the links at the top to read and post to specific topics. Have a general question or comment? Post it here!
Thanks for visiting!
Dawn said
Pet Tips
There are 3 things to remember in July…
HOT, HOT, HOT !
I noticed, the other day while picking up a few things in a small shopping center in downtown Oviedo, a man briskly walking across a large parking lot with a cute little Jack Russell Terrier. The little dog was trotting to keep up with the man and panting a lot. I thought to myself, poor little guy. Then I took one of my sandals off and felt the pavement. OUCH, HOT !! Then I really thought, poor little guy.
My point here is, Florida heat is awful, for people as well as pets. All too often we forget about our pets being sensitive to heat as we are.
Here are a few tips to keep your pets safe from the summer heat:
Remember pavement is hot and can burn pads.
Dogs, as with people, can suffer from sunburn. Especially pets with light colored noses or light colored hair on their ears. Sunscreen is good.
Summer is mosquito time, heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitos. Make sure your pet is on heartworm preventative, cats and dogs can get heartworm disease.
Pets and pools can equal disaster. Never leave a pet unattended with access to a pool. Too many times pets drown in pools from not being able to find the stairs or a way out, and tiring. Small dogs especially.
Limit your pet’s (and yours) exercise to early morning or late evening hours.
Never, ever leave a pet in a car with hot (even warm) weather. The inside of your car can reach over 120* in a matter of minutes, even in the shade. You also risk Animal Services getting involved.
Avoid crowded summer festivities such as fairs, concerts, and fireworks displays. The loud noises, heat, and crowds of unfamiliar faces can be stressful and dangerous for some dogs. Play it safe, and for their sake, leave them home.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen quickly. Especially in older, thick coated, and/or short snouted dogs. Don’t leave pets outside for long periods of time, especially without water and shade. Know the signs of heat exhaustion.
Heavy excessive panting
Rapid Pulse
Staggering
Vomiting
Very red or purple-ish tongue
Glazed eyes
If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get him to a veterinarian immediately.
I sincerely hope these tips will help keep your pets safe and happy this summer.
Dawn Blackmore, The Pet Bow – Tique