Monticello Live

Hot weather can present a danger to humans, but outdoor pets, particularly dogs, are also at risk, according to the Humane Society.

We all should remember our pets during hot weather.

Even healthy dogs can over-heat or become dehydrated. So don’t think that just because you have a healthy pet it doesn’t matter.

One of the most important things is water, and lots of it.

One important thing is access to fresh water at all times. When it’s hot outside, water should be checked several times a day, because a dog will drink more when it’s hot. And make sure a dog has access to shade. And remember that shade can move during the day.

Long-haired dogs need to be shorn during hot weather. Flea and tick protection is also important during the summer, and heart worm protection is important the year round. It is also a good idea, while working out a family plan for emergencies like fire or flooding, to take pets into account.

And as with children, never leave your pet inside a car for a long time, even with the window open a little. And if you take your dog walking, either early morning or late afternoon are the best hours. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are the hottest times. And walk your dog in the grass as much as possible, because of the heat of the pavement.

During walks, owners should not let their dogs drink from puddles, because of the dangers of antifreeze or other contaminants.

Human outdoor activities can pose potential dangers for animals.

Summer time brings on grilling, so matches, lighter fluid and citronella candles need to be kept out of a dog’s reach. They can make a dog very sick.

Puppies are also more sensitive to heat than grown dogs, and overweight dogs are also more susceptible to heat-related problems.

Part of the hot weather danger for dogs is that they don’t perspire the way humans do. They have some sweat glands around their foot pads, and they pant.

Dogs can only perspire through their paws. They get rid of excess heat through panting. People need to realize that.

There are signs to look for to determine if a dog is becoming overheated.

There can be very heavy panting and vomiting. The dog may appear disoriented or sluggish. The first thing to do is to try to cool it down. Get wet towels on it or spray it with a water bottle.

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 3rd, 2011 at 12:01 pm and is filed under Pets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.