Summerize Your Pets

1. Heatstroke is a killer. Watch for rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles, and/or a dazed look. Too cool off an over heated animal, wrap in a towel soaked in lukewarm water. In severe case, immerse the animal in a tub of cold water. Seek immediate veterinary care.

2. Keep your Animal cool. Outdoor animals should have access to shade. Indoor animals should have a good source of air circulation (either Air- conditioning or child proof fan).

3. Supply plenty of drinking water. Dogs can only perspire through the pads of their feet or by panting and have difficulty keeping cool.

4. NEVER leave an animal in a parked car! Far too many animals die needlessly in cars each year. Even five minutes is too long! Temperatures can quickly reach 66°C (even with the window slightly open.)

5. Animals sunburn too. Be especially careful if your pet has short hair and fair skin. ears are particularly sensative. Pay attention to the day's UV index if your animal is outside.

6. Do not exercise your dog during the hottest part of the day. Be aware of hot sidewalks and sand. Paws can easily burn be burned. Check your dog carefully for ticks after excercise (especially in wooden areas.)

7. Always supervise your dog near water. Not all dogs are good swimmers. Do not allow dogs to drink sea water (drinking too much could prove fatal.)

8. Watch out for heart worm. Heart worm is transmitted to dogs by misquito bites and can damage the heart, lungs, and other organs. Symptoms include weight loss, coughing, listlessness and rapid tiring.

9. Your animal should be secure inside your vehicle. Do not put animal in the back of a pick up truck (unless you have a crate or cage which can be secured to the truck.) Do not allow your dog to put his/her head out the window. Although dogs appear to enjoy the wind blowing their faces, this can be hazardous such as inhalation of insects, which can block the windpipe; irritation of the eyes from dust causing permanent damage; and irritation of the mucous membranes.

10. When travelling by car bring plenty of food and water and schedule regular exercise breaks for your animal. If flying check out the airline's policy on handling live animals (most will treat them as cargo.) If your animal is being flown in the cargo hold, ask the flight attendant to ensure the captain has the cargo heater on.


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