Do you have animals that ride in the car with you? Remember those animals depend on you to take care of them. Cracking a window does not cut it if you are going to leave them in the car. Even on a mildly warm day, a car can quickly become an oven for an animal.{EAV:26fac7f2f724fef5}
Leaving them outdoors without shelter, on a chain, in a cage or without water or a way to get some relief from the heat is just as bad. Know the signs of heatstroke and get your animals the appropriate treatment if you suspect any problems.
Even with emergency treatment, heatstroke can be fatal. The best cure is prevention, and Fido and Fluffy are relying on you to keep them out of harm's way. Summer does not have to be fraught with peril--with ample precaution, both you and your furry friends can enjoy those long, hot, dog-days of summer.
Signs of Heatstroke
- Panting
- Staring
- Anxious expression
- Refusal to obey commands
- Warm, dry skin
- High fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Collapse
Precautions to take if your pet lives outdoors
- Ensure adequate shelter from sun/midday heat
- Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in the shade
- Provide plenty of fresh water in a bowl that cannot be tipped over
- Avoid excessive exercise on hot days
- Talk with your local veterinarian to determine if your long-haired Fido needs a summer haircut
I just wrote a post about this very topic last week except it was about people leaving children in a hot car while they run a quick errand. So many innocent children and pets die from being left inside of a hot car.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to the post in case you are interested in reading it: http://upliftingfamilies.com/prevent-heat-related-car-accidents-summer/