Tips to keep your pets safe in this summer heat by Veterinary Education Network

DALLAS - July 9, 2013 - PRLog -- Veterinary Education Network Offers Tips to Protect Pets in the Summer Heat

July 9, 2013, Dallas, TX -  Veterinary Education Network (VEN) offers tsips to protect pets in this summer heat.  These are great tips to provide to clients and friends of animals.

1.       Fresh Water!!  Just like people, pets need water to stay hydrated.  The hotter it gets, the more water they’ll drink.  Watch for still water sitting as algae and mositquoes are breed quickly in the heat. Check on the water supply several times to ensure they have enough water.

2.    Leave pets at home!  Don’t ever leave your pet in the car!  Even if your windows are open, the temperature in the car can sky-rocket in a matter of minutes, making this a very life-threatening situation.  Go the extra mile to take your pet home before running in to the store.

3.    Limit exercise.  When you take your pet for a walk, try not to over-exert them.  Also, try to take the walks during a cooler part of the day and keep them in the shade as much as possible.

4.     Grooming but don’t cut the hair down to the skin—it should be cut to approximately 1 inch length so they still have protection from the sun.  Removing some of the excess hair will make your pet cooler. Pets also can get sunburned so use pet friendly sunscreen.

5.    Avoid  walking your dog on blacktop or asphalt.  The ground can be hot and can burn your pet’s naked feet!

6.    Recgonize the signs of heat exhaustion. Here’s a helpful hint from the ASPCA: “Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.”  If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately!  It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Veterinary Education Network (VEN) delivers high impact continuing education and the tools that help you boost productivity, strengthen employee commitment, and improve bottom-line profits for your veterinary business.

VEN's mission is dedicated to helping DVM's achieve their professional goals while improving the quality of life for people, the planet and pets through quality education and industry.   Go to www.VeterinaryEducationNetwork.com for more information.

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