Dog Days of Summer

It has been in the high 90's this past week in Gaithersburg, with the humidity soaring!  Here are a few tips on keeping your pets cool during this scorcher from thetelegraph.com:

Tips to keep animals safe in the heat:


- Make sure pets have access to both water and shade if outside. Put out a children's pool for the pet to keep cool in.

- Keep in well-ventilated areas inside.

- Never leave a pet in a car. Even with windows cracked, the animal may become overheated in just a few minutes.

- The first signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion are excessive panting, hyper-salivation, collapse, vomiting, dizziness or disorientation. If you see any of these symptoms, try cooling your pet with a hose or in a bathtub and call your veterinarian immediately.

- If you detect red speckles along the gumline or on the abdomen, your pet is suffering from petichae. Take the animal to a clinic immediately.

- Plan for shorter walks during the heat of the day, reserving longer strolls for either earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

- Avoid walking your pet on concrete or asphalt; this will just make them hotter.

- Keep coats trimmed and groomed.

- Encourage your pets to take it easy.

- Above all, use common sense; if you are hot, so is your pet.