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.
