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Every year, many dogs are killed unnecessarily in hot cars. A 70-80 F degree
day can heat up the interior of a car to 120-130 F degrees in 30 minutes or
less - even with the windows cracked. Read these tips from the BC SPCA
Ten Minutes to Disaster
If you must travel with your dog during the warm weather, be sure to take
along a leash and collar, water bowls and plenty of fresh water, preferably an
ice chest. (Ice cubes inserted in the rectum of an overheated and prostrate
dog, to lower the core body temperature, is an excellent emergency treatment
until the dog can be gotten to the veterinarian! The dog could also be rinsed
with cold water from a hose, or towels soaked in ice water could be applied
like a compress to the underbelly and armpits and changed frequently in case of
emergency.) A spray bottle to mist the dog's face is also a helpful thing to
have on hand for warm weather.
Be especially cautious about crates with poor ventilation, or muzzles. A dog
dissipates body heat is through his breath, and evaporation from his tongue. If
his mouth is muzzled or if there is poor ventilation he can easily overheat.
Never walk your dog on a surface in the summer that you would not walk on
barefooted. The pads of your dog's feet can suffer permanent nerve damage by
walking them on hot pavement. If you must take your pet for a walk during the
day, try doggie booties. Be careful not to let the dog run around a swimming
pool too much. Cool-deck concrete can quickly wear their pads down.
We STRONGLY urge you to keep your dog indoors whenever you are not home. Heat
exhaustion and heat stroke are common occurrences when dogs are left outdoors
and exposed to the heat. The dog may die as a result. Keep them indoors or
otherwise protected from the heat. If you must keep your dog outside, provide
a well shaded, ventilated area. A
covered dog house in the sun becomes too hot and lacks adequate ventilation. An
alternate shelter must be furnished. Be sure there is plenty of fresh drinking
water at all times in the shade. Provide two sources of
drinking water in case one is spilled over. Use a weighted watering dish or dig
a hole in the ground so the pan cannot be tipped over. A water device that
attaches to a water spigot is available at the pet store. Many dogs, and
especially puppies, die while tied out in the yard. They get entangled and
can't reach shade or water or they hang themselves trying to jump out.
Dogs, cats don't get a bang from Fourth festivities
Tips on helping your dog get through this noisy holiday
Fourth of July Safety Tips for Your Dog from the AKC
A Body Wrap Helps Some Dogs
In Summer's Heat, Prevent Canine Heat Exhaustion
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