Keep Pets Cool
(NAPSA)—You can protect
your pet from the hazards that
happen when temperatures rise.
Here are some important tips:
• Dogs wear a winter coat
year-round and sweat only
through their nose and paw pads,
so they’re more susceptible to heat
than we are. Dogs cool themselves
through panting and drinking
water, so provide plenty of water,
especially in warm weather.
• Never leave a dog inside a
car in hot weather. A car’s inside
temperature can increase as much Your dog may enjoy a cool dip in
as 40 degrees in an hour. On an the pool when the weather is
85-degree day, the temperature warm.
inside a car can rise to 102 in 10
minutes. Leave your pet in the but inexperienced dogs can drown,
comfort of your own home while so be careful.
running errands. • Dogs will exercise past the
• Bring outdoor dogs inside point of exhaustion to please a
when the temperature spikes and beloved companion. Whether jog-
make sure they have a cool place in ging or playing fetch, be sensitive
the shade and plenty of cold water to their health and comfort.
(sunlight can heat a water bowl to • Your dog can’t tell you that
the point that it’s undrinkable). he’s overheating, so be attentive.
• As pets and other animals Signs of heatstroke are panting
spend more time outside, the risk hard, staggering gait, rapid heart-
of certain illnesses, including beat, listlessness, restlessness,
rabies, rises dramatically. Make dark red or purple gums and
sure your pet’s vaccinations are tongue, and vomiting.
current and visit your veterinar- • If your dog does overheat,
ian to learn more about flea and lower his body temperature grad-
tick preventative treatments and ually by immersing him in cool
heartworm pills for dogs. water or moving into an air-condi-
• Many lawn products, such tioned location and giving him
as fertilizer, are toxic if consumed small amounts of cold drinking
by pets, so put them in a secure water or ice cubes. Then take him
location. immediately to a veterinarian. A
• A day at the beach can be fun, quick response could save your
but make sure your dog can stay pet’s life.
cool on the hot sand and remember For more information, visit the
that salt water will dehydrate your American Veterinary Medical
pet. Bring drinking water and a Association Web site at
portable bowl. Dogs love to swim www.avma.org.