Don't Let the Dog Days Get Your Dog

This week, the temperatures are going to be oppressive. The experts all say it’s best to stay cool and indoors when possible, and the same goes for pets.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, which goes into effect Wednesday at 7 a.m. and continues until 4 a.m. Friday. The heat coupled with the humidity will create a heat index of 105 to 110 degrees.

“This extreme heat and humidity can pose health risks for people, but it’s also a dangerous time for our pets,” said Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program for The Humane Society of the United States(HSUS), in a news release.

The Humane Society emphasizes that pets should never be left in parked vehicles on hot days. The temperatures inside a car can rise to 120 degrees within a matter of minutes. Pets can suffer irreversible organ damage and death.

Whenever pets are outside they require shade and cool water. Protection from the heat is a must, according to the Humane Society. A dog house does not provide relief from the heat.

Just because you want to take a run on a sweltering hot day, does not mean it’s a good idea for Fido. The Humane Society recommends limiting exercise on very hot days to early morning or evening hours. Owners should be particularly careful with pets with white-colored ears, that are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets that may have difficulty breathing.

Walking dogs on grass is also suggested, since asphalt can become very hot and can burn a dog’s paws.

Know the signs of heat stroke in your pet:

• Heavy panting
• Glazed eyes
• A rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Excessive thirst
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Dizziness, lack of coordination
• Profuse salivation
• Vomiting
• A deep red or purple tongue
• Unconsciousness

In cases of heat stroke:

• Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over the pet.
• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Take your pet directly to a veterinarian.

Source: Humane Society of the United States

Find a recipe here for peanut butter pops that can help your pup keep cool.