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It’s HOT out there!! – PETS AND HEAT STROKE

Dogs in Sunglasses and funny hats by a pool
Heat stroke happens when your petโ€™s body canโ€™t cope with the external heat, leading to illness, organ failure and even death. Humans sweat to help regulate their body temperature, but dogs don’t have prominent sweat glands, so they rely on panting to cool off. Cats will sometimes groom themselves as a cooling mechanism but may also pant. Due to this limited ability to cope, dogs and cats can be overwhelmed by the heat.

HOW CAN I PREVENT HEATSTROKE?

๐Ÿ‘‰Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. Temperatures in a car can skyrocket in a short period of time, even with the windows rolled down.
๐Ÿ‘‰Be aware that certain dogs are more susceptible to the heat than others, including overweight pets and those with long hair, thick coats or short faces (such as English and French bulldogs).
๐Ÿ‘‰Keep plenty of fresh water available.
๐Ÿ‘‰Use air conditioning, fans, cooling pads or a kiddie pool.
๐Ÿ‘‰Plan walks and exercise for the morning or evening hours when itโ€™s cooler and the sun isnโ€™t as strong. You might have to shorten walks or exercise periods, especially with snub-nose dogs.
๐Ÿ‘‰While dogs are at greatest risk, cats and other small pets can also suffer from heat stroke if left in the sun or in a confined, hot space.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE?

๐Ÿ‘‰Excessive panting
๐Ÿ‘‰Muscle twitching
๐Ÿ‘‰Anxious or dazed look
๐Ÿ‘‰Vomiting
๐Ÿ‘‰Weakness
๐Ÿ‘‰Increased drooling
๐Ÿ‘‰Diarrhea

A PET SUFFERING FROM HEAT STROKE NEEDS TO BE SEEN BY A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY!!

(Source Ontario Veterinary Medical Association – Pet Safety Tips)
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