HOT DOG CARDS - SUMMER TIPS

If this summer is going to be anything like the last few years the thermometer is going to stay stuck on one temperature- HOT.

In weather such as this when not even the moon brings solace from the heat ensuring pets are kept safe and cool is not as easy as just keeping the water bowl full.

As valued members of the family who rely on their owners for protection, pets require special care, and like children, need to be watched over during the hot summer months.

The summer dangers for pets come in a variety of forms including pools, cars, insets, pesticides, fireworks, owners and of course the sun.

However, it is still possible to enjoy the summer months and the outdoors with pets if a few simple rules are followed.

In the next week NAFA will be posting tips on having a great summer with your pets and advice on how to avoid the dangers that accompany summer. This first installment will help you assist animals left by unknowledgeable owners who just are not thinking about the dangers of the summer heat.

PETS IN CARS

Most people are aware that leaving a pet locked in a car on a 90F degree day would be dangerous. However, driving around, parking, and leaving your pet in the car for “just a minute” can be deadly. On a 75F degree day the interior of a vehicle can heat up to 120F – 130F degrees in just minutes, even with the windows cracked.

Did you know that in 10 minutes or less the interior of a vehicle can heat up to 150F degrees.
Did you know that when your pets internal temperature reaches 110F degrees it can have permanent damage to its brain, kidneys, liver or heart? These things can cause the death of your pet.
Did you know that your pet can not sweat to cool off? He must pant and panting hot air will not cool him.

SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE

Heat Stroke signs include but are not limited to the following:
· Body temperature of 104F – 110F degrees
· excessive panting
· dark or bright red tongue and gums
· staggering
· bloody diarrhea
· vomiting

These things can lead to a coma or death of a pet.

Short nosed breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, etc.), large heavy coated breeds (Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees, etc.), senior pets, puppies, kittens, and animals with heart or respiratory problems are at a greater risk of heat stroke.
If you suspect heat stroke in your pet seek veterinary attention immediately!

Things you can do to help your animal cool down if heat stroke is a possibility:
Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your pet. (Very cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede cooling.)
Get your pet out of the car or out of direct heat and in a shaded area.
Hose or cool down the animal with cool water. (Find anything you can to wet down your pet with cool water.)
Place water soaked towels on head, neck, feet, chest and abdomen.
Offer ice cubes for the pet to lick on until you can reach a veterinarian.

The objective is to cool the pet down as fast as possible to allow the body temperature to return to normal.

Important Note:
Just because your animal is cooled and “appears” okay, do not assume everything is fine. Internal organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, etc. are definitely affected by body temperature elevation and blood tests and examination from a veterinarian are need to access the damage that has occurred.

FREE HOT DOG CARDS

No, this is not a coupon to your local hot dog stand; it is something that can help save the life of a pet left in a vehicle in the hot summer sun.

The danger for pets inside a car during the summer can be devastating. NAFA is providing free “Hot Dog Cards” for pet lovers. NAFA suggest that should anyone see a pet inside a vehicle that they leave one of these cards under the wiper of the vehicle. If the animal appears to be in distress please call your local Animal Control or go into the store and have the owner of the vehicle paged. Be sure to write down the license plate number along with the color and make of the vehicle.

You can get copies of the “Hot Dog Card” at NAFA’s Adoption Events held each Saturday at Petco on Caraway in Jonesboro from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. or download them here.


Keep Your Pets Cool & Comfy,
Tut (who is happily laying on his couch)