Each year pets suffer irreversible damage or fatalities due to overheating. Please follow these tips to protect your pet during warm weather. Also, keep in mind that pets who have short noses or are overweight are particularly at risk for heat exhaustion and collapse.

Offer plenty of fresh water. Always make sure that your pet has access to fresh water, especially if they are outdoors.

Provide shade and foot protection. Direct sunlight can make your pet and ground surfaces extremely hot. Pets should always have access to shade. Avoid contact with outdoor surfaces, such as black pavement, that become very hot when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight.

Find the right time for exercise. Make sure to exercise pets early in the morning or later at night when the temperature is cooler. Exercise routines that are best for pets are regular and predictable. Do not abruptly introduce your pet to vigorous exercise.

No hot cars! Even when the temperature outside is relatively mild, the temperature inside your car can soar to a dangerous level. When the temperature outside is 75 F, the temperature inside your car can reach 94 F after just 10 minutes.

 

Several of my dogs have significant other issues that put them at increased risk for anesthesia — and yet their teeth have to be cleaned. While I may anxiously wait for the text or call that lets me know everything went well, I know they are getting expert and attentive care.

- Marta Granstedt, client since 1995