During the next few months, our families will be a little more active than normal with school being out and vacations planned for the near future. We will soon be enjoying, excursions, playing on the beach, visiting the parks, and barbecuing a lot more often. With all of this extra activity, comes the unfortunately increased chance of injury, especially for our pets.
During this busy time of year, we’re more inclined to take our pets on the road with us, whether it’s to visit family and friends, or for an event, our animals are more apt to join us on the road during the next few months.
Living in Florida, we’re blessed with warm weather all year long, but even in the winter months, when the weather feels cooler, the inside of a car can reach well over 100 degrees within minutes. Even with the windows cracked, you should never leave your pet in the car. It is one of the most tragic reasons that vets see patients for emergency visits. Your pet can’t let themselves out of a hot car; they depend on you to use caution and to have their best interest in mind.
Walking dogs this time of year is also dangerous, especially for short-nosed breeds that have trouble breathing like bulldogs, boxers, and pugs. Not only is the air hot around your pet, but the sidewalk and pavement are often scorching hot, which can burn the pads of their feet and also permeate heat into their bodies.
Always making sure to limit activity during hot periods (like midday), providing plenty of cool drinking water, and wetting your dog down if you don’t’ have air-conditioning in your home.
Heatstroke symptoms:
• Panting
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle cramping
• Nausea
• Pale Gums
• Edema or swelling limbs
• Unconsciousness
• Death
Did you read the last symptom? Heatstroke can actually lead to your pet’s imminent death. It’s imperative for everyone that cares for an animal to take practical steps during the summer to stay safe when exercising and going about daily routines.
Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital
At Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital in Naples, we believe our clients and patients are the heart of our practice. We strive to ensure a happy experience through superior customer service, personalized care, and effective state-of-the-art medicine. It is our mission to ensure our patients enjoy a lifetime of good health. If you believe your pet may have the disease, or if you’d like to know more about getting your pet vaccinated, please call Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital at 239-431-9667.