Protecting Your Pet from Heat Related Illnesses

During the sumer months we may be tempted to keep our animals out in the backyard more. All that is well and good, but a few steps must be taken to make sure your dog or cat stays in good health. Heat stroke or heat exhaustion is as much of a risk for your cat or dog as it is to you during the dog days of sumer.

Perhaps the best strategy to keeping your pet cool is to bring him into an air conditioned or well ventilated building instead of leaving the animal tied out or in the yard. If you must an animal in your yard or for some reason a cat sneaks out and does not find its way back in you can help make it more bearable for your pets by making sure some simple things are available.

A source of clean water should always be at the ready as dogs will pant it out and cats can sweat. Making sure that the yard has plenty of shady areas to rest in. Be sure to alternate periods of exercise and play with appropriate rest periods to help the animal cool down.

Sometimes even with the best precautions dogs, cats or even people can succumb to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Knowing the warning signs can help you save the life of your pet or someone else. If the animal appears to be weak, nauseous, sweating or panting excessively, or if the animal collapses, vomit, or loses conscious you should being emergency treatment. Don't worry, how these conditions are treated in a dog or cat are similar although not exactly the same to how first aid would be rendered on a human. The important thing is to lower the body temperature of your pet. This can be accomplished by running cool, not cold water, over its neck and back. Placing ice packs underneath the groin and paw areas will cause the animal to cool down a little faster than otherwise. It may be tempting to place a towel on your dog or cat but do not do so as that keeps moisture from evaporating. (This is how sweat cools the human body.)

Once you have started first aid procedures it is important to take your animal vet that offers emergency care. Be sure to monitor the temperature of your pet during the entire process. It is possible that first aid dangers may cause the dog to cool his blood to rapidly, but once you've gotten your companion to the vet he can assess what further treatments if any may be needed and what damage your dog or cat may have suffered.

Sources:

http://dogs.about.com/cs/generalcare/a/heat_firstaid.htm

"Dealing With Hot Weather Woes." Dr. Jacob Church. Sunday, July 29, 2007. The Daily Item. Sunbury, PA