Community Corner

Tips for Keeping Pets Safe As Temps Creep Near 100 Degrees

Heatstroke can be fatal for pets. The Humane Society of the United States reminds pet owners to make sure their dog gets plenty of water and to limit the intensity of exercise.

According to the National Weather Service, Norwood is on the cusp of a brutal, if brief, heat wave. The NWS is predicting a high temperature of 95 on Wednesday and 98 on Thursday.

The following column was originally printed on July 22, 2011.

The Humane Society of the United States offers the following tips for keeping your pets safe and cool during the extreme heat this week:

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Never leave your pets in a parked car. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85 degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die. If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, contact the nearest animal shelter or police.

Shade and water are a must. Anytime your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from heat and sun (a doghouse does not provide relief from heat) and plenty of fresh, cool water. Heatstroke can be fatal for pets as well as people.

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Limit exercise on hot days. Take care when exercising your pet.  Adjust intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets who, because of their short noses, typically have difficulty breathing. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible.

Recognize the signs of heatstroke. In case of an emergency, it's important to be able to identify the symptoms of heat stress caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian immediately. Some signs of heatstroke are: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and unconsciousness.

If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke, act quickly! Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or run cool (not cold) water over her. Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take her directly to a veterinarian.

Products to Keep Pets Cool

Keep your pet from overheating indoors or out with the Keep Cool Mat, body wrap, or vest. Soak in cool water and they'll stay dry but cool for up to three days. Find these, along with shade-giving and hydrating products to keep dogs safe and cool, at Humane Domain.

Freeze up some treats for your canine friends. Help your dog chill out with these quick and easy DIY popsicles, made from peanut butter or another favorite food.


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