| With
the official start of summer—and although many parts of the
country got a preview last week of the hot weather to come, we’d
like to remind you that dogs and cats can suffer from the same
problems that humans do—overheating, dehydration and even
sunburn—when the mercury rises. By taking these simple precautions
from ASPCA experts, you can keep your animal companions happy
and healthy:
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When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog stand
on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive
paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
-
Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially
for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never
down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from
the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed
often.
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Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent to your pet that
is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of
sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive
thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains
DEET can lead to neurological problems.
-
Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle—overheating
can be fatal! Even with the windows open, a parked automobile
can quickly become a furnace. Parking in the shade offers little
protection, as the sun constantly shifts during the day.
-
Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets. These include excessive
panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated
body temperature. Please take a few moments to read our complete
list of Hot
Weather Tips—it just might save your pet’s
life!
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