Visit the vet
- Spring or early summer check-up.
- Make sure your pet gets tested for Heartworm Disease.
- Fecal checks for intestinal parasites.
- Heartworm prevention, flea, and tick control.
Made in the Shade
- Provide a shaded area for your pet to get out of the sun.
- Plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.
- Decreased exercise during hot hours of the day.
- Keep your pet indoors on extremely hot days.
Know the Warning Signs
- Excessive panting and difficulty breathing
- Increased heart and respiratory rate
- Drooling
- Mild weakness or even collapsing
- Bloody diarrhea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Increased temperature of over 104 degrees
- Animals with flat faces (Pugs/Persiah cats) are more susceptible to heat stroke.
- Elderly, overweight, and pets with heart/lung disease could be kept cool in air-conditioning as much as possible.
No Parking
Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time, even with the windows down.
Make a Safe Splash
- Do not leave your pet unsupervised around a pool.
- Not all dogs are good swimmers. Provide proper flotation devices for your pet.
- Rinse off your pet after swimming (pool or lake).
- Don’t encourage you pet to drink chlorinated water from the pool. Could cause stomach upset.
Screen Test
Make sure windows and screens are secured properly to prevent your pet (mostly cats) from falling out of the home windows or doors.
Summer Style
- Grooming or haircuts can help your pet get ride of a thick undercoat and prevent overheating.
- Never shave your pet down to the skin. Leave coat it at least 1 inch in length.
- Use sunscreen or insect repellent products that are labeled specifically for the use on animals.
Street Smarts
Don’t allow your pet to linger on hot asphalt or cement. Hot weather and sun raises the body temperature quickly in pets and can cause sensitive paw pads to get burned. Keeps walks to a minimum on hot days.
Please call 616-682-5005 for more information on our services!
