Protecting Your Pet in the Heat
July 3, 2012
This past weekend I was sitting and trying to cool off after doing some work around my yard, and it started me thinking about how hard the heat and drought is on our animals. During these hot dry days of summer it is really important to make sure your pets have plenty of fresh water to drink and for those that are outside all the time, it is also a good idea to supply maybe a small wading pool for them to get in and cool off. I have a lab who loves to get in my decorative pond I was gonna put a fountain and fish in but for now I guess it is his personal pool. We also need to make sure they have plenty of shaded areas to lay and cool off or maybe let them inside when it is the hottest. It is also important to think about our livestock with the drought, many ponds may be dried up and you may need to suppy water for them as well. Also, many pastures have little to no grass and so it is important to supplement them with feed. During these hot times it is not uncommon for our pets to eat less. It is not a concern unless they stop eating altogether. Pets that are having a heat stroke may be weak, disoriented, panting, or having seizures. Do not put them in ice cold water it can cause shock, it is better to slowly cool the water and use ice packs on them till you can seek veterinary help.
Have a safe summer,
Dr. Hastings
