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Protecting Pets in Hot Weather
With temperatures in the Salt Lake valley reaching record levels, the Humane Society of Utah is reminding all pet owners that their furry friends will be feeling fried, too - maybe even worse than people.
Here are some tips to keep in mind for hot weather:
- Never, NEVER take your dog riding with you and leave him in a parked car while you run an errand. When the temperature outside is only 78°, the interior of a car will reach 110° in 25 minutes even in the shade and with the windows partially open.
- Make sure a pet has fresh, clean, cool water available at all times, whether he's indoors or out.
- If the animal is outside during the day, make sure he has a comfortable, well-ventilated, WELL- SHADED place to rest.
- Don't take a pet for a walk or try to exercise him during the heat of the day; start early in the morning or wait until evening.
- Provide your pet with plenty of water. Consider putting out an extra water bowl.
- Beware of asphalt, concrete, and sand that can burn paws.
- Don't cut your animal's coat too short. Sunburn can occur, and hair often helps insulate against heat.
- Dogs may enjoy swimming in cool water.
"Heatstroke can develop rapidly in animals, and permanent damage - and death - can be the result," says Humane Society Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt .
He added that puppies and kittens and older animals, animals recently moved from cooler climates, breeds with short or pushed-in noses (like pug dogs and Persian cats), pets who have been clipped recently, easily excited pets, and animals with a prior history of heat-related stress are most vulnerable to heatstroke.
Heatstoke symptoms include rapid panting, heavy salivation, vomiting, an anxious or staring expression, fast pulse rate, and high body temperature. These conditions can lead to brain damage and death.
If your pet should exhibit symptoms of heatstroke, immerse it's body in cool (but not COLD) water or pour the water over the pet. As soon as the animal is stable, take it to a vet for treatment.
For more information on hot-weather pet care tips, please call the Humane Society at 261-2919 or visit their website at www.utahhumane.org.
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