SUMMER TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS!!

• A hot car is no place for a pet. Leaving a dog or cat in a parked car during the warmer months can cause serious injury or death within minutes.
• Temperatures inside a car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even with the windows partially open. Shade and having water will do little to help.
• With only hot air to breathe, a dog's normal process of cooling through panting fails. A body temperature of just 107 degrees may cause brain damage or death from heatstroke.
• The safest place for your companion is in the coolest part of the house with plenty of fresh water to drink.
• If you see a companion animal inside a parked car during hot weather, and they appear in distress, call animal control or the police immediately.
• Signs of distress include: Heavy panting, glazed eyes, unsteadiness, listlessness, vomiting and a over-red or purple tongue.
• If your dog is overheated, provide emergency first aid by applying tepid (not cold) water all over his body or immersing him in tepid water (with his nose and mouth still above the water). Gradually apply cooler water to lower his body temperature. Seek immediate veterinary care.
• Don't force your companion animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather. Do it in the cool of the early morning or evening.
• A dog's paws can be burnt by hot pavement. Be careful not to make them stand on hot pavement for long periods of time, and keep walks to a minimum on hot asphalt.
• Be sensitive to old and overweight animals in hot weather. Snub-nosed dogs (like Pekingese, Bull dogs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and Shih tzus) and those with heart or lung diseases should be kept indoors and in air conditioning if possible.
• If you and your dog go to the beach, be sure you can find shade and plenty of fresh water. Rinse her off after she has been in salt water.