Never Leave Your Pet in a Hot Car!
…And Other Important Summer Pet Safety Tips
Arizona Cardinals’ Tyrann Matthieu Simulates the Effects of a Dog Locked in a Car
This article was posted last year during Summer time, so we thought we’d share with you once again to keep your furry friends safe this summer!
Since most of the East Coast has been enduring scorching temperatures lately, it’s a good time to review the risks that our pets face during the high summertime heat of Florida. Dr. Jeanne Hart is a veterinarian at Tampa Mobile Veterinary Services, a full service mobile vet clinic that brings state-of-the-art animal care right to your door. Dr. Hart has a few reminders that will keep all of your critters cool and safe.
“High temperatures and humidity can be really dangerous for pets as they can overheat quickly,” Dr. Hart explains. “They can’t sweat like humans do so their tolerance for heat is much lower.”
- Try to limit their time in the heat and be sure to provide ample shade and water when they are outside. Limit exercise to early mornings and evenings when the temperatures are cooler
- Remember that asphalt can become very hot, potentially burning dogs’ sensitive paw pads. Check the temperature with your hands and walk dogs in grass when possible.
- Never,ever leave a pet unattended in a parked car! Interior temperatures can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even when parked in the shade with the windows cracked open. That can be deadly for most pets and humans.
- Know the signs of overheating: excessive panting, drooling, thick salivation, dry mouth & gums, redness around mouth and eyes, skin warm to the touch, anxiety, weakness, and collapse.
- If you suspect your pet is overheating: cool with cold wet towels, water and fans, NOT ICE as this can constrict blood vessels, making the situation worse. Seek immediate veterinary attention as heatstroke can be fatal. Breeds with short muzzles are at particular risk, such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Persian cats, very young and very old pets, overweight pets, and those with heart or respiratory disease
- Don’t forget: never leave pets unattended around swimming pools and introduce them gradually to water; use safety flotation devices when boating, and rinse their fur off thoroughly afterwards to remove chlorine or salt.
Dr. Hart and her team focus on delivering high-quality service and customer service—right at your doorstep. Tampa Mobile Veterinary Services include wellness exams, vaccinations, in-house diagnostic testing, radiology, dentistry, surgery, hospice care and euthanasia. They see patients between Monday and Friday from 8:30-5:30.Call 813-598-8505 for appointments or visit www.tampamobilevet.com for more information.
