With hot weather here, Fairy Dogparents wants to remind you to keep your pets healthy and safe by reiterating the dangers of heat stroke.   A pets’ physiology is different from ours, and they can overheat quickly.  Remembering a few simple tips can help make the summer enjoyable your furry family members too.

Never leave your dog (or cat) in a car on a warm day -- even if it's "just for a few minutes."   The temperature inside a parked car can kill a pet in a matter of minutes. When the temperature is 85 degrees, the temperature inside your car can soar to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and 120 degrees in 30 minutes. And that's with the windows open and the car parked in the shade.

Even with plenty of water, exercising on a hot, humid day can also lead to heat stroke for dogs. Short-nosed breeds, like pugs, boxers, and bulldogs, are especially susceptible to heat stroke, as are double-coated breeds like German Shepherds and Old English Sheepdogs.  Please be careful and watch for signs of heat stress.

Signs of heat stress may include: heavy panting, an increased heart rate, and gasping for breath. Mucus membranes may get a dark bluish tinge and some dogs will vomit. Other dogs may appear disorientated and/or begin to have seizures.

If your dog gets overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately! Get the dog out of the heat and put cool, wet towels or compresses on his head, chest, stomach and neck. You can also spray him lightly with a hose. Be careful the water is not too cold, as cooling off too quickly can cause problems as well. Have your dog lie down on a cool cement or tile floor, and you can rub the pads of his feet with ice cubes to help cool him down further.  After cooling the dog down, visit your vet for a checkup. Heatstroke can lead to serious damage to the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs.

Tips for keeping your pet cool