Pet Points: Keeping your pet safe during hot weather

DETROIT – With the steamy summer in full swing in and around metro Detroit, there are extra precautions to consider to protect your pet during the hot and humid weather.  The following tips will help you care for your companion animals responsibly during hot weather:

Hot Weather - Bring companion animals inside. If a dog must be left outdoors for any length of time, access to shade and fresh, cool water is essential. However, when temperatures and humidity soar, even these precautions may not be enough. If your dog is experiencing rapid panting and lethargy and has been subjected to extreme temperatures, he may be suffering from heat exhaustion. 

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Other symptoms may include restlessness, excessive thirst, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, vomiting or lack of coordination. If you notice any of these symptoms, immerse your dog in cold water (if you are unable to immerse him, pour cold water over him) and contact your veterinarian immediately. To report a dog left outdoors without proper provisions, call your local animal control or police department.
 
Exercise - A dog or cat’s normal body temperature is between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. In warm weather, he may become overheated during too-strenuous exercise. When this happens, his body temperature increases rapidly, and, once it reaches a critical point, irreparable brain damage or death can occur in a short amount of time.

Animals do not perspire like humans; they have very few sweat glands, and therefore, they pant to release the heat from their body. Limit strenuous exercise with your companion animal, such as jogging or long walks, to the early morning or evening hours, and avoid hot pavement. Be sure to provide plenty of cool water before, during and after exercise.

Thunderstorms - Keep dogs and cats inside in a safe area during thunderstorms or other severe weather. The noise and lights could cause a frightened animal to jump a fence or bolt out a door or window and become lost. As always, make sure your companion animal is wearing identification.
 
Cars and Pets - Leaving your pet alone in a vehicle can prove dangerous or fatal in just minutes. Lowering the windows makes it easier for others to break in and steal your companion animal or belongings. And, even on a relatively mild 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car parked in the shade with the windows cracked open can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.

On warmer days, it will go higher. When the air a dog breathes is overheated, the evaporation that usually occurs during panting cannot take place. If you see an animal left alone in a parked car and suspect he may be in immediate danger, notify the nearby businesses and request they make an announcement. If necessary, contact the local animal control or police department.