Many pet parents enjoy spending time outdoors with pets during summer months. Even though their furry friends seem excited about outdoor activities too, veterinarians warn us about the most prevalent health condition in summer - heatstroke. They claim that heatstroke is more present in cats and dogs than we used to think. It is not hot weather only that causes this dangerous health condition. Humidity, chronic illnesses, belonging to a specific breed such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, or Pekingese for dogs and Persians or Himalayan for cats – all of that increase the risk for a heat stroke. If you suspect that your pet shows the signs of this harmful condition, you should immediately visit your vet. To prevent your dog or cat from heatstroke, veterinarians from Eastshore Vets, the best veterinarian agency from Madison, suggest the following safety tips:
• Keep your dog or cat indoors during the hottest hours – from 11 am to 3 pm. You should also maintain the optimal temperature inside your apartment and cool it down when necessary.
• If you are going to spend a whole day outside with your dog or cat in summer, walk through shaded areas and carry water. Put in your map places such as springs, parks, forests or some other cool places to let your dog relax and avoid urban areas with too much asphalt or concrete and too little shadows.
• If your dog or cat must be outdoors, provide enough shade, several water bowls, and keep water fresh all the time. You may add ice cubes to keep water cool and fresh.
• Let your pet cool down in a swimming pool and don’t let the water become too hot.
• Avoid too much exercise when it is too hot and humid. You should opt for a morning or evening walk when temperatures are lower and asphalt is not too hot.
To prevent your dog or cat from heatstroke, veterinarians from Eastshore Vets suggest watching for symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, agitation, excessive panting, red tongue, dizziness, confusion, unresponsiveness, lethargy, and weakness. Early detection and fast action can save the life of your precious pet and prevent your dog or cat from other harmful consequences.
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