Pet Summer Safety
Friends Fur-Ever Keep these safety tips in mind this summer for your pets. Story by House of Paws Veterinary Clinic | Photos by Topograph & Friends
Sign of heatstroke in dogs and cats Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated quickly. Signs include: • • • • •
Panting Vomiting Excessive drooling Warm and dry skin Rapid heartbeat
• Staring and anxious expressions • Uncoordinated movements or collapse
What should you do if they exhibit signs? Call your veterinarian right away. In the meantime, you can: • Apply towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body (tips and back of ears, foot pads, belly, and inner thighs). • Do NOT use extremely cold water or completely immerse pets in water—this can create shock and worsen the problem. • Use a fan to help cool the pet. Note: Even if the pet seems to cool down, visit a veterinarian immediately, as body temperatures often spike again or cool below a safe, normal temperature.
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