Hot Summer Days

This excerpt was taken from the Alberta SPCA's e-newsletter Animal Connect. Believe it!!!

Judi

A Hot Summer Day and Dogs in the Car: A Deadly Combination On a hot day the inside of a car can reach 51ºC in as little as 10 minutes! In this time a dog can suffer irreparable cerebral damage or possibly death. Opening the windows, parking in the shade or providing water does not help alleviate the extreme temperatures that your dog will experience if left in your car. This can cause heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke in dogs after a very short period of time. Possible symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, glazed eyes, dizziness, rapid pulse, excessive thirst, salivation, lack of appetite, weakness, muscle tremors, a deep red or purple tongue, and vomiting. What can you do if your dog exhibits symptoms of heat stroke? If your dog becomes overheated move him to the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over his body to reduce body temperature. Apply ice packs or cold towels to his head, neck and chest. Ensure he drinks small amounts of cool water or licks ice cubes. Take your dog to a veterinary clinic right away!