This week we thought it would be a good idea to meow about how to keep your good dog &  pawtastic cat safe & the signs that they may be suffering from heat stroke during these hotter months.

Did you nose that dogs & cats cool themselves by panting & by releasing heat through their paws? If you didn’t, now you do. On summer days the air & sidewalk (or beach) can heat up to high temperatures that make it difficult for us to cool ourselves. This can lead to a dangerous condition, heat stroke.

Dogs can also risk overheating if exercised outside during the day in hot weather. When it’s very hot, huMom scheduled walkies for Olivia & Eddy early in the morning & in the evening when it’s cooler & she always remembered to bring water. She also would let them rest if I needed to & she has been know to even carry a sun umbrella.  That was pawsitively challenging but she did it.  If she thought it was too hot on the path or road she took them to a lake or river so they could cool down.  We live in the Land of Lakes so she never had to go far.

If your furbulous feline goes outside be sure to have fresh water available & that they have a shady spot to go to.  It’s also good to time their outings so they are shorter  & can come back inside where it is cooler.  A catio is meowsome but it too can get hot so you would have to also time how long we are out there.

For those who do not nose the common symptoms of heat stroke:

• Exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting)
• rapid or erratic pulse
• salivation (drooling)
• anxious or staring expression
• weakness, muscle tremors or lack of coordination
• tongue & lips red (which may eventually turn bluish in color)
• convulsions or vomiting
• collapse, coma & death

If you think your good dog or furbulous cat, or any dog or cat you encounter may be suffering from heat stroke you need to get them cooled down as fast as possible. Get them into the shade or inside. Wet the dog with cool water. Put them near a fan or grab a magazine & fan them vigorously to promote evaporation. If possible, take the dog’s temperature. Need to nose your good dog’s or furbulous cat’s vitals?  Paw here, Olivia yapped all about it. Place cool wet towels over the neck, under the armpits & between the hind legs. Don’t apply ice, it will constricts blood flow which will slow the cooling down process. Allow the dog or cat to drink some cool water but don’t force it. Take the dog or cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible to be checked out.

 

Stay cool & be safe this summer.

Have a purrfect week!

Remember to be gnawsome, be kind & stay safe.

Dot & Jerry Underfoot😻 head boops 😻

                                  Remembering CEO Olivia & Eddy forever🐾💜🐾

 

 

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