Pets Get Heatstroke Also

Pets Get Heatstroke Also

By Joseph Parish

Summertime can be an especially dangerous time of the year. This year alone, America has witnessed the hottest summer on record. With the high, three-digit temperatures that the east coast has been experiencing lately the risks associated with heat strokes are elevated. Coupled with the extremely high humidity levels, these conditions are the prime factors for respiratory medical problems with not just humans but, our beloved pets as well.

It goes without argument that as a responsible animal owner you should never leave your pet in your car on these high temperature days. Unfortunately, everywhere I go, I see just this event taking place. It does not take long for dogs, which are left in a car at these dangerous temperature levels to easily succumb to heatstroke and die. If the conditions of heatstroke are noted the owner of the animal has but a short time before it becomes too late to save their treasured pet's life.

With time as a vital factor here, your animal's life is in your hands. If you find that you are unable to get your pet to the vet quickly, at least move it to a shady area out of the direct sunlight. Take a small towel or washcloth and wet it with cool water. Next, dab the cloth around your pet’s neck and head. Be sure not to cover its eyes, mouth or nose with the wet cloth.

After a short period of time, remove the towel and wet it again with cool water. Repeat this procedure every few minutes. If a hose is available, you could use it to maintain a continuous supply of cool water running over your pet's body. Use your hands to massage your animal's legs and to sweep the warmed water away. Now that you have contributed this bit of first aid towards saving your pet's life, you should try to transport your animal immediately to the veterinarian's office for further treatment.

Prevention of these conditions is much easier and safer for the animal than trying to treat the heatstroke problem after it occurs. Always provide a shaded area for your pet when outdoors. Give it plenty of cool, fresh drinking water during these extra hot days. You would be surprised to find how much your pet would enjoy one of the small children's oval swimming pools. It's the perfect way for them to cool down as you sit in your lounge chair and sip on that ice-cold glass of tea.

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