Summer Pet Safety & Preventing Heat Related Injuries
Another summer quickly approaches, along with the concerns that come with the temperature and safety of your pets. Whether it be leaving or finding a pet unattended in a vehicle, or walking your dog on hot pavement, we are hoping to inform and change the circumstances that leave so many pets injured or dead during the warmer months. Hundreds of pets die each summer from heat stroke and other heat related symptoms. The main cause? Being left in a vehicle on a warm day. We say warm, because it doesn’t need to reach much more than 70° outside for your pet to suffer and possibly die in a vehicle. When the outdoor temperature is about 75°, the temperature inside your vehicle can rise to 118° within an hour, even with the windows down. Sometimes a harmless stop for milk and bread can unintentionally mean danger for your furry family member. What can you do to prevent overheating? Conditions in a vehicle during the summer can result in heat stroke, brain damage, and ultimately death. Symptoms of an animal in heat-related distress include: Dark tongue and excessive or heavy panting Thick saliva Restlessness Wobbliness and uncoordinated movement Rapid heartbeat Vomiting and diarrhea Watching for these reactions is important so that you can address them immediately. Checking to see if your destination allows pets inside is also a good idea to help you determine if you can bring your pet along with you. Total Dog Company welcomes our customers and their leashed and pottied dogs. www.sidewalkdog.com is a great resource in the Twin Cities to find dog-friendly restaurants, stores, and more. What should you do if you see an unattended pet? Not only do you need to [...]