Brevard Pet Owners Beware!

Yes, folks, it is that time of year! The heat and humidity are sweltering. We need to be mindful of the heat for our pets, especially if they are outside during the day. If you have a pet outside, please make sure they have plenty of water to keep them hydrated and shade, so they do not overheat.

Do you know how long it takes for a dog to become overheated and possibly become a fatal situation in a closed car in the summer? Within 30 minutes your car will become an oven, reaching temperatures higher than 115 degrees Fahrenheit! Prior to that time period a heat stroke could take place. If you think cracking the window to combat the summer heat is enough, you are wrong. Imagine how long you would last if you had to sit in a car with the heat index elevated above 100 degrees!

Quick Summer Dog Safety Tips

Do not walk your dog on black asphalt during their walks, it will burn their pads
Do not shave your dog (especially if he/she is a white dog) they are susceptible to sunburn, use sunscreen formulated for dogs
Check your dog for ticks
Provide water for your dog if he goes with you
If biking remember your dog is below you, stop, rest and provide water

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is an emergency and requires immediate treatment. Dogs do not sweat (except to a minor degree through their foot pads), they don’t tolerate high environmental temperatures as well as humans do. Dogs depend upon panting to exchange warm air for cool air. But when air temperature is close to body temperature, cooling by panting is not an efficient process.

We view the tongue as happy when hanging out of his/her mouth. If you see the tongue is longer than usual and your dog panting hard, then your dog is too hot! Possibly be a sign of a heat stroke. Mild cases may be resolved by moving your dog to an air conditioned room at once. Contact your Veterinarian immediately!

Signs: