Sun, heat and Lots of Dogs....

Seventeen dogs in the house this afternoon because of the heat.  A bit cranky with some cabin fever going on - I let them out, they do their business and are right back in.  Jedi will stay at the vet's over the weekend due to the heat.  So, what do you do? 

Prevention - lots of water always available, kept cool w/ice cubes; shade preferably under trees - we are lucky here at Silverwalk to have many shade trees in the dog yards.   I am moving dogs in and out of the house so no one is continually stressed by the heat or play - yes, they play and run in this stuff.

The following is a reprise from a guest post by Stacy Busch-Heisserer from last year:

There are some things you can do if you find an animal that  has been

exposed to high temperatures , compliments of The Humane Society of the

United States, Disaster Services: 

*Be alert for the signs of heat stress--heavy panting, staring or glazed eyes, a

rapid pulse, unsteadiness, excessive salivation, a staggering gait,

vomiting, bluish or white gums, or a deep red or purple tongue.

*If

your pet becomes overheated, you must find a way to lower his body

temperature immediately.  Move your pet into the shade and apply cool

(not cold) water all over the body  to gradually lower the body

temperature.

*Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet's head,

neck, and chest only. 

*Let your pet drink small amounts

of cool water or lick ice cubes.  Ingesting too much water may be

detrimental and may cause sickness.

*Take your pet to a

veterinarian right away and have him examined by a veterinarian.

*If

you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat

stress, call your local animal care and control agency or police

department immediately!  Get help for that helpless animal!"

We are responsible for the health and well-being of our pets.  Let's live up and beyond it.  Stay safe out there!