As the summer months heat up, it can be hard to keep cool. At West Boca Veterinary Center, our veterinarian wants to educate our community about keeping pets safe from heat stroke this summer. Let's take a look at some tips that will help keep your dog or cat cool in the summer heat.
Pet Tips for Summer
Humans can respond to heat by sweating, but cats and dogs cannot. Heat stroke is a state of hyperthermia (raised body temperature sustained over a period of time) that results in injury to bodily tissues. Heat stroke is serious, and can result in serious injury or death if not treated. To protect your pet from heat stroke, keep them in air conditioned spaces as often as possible. Temperatures don't need to be scorching in order for pets to get heat stroke. The condition can occur in mild temperatures. If your pets are outside, provide them with a cool, well ventilated, shady area to rest. Make sure that your pet has clean, fresh, cool drinking water available at all times. Never, ever leave your pet in the car, as temperatures rise extremely quickly (even with the windows open). Avoid exercising your pet in hot weather, and don't walk your pet on surfaces that absorb heat, like asphalt.
Call Our Boca Raton Veterinarian
Please note, if you think your pet may be suffering from heat stroke, don't wait to set up an appointment. Come see us during normal business hours (you don't need to call first) or proceed directly to your emergency vet.
If you have concerns about keeping your dog or cat safe this summer, or it's simply time for your pet to have a checkup and/or vaccinations, give our Boca Raton veterinarian a call. At West Boca Veterinary Center, we pride ourselves on providing state of the art care to Florida's beloved animals. Call our conveniently located office at 561-451-8838 to schedule an appointment today.