Heat can kill!

• Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle.

• Even with windows open, a parked car, truck, or van can become a furnace.

• Parking in the shade may not help--the sun shifts during the day.

If your pet gets overheated--

• Move him/her into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his/her body.
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to his/her head, neck, and chest only.
• Let him/her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Take him/her to a veterinarian right away!

Signs of heat stress include--

• Heavy panting
• Glazed eyes
• Unsteadiness
• Staggering
• Vomiting
• Deep red or purple tongue

More hot-weather tips for pets--

• When traveling, carry a gallon thermos filled with fresh, cool water for your pet.
• Exercise an animal in the cool of the early morning or evening. In hot weather, don't leave your dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum.
• Never take an animal to the beach unless you can provide a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water to drink. Rinse off an animal that has been in salt water.
• Provide plenty of shade for an animal staying outdoors. Bring your dog or cat inside to a cool part of the house during the heat of the day. Always provide plenty of cool, clean water.
• Watch out for older or overweight animals in hot weather. Snub-nosed dogs and those with heart or lung diseases should be kept indoors in air-conditioning as much as possible.
• Avoid taking an animal into areas that may have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Such chemicals can sicken or kill an animal. Be alert for coolant leaking from vehicles. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and even a small amount ingested can kill.
• Keep your pet well-groomed, but do not shave off all his/her hair. A pet's coat protects him/her from sunburn and may act as cooling insulation.
• If a pet must travel in the back of an open vehicle like a pick-up, have him/her safely tethered to the center of the bed so he/she can't reach the sides. Provide a non-slip, cool surface for the pet to stand or sit on.
• Take your companion animal to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer checkup, including a heartworm test if your dog isn't on year-round preventative medication. Have the doctor recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.