Hot Weather Tips.

Chance says, "swimming is the way to cool off."

With the hot weather here, heatstroke is a common occurrence. Animals can get heatstroke by being confined in a car with the windows up, kenneling them in poorly ventilated areas, or exercising them in the hot, humid weather. The signs are rapid, shallow breathing, rapid heart beat, very high body temperature, over 104 degrees, and then collapse.

It is vital that a dog suffering this be cooled down as quickly as possible, and treated by a vet immediately. To cool a dog down you can spray them down with cool water, ice packs at the groin and around the neck and head, and wrapping cold, wet towels around the dog. Again, it is vital that you get your dog to a vet after instituting first aid. This is because there are many complications that come with an elevated temperature. Stop the cooling process when the temperature gets down to 103 degrees.

Remember, to prevent this from happening, just use common sense. Never, never leave any animal in a car with the windows up. You should really never leave them in a car, even with the windows cracked. A car temperature can soar in a matter of minutes. If you have to leave your dog in the car, keep the car running with the air conditioner on. If your dog is outside, make sure that it has adequate shade to get under, and plenty of fresh, cool water.