As the weather gets a little warmer in the Pocono Mountains, we want to make sure that you’re keeping your pet safe during the summer months. Increasing temperatures and outdoor time can lead to potentially dangerous situations for pets. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. If you do find yourself in an emergency situation during business hours, please call us directly at 570-992-6900. If you do have an after-hours emergency, our friends at Barton can help! Barton Heights Veterinary Hospital is open 24/7 and every holiday—Please click HERE for further information!
Animals are quite susceptible to heat stroke. With few sweat glands, dogs and cats are unable to adequately cool themselves when left in the heat, and their body temperature can quickly rise to dangerous levels. A pet suffering from heat stroke requires immediate veterinary attention, so it’s important that you can recognize the signs of an overheated pet:
- Excessive panting
- Sticky or dry tongue or gums
- Stumbling while trying to walk
- Seizures
- Body temperature over 103 degrees
- Unresponsiveness
If you notice these symptoms, be sure to get your pet out of the heat immediately. To prevent heat stroke, never leave your pet inside your car, and don’t leave her outdoors unsupervised for more than 10 minutes on a hot day. While outside, ensure she has a shady area to escape the direct sunlight, and always provide fresh, cool water.
Make sure your pet is always on a leash or in an enclosed area when playing outside around cars. When pets spend more time outside, they have more opportunities to escape. Running free and roaming the streets may feel like an adventure, but it puts them at great risk of being lost, getting into a fight, or getting hit by a car. The blunt trauma of getting hit by a car can cause a number of injuries, including:
- Abrasions and loss of skin
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Head trauma
- Internal injuries and blood loss
This horrific situation is easily prevented. Ensure the gates of your yard are securely closed to keep your dog safely confined, and keep your pet inside during outdoor gatherings when guests will be coming and going. When taking part in outdoor activities, like camping or hiking, keep your dog on a leash. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
We hope you and your pets get to enjoy a fun and exciting summer, and a few precautions will make sure those times can be without interruption. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here for you.
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