Hot Weather Protecting your pet in the summer heat!

Summer is here and so is the hot weather!
As the temperature rises, so does the risk of heatstroke for our pets!
Heatstroke is very serious, and can quickly lead to organ failure, brain damage, and death.
Symptoms of heatstroke may include;

Anxiousness
Restlessness
Excessive panting
Excessive drooling
Increased heart rate
Abnormal gum or tongue color
Vomiting
Bloody diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Unsteadyness
Collapse
Siezures

If your pet exhibits any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention. Minutes matter when it comes to heatstroke.
Heatstroke doesn't just occur when the weather is hot, it can also happen in times of high humidity, or in poorly ventilated area indoors. Also, some pets are more prone to distress in hot weather than others. Brachycephalic breeds (Persian and Himalayan cats, bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc) are more susceptible due to the pushed in characteristic of their faces, making panting less effective and breathing in general more difficult. Overweight and senior animals, along with those who have heart or lung disease also have an increased danger, and should be monitored closely.
Our animals don't sweat like we do. Instead, they rely on panting to keep cool, and often times, panting just isn't enough. It is up to us to make sure our animals have what they need to stay protected from the heat.

8 Tips from the AVMA to Protect Your Dog in the Summer

Never, ever leave your dog in the car;
Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water;
Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside;
Take walks during the cooler hours of the day;
When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog's paws;
If you think it's hot outside, it's even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off;
Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms;
Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats, and apply sunscreen to your dog's skin if she or he has a thin coat.