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NEVER
Leave your Pet in the Car! Even on cooler summer days,
the temperature inside your car can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit in
minutes! NEVER leave your pet in a parked car, even with the
windows rolled down. Parking in the shade offers little, if any,
relief on hot, humid days. If you must run errands, leave your
furry friends safely at home.
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Provide
Plenty of Fresh, Cold Water at All Times Whether
you’re indoors or outside, your pet should always have access to
fresh, clean, cold water. Pets need more water on hot days. Check
the water bowl often, as water can warm quickly and bowls can get
spilled.
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Pets
Ride Inside! Do not allow your pet to hang out of a
moving vehicle. Not only is it dangerous, but also illegal for dogs
to ride in the back of pick-up trucks. Pets can get hurt, jump, or
fall out of moving vehicles, causing serious injury. Animals can be
thrown from a car if a sharp turn is taken or the brakes applied
quickly. The safest place to ride is inside!
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Thunderstorms
Can Be Scary! Be aware of thunderstorms and prepare
accordingly. Many pets frighten easily during storms. Bring your
pet inside if possible. Consult with your veterinarian if you think
your pet may need a tranquilizer to take the edge off during
thunderstorms.
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No
Fleas for Me! Keep your pet free from harmful fleas
and ticks! Check your pet daily for “new arrivals.” Consult with
the veterinary staff about preventing and treating flea and tick
problems.
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Exercise
Cautiously on Humid Days Exercise early in the morning
or late in the evening, when temperatures are lowest. Remember that
humidity interferes with an animal’s ability to rid themselves of
heat. Animals can only sweat around their paws, which isn’t enough
to cool the body, and panting can only cool them down so much on
humid days.
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Pets
Need Sunscreen Too! Pets with thin, light colored fur
can sunburn too! Try to keep your pet out of the sun. Apply
sunscreen to unprotected areas like the tips of ears, tip of nose,
and around the lips.
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Keep
Your Pet Well-Groomed A pet’s fur is designed to
protect from the sun and insulate from the heat. Keeping your pet
groomed can prevent summer skin problems also. If your pet has
extremely thick or matted fur, you may want to have him/her
clipped. Cats should be brushed often.
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Don’t
Sneak a Drink from the Street Hot weather can tempt a
pet to drink from puddles on the street which can contain antifreeze
and other chemicals. Antifreeze may taste sweet, but it is
extremely toxic!
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Beware
of Escape Artists To prevent escape or accidental
falls, make sure all windows and doors are properly screened.
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Stay
Cool If your pet must spend time outdoors on hot days,
make sure he/she has adequate shade or shelter from the sun at all
times. Remember that shade moves as the sun moves throughout the
day.
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Hot
Asphalt Can Burn! Never leave your pet standing on hot
pavement. You pet doesn’t wear shoes to protect his/her feet and
they can get hot and burn quickly. Be cautious when jogging,
running, or bicycling with your dog in the summer. Check the
pavement and your pet’s paws often.
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Remember
Those with Special Needs Elderly, very young, or ill
animals have a hard time regulating their temperature, so be extra
careful with these pets. Overweight pets and pets that have flat
faces, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Persian
cats have a more difficult time also.
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Thank
Goodness for Air Conditioning! When it’s just too hot
out there, bring your pet indoors. Pets should not be left outside
unsupervised on long, hot days, even with shade and cold water to
drink.
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Have
Fun! Summer is a time for fun and relaxation.
Everyone enjoys the outdoors, the warmth of the sun, going for
walks, playing in the water, and all the other things we do in the
summer time. Remember these simple tips for safety and you and your
pet will have fun all summer long.
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Keep
an Eye Out For Heatstroke Heatstroke is a medical
emergency and can be life threatening! If you suspect you pet has
heatstroke, act quickly and calmly. Call your veterinarian
immediately. In the meantime, lower your pet’s body temperature by
soaking him/her in cold water or cold, wet towels. Get your pet to
the vet as soon as possible to initiate life-saving treatments.
Even with treatment, heatstroke can be fatal, so prevention is the
best medicine.
2128
State Road 16 ● La Crosse WI 54601 ● (608)781-3466 ● 
