How COOL is your dog this time of year? 😎

Now that we are well into Summer here on the island, we thought we would share some tips on keeping your pets cool during the dog days of summer.  RTR Spay and Neuter wants to remind everyone of the dangers of heat stroke in pets this time of year.

Your animal does not have a choice in taking their fur coats off. They can still get overheated very easily. For example, a dog’s normal body temperature is between 101 to 102.5 degrees; a dog can only withstand a high body temperature only for a short time before suffering nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, brain damage or even death.

According to the SPCA, knowing the signs of heatstroke are imperative.

• Heavy panting and difficulty breathing

• Excessive drooling

• Bright red or pale gums

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Dizziness or disorientation

• Collapse or loss of consciousness

* NEVER leave your pet in the car!!!! 

This is VERY DANGEROUS!! Your animal only keeps itself cool by panting and through the pads of their paws. We don’t care how “fast you are running into the store”. Here are some facts about what happens inside a car during moderate temperatures.

"The atmosphere and the windows of a car are relatively “transparent” to the sun’s shortwave radiation (yellow in figure below) and are warmed little.  However, this shortwave energy does heat objects that it strikes.  For example, a dark dashboard or seat can easily reach temperatures in the range of 180 to over 200 degrees F. These objects (e.g., dashboard, steering wheel, child seat) heat the adjacent air by conduction and convection and also gives off longwave radiation (red) which is very efficient at warming the air trapped inside a vehicle." (information obtained from ggweather.com)

VEHICLE HEATING DYNAMICS after 30 minutes of exposure in direct sunlight.

Here are some tips to help your pets stay cool this summer.

** Make sure they always have access to clean cool water. Put some ice cubes in it if they have to stay outside during the day.

** If you have a backyard or patio, buy a hard plastic Kiddie Pool. Most discount stores have them for $10 – $20. It’s completely worth it! This way your dog can hang out in cool water to reduce their body temperature.

** Soak a washcloth with cool water and wipe down their head, neck, and chest. This will also help them regulate their body temp.

** Give your dog Pupcicles! There are recipes out there and are easy to make. Just check with your Vet to make sure your dog is allowed to have them if your pup has any medical / food issues. Here is just one of the recipes that we have come across.

by Hollys Rangie » June 9th, 2008, 9:28 pm

“My pups love these frozen treats and they are super easy to make. They are a great treat for those hot days like we have been having recently having here in North Carolina. Just thought I would share it with you!”

32 ounces non-fat yogurt

2 bananas (mashed)

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

2 tablespoons honey

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix well. Fill small dixie cups (bathroom size) with the mixture. Freeze at least two hours. When it is time to serve, let them thaw a little and pop them in to a bowl by pushing on the bottom of the cup! Let the pups enjoy!"

We hope this gives you some good ideas. If you have more ideas to share, please post a comment below.

#SpayNeuter #PetCare #ResponsiblePetOwnership #HealthyPets #VeterinaryCare #AnimalWelfare #PetWellness #SaveLives #SpayAndNeuterDogs #DogCare #PuppyHealth #AdoptDontShop #DogWellness #DogSafety #PreventAnimalOverpopulation

#SpayAndNeuterCats #CatCare #KittenHealth #TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) #FelineHealth #CatWellness #ProtectPets #EndPetOverpopulation #VetClinic #AnimalRescue #PetAdvocacy #LoveAnimals #PetHealthMatters