The hot weather over the past few days in the Motherlode has been dangerous for area pets.
Tuolumne Veterniary Dr. Alan Rubenstein was KVML’s Thursday KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.
“Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, sunburn and heat stroke if overexposed to the heat,” says Rubenstein, “and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.”
Take precautions to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventive medication. Heart worm disease is endimic throughout the Motherlode.
Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
Dr. Rubenstein recommends putting your hands on your pets and checking for sores or infections from fleas and ticks.
Older pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
Dr. Rubenstein is with Tuolumne Veterinary Hospital located on Tuolumne Road in Sonora.
The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard each weekday morning on AM 150 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.
Written by mark@mlode.com
This post was last modified on 08/25/2010 3:36 pm