How to Care for Your Pet in the Summer Heat

How to Care for Your Pet in the Summer Heat

The heat of summer is here. While it’s a fantastic time to get outdoors with your pets for some fun in the sun, it’s also a time to be aware of your pet’s hydration and the dangers of heat exhaustion while taking steps to protect your pet from both of these health hazards.
how-to-care-for-your-pet-in-the-summer-heat-strip1

5 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Summer Heat

how-to-care-for-your-pet-in-the-summer-heat-strip2

1. Stay Hydrated

The best way to avoid heatstroke is to keep your pets hydrated. Make sure they have access to plenty of cool, fresh water at all times. If your pet is reluctant to drink enough water, help to encourage their hydration by soaking their kibble in water before feeding time, putting ice cubes in their water, keeping their water dish clean, and/or investing in a water fountain bowl.

2. Take Shelter in the Shade

It’s hottest in the direct sunlight, so providing your pet plenty of shade in the backyard or at the dog park will help them stay cooler.

3. Never Leave Your Pet in the Car

Even on relatively cool summer days, it is too hot inside the car for your pet. On a sunny day, the temperature in the car will reach dangerous heights after just a minute or two.

4. Know the Symptoms of Heatstroke

Heatstroke is incredibly dangerous for pets. Overheating can lead to permanent organ damage and even death. Signs and symptoms include:
  • Excessive panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Red gums
  • Trouble breathing
  • Weakness or dizziness
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Fainting or collapse
  • Seizures
If you notice signs of heatstroke in your pet, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

5. Know Your Pet's Heat Tolerance Level

While all pets are susceptible to heatstroke, certain breeds have a higher or lower heat tolerance than others. For example, cold weather breeds like huskies and malamutes will become overheated in much more quickly and in cooler weather than breeds with lighter coats.
how-to-care-for-your-pet-in-the-summer-heat-strip4

More Summer Pet Safety With Our Woodland Park Veterinarian

In addition to protecting your pet from dehydration and heat exhaustion this summer, remember it’s essential to prevent parasites during this time of year, as well. Our veterinarian at Compassion Animal Hospital can help you ensure your pets are adequately protected from fleas, ticks, and heartworms this summer season.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact our office today.

Celebrating Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! Why Adopting Is Better Than Shopping

Celebrating Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! Why Adopting Is Better Than Shopping

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, and we’re using the opportunity to spread awareness to help our community better understand the importance of adopting pets, rather than shopping for and purchasing pets.
celebrating-adopt-a-shelter-cat-month_strip1

Top 5 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Pet

celebrating-adopt-a-shelter-cat-month_strip2

1. Adopting Means Saving a Life

Due to limited space and resources, shelter pets are only given a limited time to stay before they are put down. So, when you adopt a pet from a shelter, you’re actually saving that animal’s life.

2. Opening a Space for Another Animal

When you adopt a pet, you also help the shelter make room for another incoming animal that is in need of a safe place with food, shelter, and veterinary care. When you adopt, the extra room in the shelter also helps to keep your entire community’s animal population healthier by preventing stray pets from wandering around and spreading contagious diseases.

3. It Costs Less

Adopting from a shelter is less expensive than purchasing a pet from a breeder. When you adopt from a shelter, you’ll pay a small adoption fee, but the fee includes your pet’s initial vaccinations and spay or neuter procedure. Most often, the fee you pay is way less than the actual cost of these treatments and procedures.

4. You Know What to Expect

Whether your shelter pet was once a stray or was turned in by a family that could no longer care for them, they’ll have more history than a brand-new pet from a breeder. This means you’ll already be familiar with the pet’s behavior, likes and dislikes, and health history when you make the decision to adopt.

5. You'll Have a Best Friend For Life

There’s no better reason to adopt a shelter pet other than the simple fact that you will be bringing home a companion who is loyal for life!
celebrating-adopt-a-shelter-cat-month_strip3
celebrating-adopt-a-shelter-cat-month_strip4

Establish Care With Our Veterinarian in Woodland Park

When you adopt a new pet, the first step in responsible pet ownership is to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. During this appointment, we’ll establish your pet’s care with Dr. Cooper, perform a thorough physical examination, and provide your pet with recommended wellness and preventative treatments. To learn more about adopting pets from your local shelter or to schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact Compassion Animal Hospital today.