Helping Your Pet Keep His Cool This Summer

Dog panting from the heat.

Hot dogs may be a popular summertime treat for baseball fans and backyard cookouts, but allowing our canine friends to overheat is a potential fatal disaster! Keeping our pets cool as the temperatures heat up doesn't have to be a challenge if you keep a few easy facts in mind.

Dogs don't sweat like us; therefore, they rely on panting to cool themselves down during a warm day. Even just a few hours in the hot sun can spell tragedy for the pet and the owner. Everyone has heard about the horrors of dogs left in cars during summer days, but many of our pets can overheat easily in their own backyard.

Dogs need access to plenty of cool water and shade if they are going to be left outside for any extended period of time during warm weather. Even the seasoned "outdoor dogs" can succumb to higher temperatures if adequate shade and water are not provided. Short faced breeds, like Boxers and Bulldogs, are at higher risk because of their inability to pant effectively.

Signs that your pet may be experiencing heat stroke include: an inability to stand, weakness while standing, vigorous panting, thick ropy saliva, and occasionally, bright red mucous membranes.

This situation is a medical emergency!! Your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian without delay. Immediately bring your pet to a cooler area out of the sun and apply cool, but not cold, water to the extremities. A fan is often very helpful as well. As soon as you can, load your dog into the car and go to your veterinarian. Elevated body temperatures can be fatal to your pet in a matter of minutes!

Don't let a preventable pet emergency spoil your summertime fun!

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Animal Eye Center

Monday - Wednesday:

8:30 am

5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30am

5:00 pm

Friday:

emergency only

Saturday, Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Dr. Beth helped our little girl Annabelle several years ago performing cataract surgery. The surgery allowed her to have sight for a few more years. She has since gone over the Rainbow Bridge, but we appreciated Dr. Beth and her team for helping our sweet girl."
    Sue Webb
  • "We wish to express our gratitude to Dr. Beth Gibbins and staff for showing our pup Daisy, such wonderful care. Please, if your pet is having problems, please make any appointment to have her examine them. This may help save you a lot of heartavhe thinking that nothing can be done. Thank you, Dr. Beth"
    Joanie Mitton
  • "Dr. Gibbins is wonderful! My dog, Molly, was 8 when she started losing her sight. She needed cataract surgery immediately and now she is 10 and sees great!"
    Edna Block
  • "Leo is a happy dog! Super happy with our results! He loves Dr. Beth Gibbins! She is awesome at explaining everything!"
    Raina Dawn
  • "Kind and Compassionate to Ace during his eye care!"
    Ramsey Sessions
  • "Dr. Gibbins and her staff are wonderful! They provided a same day appointment for our initial consultation and treatment started that same day. Dr. Gibbins and her staff are kind and compassionate and answered all questions. We had a great outcome and will definitely return with any of our fur babies if a need arises. Thank you Dr. Gibbins and Staff for the superb care for our Bella!"
    Shane and Kristie Fox