PLEASE READ AND PASS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO OWN PETS

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In many states, laws have been passed which make it illegal for people to leave their pets unattended in parked vehicles. And in the throes of summer, particularly here in the south, it's hard to imagine a more dangerous place for your dog or cat to be. Besides being a handy source of transportation, cars (and trucks) are also very efficient solar collectors. On sunny days when the outside temperature may be only 85°F, the inside of a parked car can exceed 100° in just 10 minutes! If you're caught in line at the bank for a half hour, that temperature can easily climb to 120°. And, if your errand takes you around the block, your pet could be trapped in a 160° slow-cooker. Don't make the mistake of thinking your pet is safe as long as he's not locked in a hot car. A dog in the backyard without adequate shade and drinking water is still susceptible to heatstroke. Be sensitive to your dog's surroundings... a yard with little grass and landscaping rock and concrete is a much hotter place than one filled with lush grass. Make sure your dog has adequate ventilated shade, (A poorly ventilated doghouse can quickly become a solar oven in the summer sun.) and plenty of clean drinking water. Heatstroke is a life-threatening state of extreme hyperthermia. All mammals have the ability to regulate their internal body temperature. For cats and dogs "normal" is around 101° - 103°. But the body's ability to self-regulate can be compromised by high ambient temperatures. In a closed car, a dog or cat's temperature regulating system will quickly be out of control, and their internal or core body temperature will start to rise. Once it climbs to the neighborhood of 104.9° - 109.4°, then heatstroke has occurred. Heatstroke will affect your pet's entire body. His cardiovascular system will experience an increased metabolic rate, and oxygen consumption will likewise increase. The respiratory system will show signs of hyperventilation which will affect the acid balance of his entire body. Your pet will go into acute respiratory failure, muscle tissue will begin to break down, the coagulation system will begin to fail and fluid will accumulate in the brain. Once his core temperature reaches 109°, there are only a few minutes before tissue damage occurs. The early signs of heatstroke are rapid panting accompanied by a fast heartbeat and general confusion. The dogs gums and tongue may be red and dry. As the condition progresses the symptoms worsen, and the dog may experience depression. The gums and tongue may now appear grayish, and the animal may experience vomiting and diarrhea. Beyond this stage, there will be seizures, coma, and eventually death. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, get medical attention immediately. Quick response is necessary to prevent possible internal organ damage. If you are unable to get to a vet or clinic quickly, observe the following guidelines; 1)  Remove your pet from the source of heat and get them to a cooler area. 2) Soak his fur with cool (not cold) water starting with the paws, legs and neck, and then the rest of his body. Place him in front of a fan to maximize evaporative cooling. 3) Check his temperature frequently, and stop cooling when it reaches 103° (Excessive cooling can cause hypothermia, and shock.) 4) As soon as possible, get your pet to a vet for evaluation. The doctor will determine if fluid therapy is necessary to combat dehydration, and will determine whether or not additional treatment is required for organ damage.

The key to your dog's safe and happy summer depends on you. Please take every precaution with your precious pet during the hot season. Know the symptoms of heatstroke, and how to provide emergency treatment if necessary. Only you can ensure that your dog or cat does not become one of this summer's tragic statistics.