SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — With the summer months in full swing, the American Red Cross is warning pet owners that their dogs could be susceptible to heat stroke and other dangers.
According to the American Red Cross, some of the common causes of heat stroke include:
- A previous episode of heat stroke
- Leaving a dog in a parked car
- Exercising your dog too much outside
- Humid weather
- Inappropriate outdoor shelter
- Dogs with lots of hair are especially susceptible.
Here are some tips from the Humane Society of the United States:
- Never leave your pet in the car: The inside of your car could reach 120 degrees, even if you’re parked in the shade.
- Don’t put your pet in the back of a truck: A dog could be thrown into traffic if a driver suddenly hits the breaks. Dogs should ride in a secured crate in the bed of the truck with a proper seat belt harness.
- Watch out of fertilizers and deadly plants: They can be fatal if a pet eats them.
- Stay Bite-Free: With more dogs outside in the summer months, people are more likely to get bit by dogs.
- Pet Care 101: Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. It can help people reunited with their dogs faster in days of extreme heat.
If a dog displays symptoms of heat stroke, the Humane Society says to:
- Get your dog out of direct heat
- Check for shock
- Take your dog’s temperature
- Spray your dog with cool water then retake temperature
- Place water – soaked towels on the dog’s head, neck feet, chest and abdomen, turn on a fan and point it in your dog’s direction, rub Isopropyl alcohol (70%) on the dog’s foot pads to help cool him but don’t use large quantities as it can be toxic if ingested
- Take your dog to the nearest veterinarian