Annie's Shenanigans

However, owners need to be very careful in this part of the country with high incidences of heat stress. 

Check out this link to our "The Heat is On!" article by Dr. Betzen on common issues and signs of heat stress

Heat Stress

Please keep these tips in mind:

1. Never leave animals in a car unattended even for a few minutes. 

2. Always provide shade and water for pets outside

3. Walk and jog your pets in the very early hours of the morning

4. If you suspect even mild heat stress in your pet wrap them in a towel doused in cool (not cold) water and bring them to the veterinarian immediately!

I was at the Westbury spa the other day getting my mani/pedi and anal gland cleaning when I was chatting it up with some of the other ladies having their hair washed. It turns out I am not the only pup on this block who gets really hot foot pads when walking in the parking lot and sidewalks since it has been so hot lately.

Did you know that if it is 95 degrees outside, it can be close to 125 degrees on cement?? My poor pads get a little sore and I prefer to walk on the grass in the shade. Speaking of heat let me tell you a little about heat stroke as this is such a big concern this time of year. There are three main things you need to know:

1. Brachycephalic breed dogs cannot tolerate heat. Brachycephalic is a big word for short nosed dogs such as Pugs, Bull dogs, Boston terriers, and Frenchies. Their airways cannot sustain them in the heat the way other breeds can. Dogs have to pant to cool their bodies and these dogs just can’t keep up.
2. Dogs have fur. Their coat can become just as hot has those cement tops on a semi warm day. Even if dogs could sweat like people, their fur coats trap in that moisture and heat to make them even warmer.
3. Never leave your dog in a car. Car temperatures in this Houston heat can soar within a matter of MINUTES.

Just keep in mind that you need to provide shade, limit exposure outdoors when it is hot, and always provide water.

The following are some common signs of heat stress:

1. Excessive panting

2. Drooling

3. Restlessness or pacing

4. Vomiting/Diarrhea

5. Collapse