what is causing your dog to vomit?

During the hot days of summer, the weather is not just hot, but it is often, humid, damp, and or sticky. While it may be easy for you to find a nice cool place under the air conditioning vent to cool off, your pet may not be as lucky. The nice thick fur coat that keeps them warm during the winter, can become a major problem during the summer. If proper precautions are not taken, it is easy for them to get over heated and suffer from a heat stroke. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent this.

Ensure Your Dog Has Access To A Cool Space

Hyperthermia or heat stroke can set in anytime your pet's body temperature reaches 106 degrees or higher. If this happens your pet can experience multiple health issues including total organ failure and death. Because your pet does not have the ability to sweat, it is important that you take steps to help keep them cool.

If possible keep your dog in an air-conditioned space when the temperatures really soar. Even if your dog is use to spending their days outdoors, when it is really hot you need to make sure that they have access to plenty of shade or another cool space. Keep in mind that the sun will move throughout the day, which may move or limit the shaded spots in your yard. Consider pitching a tarp or tent to increase the amount of shade coverage available.

Ensure Your Dog Has Plenty Of Fluids

When it is hot, you need to ensure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. It is suggested that they should consume somewhere between 1/2 to 1 ounce per pound of body weight per day to stay hydrated. Make sure that their water is in a container that cannot be turned over or spilled. If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, you may want to consider leaving them more than one bowl to drink out of.

Time Your Outdoor Activities

If you have an inside dog, walk your dog or take them outside early in the morning before the sun comes up, or late in the afternoon after the sun goes down. Slow down and give your pet plenty of time to rest when they are out and about. Make sure your take fluids with you on your walk.

If your pet starts showing signs of excessive panting or discomfort, they are indicating that they may be on the way to being overheated. Cool your pet off as quickly as possible but taking them into an air conditioned environment and placing them in a tub of cool water. Turn on the shower, so that the cool water can reach their back and neck.

Contact a local animal hospital, such as Kenmore Veterinary Hospital, and follow the advice of the advice nurse or veterinarian you reach. They will be able to tell you whether or not your pet needs to be seen.