Protect dogs in summer heat

Dog owners can protect their pets from the hazards that happen when temperatures rise. Here are some important tips:

•Dogs wear a winter coat year-round and sweat only through their nose and paw pads, so they're more susceptible to heat than humans. Dogs cool themselves through panting and drinking water, so provide plenty of water, especially in warm weather.

•Never leave a dog inside a car in hot weather. A car's inside temperature can increase as much as 40 degrees in an hour. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise to 102 in 10 minutes. Leave a pet in the comfort of home while running errands.

•Bring outdoor dogs inside when the temperature spikes and make sure they have a cool place in the shade and plenty of cold water. Sunlight can heat a water bowl to the point that it's undrinkable.

•As pets and other animals spend more time outside, the risk of certain illnesses, including rabies, rises dramatically. Make sure a pet's vaccinations are current and visit a veterinarian to learn more about flea and tick preventive treatments and heartworm pills for dogs.

•Many lawn products, such as fertilizer, are toxic if consumed by pets, so put them in a secure location.

•A day at the beach can be fun, but make sure a dog can stay cool on the hot sand and remember that salt water will dehydrate a pet. Bring drinking water and a portable bowl. Dogs love to swim but inexperienced dogs can drown, so be careful.

•Dogs will exercise past the point of exhaustion to please a beloved companion. Whether jogging or playing fetch, be sensitive to their health and comfort.

•A dog can't speak up and say that it's overheating, so be attentive. Signs of heatstroke are panting hard, staggering gait, rapid heartbeat, listlessness, restlessness, dark red or purple gums and tongue, and vomiting.

•If a dog does overheat, lower its body temperature gradually by immersing the animal in cool water or moving into an airconditioned location and giving him small amounts of cold drinking water or ice cubes. Then take the animal immediately to a veterinarian. A quick response could save a pet's life.

For more information, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website at www.avma.org.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.