| Updated: 7/11/2011 9:54 pm |
Published: 7/11/2011 8:34 pm |
It's not just humans who suffer in the heat. When the temperatures rise, pets are susceptible to heat exhaustion and stroke too.
Veterinarians are warning pet owners to watch out for the signs and symptoms of heat stroke.
At Briarwood Animal Hospital, so far they've only had one case of severe heat stroke. Luckily the dog pulled through.
Dr. Jessi Rhodes says they've been getting a lot of calls from dog owners. "They ask questions about what temperatures are safe for dogs to be outside and when they should bring their dogs in."
Dr. Rhodes says when the thermometer climbs higher then 90 degrees, that’s when dogs left outside for too long can get sick. "With extreme heat, the body doesn't receive oxygen. The circulation changes and the organs shut down. The body starts to die."
Dr. Rhodes recommends watch for warning signs. "You have to be in tune with your dog's daily routine and what's normal for your pet. When you start to notice them not as active in the yard or panting, those are signs they might be in distress."
Potential heat related illness isn't keeping dogs and their owners away from the Little Rock Dog Park. Dog owners say there is plenty of shade to keep dogs and owners cool. Rene Rabell says he brings his dog Pascal sometime twice a day to run around with the other dogs at the park, but he has changed up the routine a bit to beat the heat. "In the mornings in the summertime we come earlier, and in the evenings we don't come before 6:30pm.
Dr. Rhodes says if your dog starts acting strange, doesn't want to play, or is dizzy or lethargic, take the dog's temperature. If it's 105 degrees or higher, put cold wet towels on your dog and head straight to the emergency clinic.
Dr. Rhodes says do not give your dog an ice bath to try to cool them off. That could cool them too quickly and cause damage.
