Protect Pets from Summer Scorchers
Summer is here and temperatures have already reached into the 90s.  Such intense heat us not only dangerous for humans, but for pets as well.  The Olney Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital offers a few tips to protect pets during summer heat waves. 

Cars are potential death traps during the hot summer months because inside temperatures can quickly climb to over 120 degrees on even a mild sunny day.  It is best to leave your pet at home while running errands during hot weather.  If you absolutely must take your pet with you, please do the following.

     * Open windows and vents as wide as possible withour providing an escape route; or put  
         your pet in a ventilated cage and open all windows fully.
     * Provide fresh water.
     * Check your car every 5 minutes.

If your pet is :  panting, has an anxious expression, does not obey commands, has warm dry 
skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat or is vomiting, try to lower their body temperature quickly with cool water either by immersion or spraying thoroughly with a garden hose.  Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediatley.

If your pet lives outdoors, make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the sun and heat.  Ourdoor kennels should be well ventilated and in a shaded area.  There should always be shade for your pet to get out of the sun.

Make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available to your pet.  The bowl should be placed in the shade where it cannot be heated by the sun.

Exercise is important, but overexertions during hot weather commonly causes heat stress.  Avoid excessive exercise during hot days.

Keep your pet well groomed.  Long hair and mats need to be clipped, and excess fur brushed away to help keep your pet cool.