Warm Weather Puts Pets At Risk During The Dog Days Of Summer
CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Warm temperatures predicted for the Chicago-area this week can mean danger for pets. Warm weather can cause problems for both cats and dogs. Brachycephalic breeds (cats and dogs with their snouts pushed in such as Persian cats and Pug dogs), are particularly prone to problems during periods of high heat and humidity.
The veterinarians at Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (www.ChicagoVeterinaryEmergency.com), located at 3123 N. Clybourn, Chicago, remind pet owners to take precautions with their animals the next several days.
"Heatstroke can be a very serious problem for pets," said Dr. Jerry Klein, Supervising Veterinarian at Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center who was recently named one of America's Favorite Veterinarians. "Heatstroke can cause damage to a pet's organs including the kidneys, liver and brain. Sometimes, the pet cannot survive."
About heatstroke:
Dogs and cats primarily cool themselves through panting. When the air temperature is high, panting becomes ineffective. As the body temperature rises, the animal's primary organs (heart, kidneys, liver, etc.) may begin to shut down. The result can be kidney failure, brain damage, and in severe cases, death.
Signs of heatstroke:
Dogs and cats show similar signs of heatstroke. Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Heavy panting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea (possibly with blood)
- Intense grooming (especially for cats)
- Disorientation
- Listlessness or restlessness
Preventing heatstroke:
Heat stroke in pets can often be prevented: Pet owners should take the following steps:
- Never leave a pet in an unattended vehicle as temperatures can quickly rise to deadly levels.
- Make certain your pet has access to fresh, clean, cool water at all times.
- Keep your pet primarily indoors, in a cool or air-conditioned environment.
- Limit exercise. Don't run your pet or otherwise exercise them heavily.
- If your dog is in the yard, help keep it in the shade. Have a children's wading pool in the shade with cool water.
Pet owners who think their pet may be suffering from heatstroke should immediately move the animal to a cool place and begin cooling the pet with a cool damp towel and cool (not cold) water. They should immediately contact their veterinarian or Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center. Veterinarians can help cool your pet with intravenous fluids and other medical resources.
About Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center
Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center provides the most advanced emergency and specialty care available to Chicago area cats and dogs. Staffed by highly-trained specialists and equipped with the latest technology, Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center is always open – 24 hours each day, every day of the year. Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center offers highly-trained veterinarians who specialize in anesthesiology, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, emergency & critical care, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation and surgery.
SOURCE Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center
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