Follow our tips for helping everyone keep your pets safe in the hot weather
Never leave your pets in a parked car – On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.
Limit exercise on hot days – Take care when exercising your pet. Adjust intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours.
Don’t rely on a fan– Pets respond differently to heat than humans do. (Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet.) And fans don’t cool off pets as effectively as they do people.
Provide ample shade and water -Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water.
Cool your pet inside and out – Whip up a batch of quick and easy DIY pupsicles for dogs. And always provide water, whether your pets are inside or out with you. Keep your pet from overheating indoors or out with a cooling body wrap, vest or mat. Soak these products in cool water, and they’ll stay cool (but usually dry) for up to three days. If your dog doesn’t find baths stressful, see if they enjoy a cooling soak.
Watch for signs of heatstroke – Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke. Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness. If your pet gets heatstroke, move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian.
And if you are “hot under the collar” because of your insurance prices, give AIC Insurance a call at 509-764-4447. We are an independent agency with many companies to choose from, and we will work with you to craft an insurance package that fits you just right.
AIC INSURANCE 509-764-4447 www.aicmoseslake.com
