By Michael Ringwood

Summer has always been a wonderful time both for you and your pet to enjoy spending outdoor and the morning sunshine together. But at the same time the season warrants certain serious cautions insofar the health of your pet is concerned. Summer is a perfect time for enjoyment – doubtlessly. But it is not always fun for you and your pooches and living, sometimes, prove to be very hard when the mercury level tends to rise up. Dogs, cats and even the bullheads, orindas, laporinas and tetras of your aquarium may suffer intensely from the harshness of the rising temperature. Summer pet care is essential if you have a pet.

Specially the land animals like canines, felines and cattle sometimes suffers from the sunburn and dehydration during the summer. Hence it is significant to take care of your pet and take certain precautionary measures along side celebrating the season.

Is Your Jack Prone To Heat Stress?

All animals – starting from the birds to dogs are susceptible to heat stress and your Jack is of no exception. Being a pet owner it is important to understand which all animals are more prone to such conditions and if your Jack falls in the category. Very old and very young animals are highly susceptible to heat stress. If Jack is still a baby or have grown too old you have to be extra cautious and carry out a serious summer pet care program during the summer months – especially during the periods when the temperature reaches the highest point. Animals such as short nosed dogs, heavy coated dogs, overweight animals and arctic dog breeds usually have to suffer an awful time during the summer and sometimes they tend to fall seriously ill. If you are a responsible owner of a cute little rabbit, then you should know that it will fall sick if the temperatures rises beyond 80 - 85 degree.

Symptoms Of Heat Stress

Heat stress in animals is so dangerous that it sometimes even claims lives without any prior intimation. The pet owners must be aware of the common symptoms of the condition so that they could take immediate action, finding their pets struck be sudden heat stress.

Profuse drooling, excessive panting, high heart rate, fever, muscle weakness, unnatural expression, unresponsiveness and unable to move are the most common symptoms of the heat stress in animals. The skin may turn dry, and the tongue and gum may lose their pink tint and if left untreated, your lovely little pet may have to end its journey.

Active measures

The immediate step that should be taken is contacting your vet. In the mean period it is essential to cool down the body temperature by applying ice pack to the head and neck region. You can spray enough water on its body to lower down its temperature. The abdominal region is the less hair region. Applying water in the abdomen may be helpful to a great extent. Remember that applying medicine without the vet's advice is not included in the summer pet care program. So do not go for any experiment by administering medicine without the vet's prescription.

How To Avoid Heat Stress

If you are a responsible pet owner, there are lots of things you can do to avoid heat stress and to steer clear any unwanted situation. Here are certain points to be remembered.

1)Visit a registered veterinary practitioner for an early summer check up of your pet to ensure that he/she is in sound health.

2)Carry out a parasite control program for both the internal and external parasites and do not forget to test for the heart worms.


3)Always keep a bowl full of cold (not chilled) fresh water. Change the water after every one hour.


4)Leaving your pet in your closed car may lead to hyperthermia, which may be fatal. Do not leave your pet in a car even with the windows opened. Parked cars even with the windows opened become furnace during the summer.


5)Over exercise during the summer months are strictly prohibited.


6)The older and overweight pets should be kept in an air conditioned room. Remember not to use any strong room freshner.


7)The snub-nosed dog breeds such as Shih Tzus, Pugs, bulldogs, etc. should be provided with a cool place through out the summer.


8)The coat of the long haired pets should be trimmed and properly groomed.


It is your responsibility to stay alert for the symptoms of heat stress in your pet. If you notice excessive salivation, panting and any abnormal behavior in your pet do not waste time. Give an emergency call to your vet and carry on the cooling program by rinsing the patient with water. Your pet means the world to you and hence carrying out a summer pet care program during the summer months will keep you and your pet happy and away from the unpredictable hazards.

This summer pet care article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

About the Author: Michael Ringwood writes on Online Marketing and Social networking. He also contributes regularly on social media blogs and web2.0 marketing forums. He Runs his own Blogs: http://comments4myspace.blogspot.com and http://myspacebirthdaycomments.blogspot.com/

Source: www.isnare.com
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