Heatstroke
Learn how to recognize the signs!
READ Information NOW .... Before it's too late!!!

Heatstroke occurs when your pet's body temperature gets too high.

Heatstroke can happen while you are exercising with your pet OR when your pet is somewhere that they overheat. Even if your dog has been exercising with you all year, remember as the temperature rise so will your pet's body temperature. Try to exercise first thing in the morning or last thing at night. When outside, a dog must always have a shady shelter and access to cool water - Do Not place water where it is sitting in the sun. (Failing to provide shelter and water is against the law!) When an owner leaves a pet in a parked car, even with the windows open, temperatures in a car can climb to lethal degree levels within minutes. (Even if the temperature is in the 70's and 80's.) NEVER leave your animal unattended in a parked car.

Dogs and cats dissipate heat by panting, but in some conditions, that's not enough to adequately lower their temperatures.

The following are SIGNS OF POSSIBLE HEATSTROKE:
  • Excessive panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
  • Very red gums.
  • Pet is walking very slowly or oddly.
  • Has collapsed and/or becomes unconscious.
  • Notable lethargy or odd behavior, seizures
  • An elevated heart rate - Normal heart rates: DOGS - 70-160 beats per minute,  CATS - 160-240 beats per minute.

IMPORTANT:    IF YOU SUSPECT HEATSTROKE:

  • Move your pet to the shade or   preferably inside to an air conditioned area. 
  • Apply cool water NOT cold water. You can submerse your pet in a sink, bathtub, or wading pool for 'a minute' or so at a time.
  • If you are not able to lift your pet, you may use a garden hose to wet your pet down with cool water. (Make certain the water is cool because sometimes water coming from a garden hose can be VERY hot!)  Start by wetting the paws, legs and neck  and then wet the rest of the body.) If you do Not have a hose nearby, then wet towels (if you do not have a towel, then soak a piece of clothing) and place on your pet's paws, neck and head (do Not cover nose or mouth).
  • Your goal is to get the temperature down to 104 in the first 10 to 15 minutes.
  • IMPORTANT:  Call your veterinarian AND then get to a veterinary hospital IMMEDIATELY!!!

NOTE:  It is very IMPORTANT to seek veterinary medical advice as soon as possible since there can be serious conditions that can result from heatstroke that may appear only after several hours, such as brain swelling, seizures, kidney failure, and blood-clotting abnormalities. The animal could also go into shock or a coma and could die. (Along with your own ID,  ALWAYS carry the phone number of your vet AND the phone number of an 'after hours' Animal Emergency Hospital.  If you have a cell phone, make sure these phone numbers are included in your phone's memory.)

Ask other  family members to read this important information.  Make a copy of this information to place with a first aid kit.

With a little common sense and carefully watching your pet, you can help protect your good friend and perhaps even save their life.  

When outside, a dog must always have a shady shelter and access to cool water!
Failing to provide shelter and water is against the law!  Cruelty Laws
REPORT CRUELTY!!!!

Doggy Door .... Freedom of choice for your loyal and loving companion!
Purchasing a Doggy Door
There are MANY sizes and type Pet Doors from which to choose!
Check with you local Petsmart of Petco stores.

NOTE: If you have a cat that you do not want to go out, there are 'electronic' doors
which ONLY open for animal wearing the collar.
(You must check batteries often to make sure they can open the electronic door.)
When using a doggy door make sure your yard is 'escape proof',  keep your gates locked
and  know and trust your neighbor in adjoining yards.

Reasons to Have a Pet Door:

Imagine if you had to wait 10 HOURS to go to the bathroom, a pet door allows your animal to "take care of business" whenever necessary.

A pet door is a fire escape for your pets. A doggy door provides a way for your animal may be able to 'escape' in the event of a fire!

NOTE:   If your animal has access to the outdoors, 
make CERTAIN your fenced yard is as 'escape proof' as is possible.
Also, know AND trust your neighbors who have adjoining yards!

When outside, a dog must always have a shady shelter and access to cool water!
Failing to provide shelter and water is against the law!  Cruelty Laws
REPORT CRUELTY!!!!