Summer is here!

With the first day of summer finally here we’d like to remind everyone:

Never ever leave your pet in a car, not even for 5 minutes. Cars heat up faster than you may think and it is fatal for any animal.

Also heat stroke on pets is very serious, if your pet has been out and active in the heat for an extended period of time and you feel he or she is overheated:

• Rapid panting
• Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Vomiting

Use the following methods to help him or her cool down:

Pour alcohol on  all 4 paw pads, soak his or her body with cool water – cool, but not cold, use wet towels or any other source of cool water that is available. Concentrate the cooling water on his head (do not get water in its ears), neck and in the areas underneath the front and back legs. Take his temperature (rectally) if possible, the normal temperature for dogs and cats is 100F to 102.5F.

Contact your veterinarian immediately.