Keeping animals healthy in summer.

PositionPets

Veterinarians at Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., offer the following tips to keep pets healthy and cool during the remaining hot days of summer:

* Do not leave dogs or cats alone in the car. Vehicles heat quickly in the sun, and animals left in them can succumb to life-threatening heat stroke within minutes. Signs to watch for include heavy, loud breathing; a staggering gait; and a bright red tongue or gum tissue. If heat stroke is suspected, bring the animal to a cool place, put cold compresses on its belly, or wet it down. Because this is a medical emergency, take your pet to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

* Brachycephalic (short-headed) dogs, particularly bulldogs, and those with upper airway disease especially are susceptible to overheating during hot, humid days. To prevent your dog from overheating, do not exercise it in hot weather. If you want to run with your dog, do it in the cool hours of the early morning or late evening.

* Dogs and cats need a cool, shady place to sleep during hot weather, as well as plenty of clean, fresh water, accessible at all times. Feed your dog or cat in the cooler hours of the day. Older animals have a hard time in hot weather, so be extra sensitive to their needs during the hottest hours of the day.

* Be sure that your pet's vaccinations are up to date. Parvo virus, an illness that flourishes in hot weather, can be fatal to dogs that have not received their vaccinations. Also, be sure your pet's rabies vaccinations are current. During the summer, pets often spend more time outdoors, and the chances of encounters with wildlife (which are possible rabies carriers) increase.

* If your dog has not been tested for heartworm this year, see a veterinarian. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, but it can be prevented by administering a monthly vaccine between June and November.

* Keep pets well-groomed. Daily brushing or combing lets you...

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