When we think of Summer, often we are concerned with how to keep ourselves and our pets cool. The blistering heat and fierce humidity in the Midwest are prevalent weather trends and make it difficult to reside outside. Our community warns us to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and a hat and stay out of the sun when the heat is at its peak. When it comes to our pets, we are told to put out extra bowls of water for Fluffy and Fido and provide them with shelter and shade.
In the heat of the Summer, sometimes things can go terribly wrong. Perhaps you let your cat outside in the morning when it is much cooler, and now, hours later he/she is coming to you panting, lethargic and wobbling? In addition to the common signs she is vomiting, showing …show more content…
An emergency appointment with your veterinarian should always be your primary form of action. Your vet may recommend you lay her in a cool water bath for a short period of time to lower her body temperature. Ice baths are discouraged as they may cause hypothermia. Angie Quick, DVM of Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital says a typical heat stroke protocol is complicated, but the main treatment plan include the use of intravenous fluids to rehydrate your pet and support bodily functions and blood pressure. The veterinary team will want to monitor body temperature, and check blood work. A stay at the hospital for monitoring and observation may be …show more content…
Most outdoor cats are efficient at locating a cool spot for resting. They will go under decks or houses, in bushes or anywhere they can find that is shady. However, it is always beneficial to add a pet igloo or other sheltered structure Fluffy can use as well.
If you have a light-colored or white cat you might consider putting a dab of a mild sunscreen on his/her ear tips and top of nose. Just as we are susceptible to the sun and its damaging rays, so are our pets. Cancer can develop on exposed extremities. Check out the internet for pet sunscreen products or talk with your veterinarian regarding if your cat is at risk and which sunblock is the safest.
If your cat is obese, hyperthyroid or suffering from a condition that puts her at an increased risk for heat stroke, consider keeping her indoors for the summer months. Perhaps if your cat is a 'die-hard' outdoor fan, let him/her out in the evenings and back inside at dawn. Provide bird feeders outside windows and stimulating toys to keep life interesting inside. Don't give into extreme whining and crying at the door. You're doing this for his/her own
In the heat of the Summer, sometimes things can go terribly wrong. Perhaps you let your cat outside in the morning when it is much cooler, and now, hours later he/she is coming to you panting, lethargic and wobbling? In addition to the common signs she is vomiting, showing …show more content…
An emergency appointment with your veterinarian should always be your primary form of action. Your vet may recommend you lay her in a cool water bath for a short period of time to lower her body temperature. Ice baths are discouraged as they may cause hypothermia. Angie Quick, DVM of Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital says a typical heat stroke protocol is complicated, but the main treatment plan include the use of intravenous fluids to rehydrate your pet and support bodily functions and blood pressure. The veterinary team will want to monitor body temperature, and check blood work. A stay at the hospital for monitoring and observation may be …show more content…
Most outdoor cats are efficient at locating a cool spot for resting. They will go under decks or houses, in bushes or anywhere they can find that is shady. However, it is always beneficial to add a pet igloo or other sheltered structure Fluffy can use as well.
If you have a light-colored or white cat you might consider putting a dab of a mild sunscreen on his/her ear tips and top of nose. Just as we are susceptible to the sun and its damaging rays, so are our pets. Cancer can develop on exposed extremities. Check out the internet for pet sunscreen products or talk with your veterinarian regarding if your cat is at risk and which sunblock is the safest.
If your cat is obese, hyperthyroid or suffering from a condition that puts her at an increased risk for heat stroke, consider keeping her indoors for the summer months. Perhaps if your cat is a 'die-hard' outdoor fan, let him/her out in the evenings and back inside at dawn. Provide bird feeders outside windows and stimulating toys to keep life interesting inside. Don't give into extreme whining and crying at the door. You're doing this for his/her own