With the rising temperatures in the Santa Clarita Valley, Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto of Cinema Veterinary Centre wants to remind animal lovers to not only keep themselves safe and cool, but their pets as well.
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Dogs can experience heat stroke much faster than humans and worse, they can’t communicate their discomfort, Ronchetto said.
If a pet has to stay outside on a hot Santa Clarita day, Dr. Ronchetto suggests three simple, and inexpensive, steps to ensure your pet is safe.
First, always provide ample shade, she said. The sun is shifting throughout the day and what could be cool at 7 a.m. may be scorching by noon.
Second, fresh, cool water should be readily available for your dog or cat in large quantities, she added. Dehydration in animals can happen faster than most people think, and the inability to sweat combined with lack of water can quickly lead to heat stroke.
Third, lay out some large ice packs for your pet to lay on when they need a break from the heat, she said. The ice packs can be used over and over, and most importantly, they will dramatically reduce your pet’s body temperature.
Lastly, never walk a pet during peak hours, try and wait until the sun has set and the sidewalk has cooled.
“Just imagine being out in the middle of the day and walking barefoot on the concrete… it’s really hot,” said Dr. Ronchetto, referring to how pets can burn their foot pads, causing any walking to be extremely painful. “Dogs don’t know when to stop, they can’t tell us when they feel woozy…they will keep going to please us and go…it can be very bad for them.”
If a dog is behaving oddly after he or she has been in the sun all day or after a walk, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately, Ronchetto said.
Ronchetto and the caring reliable staff at Cinema Veterinary Centre know the signs of heat stroke begin with excessive panting, shaking and confusion. These are serious symptoms and should be treated immediately.
Ronchetto’s mission is to ensure a pet has the best quality of life, through owner education and knowledgeable treatment, according to her website.
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