LEGACY * COIT ANIMAL HOSPITAL   

972-618-7499

Enjoy Summer with your pets!

Watch for signs of heatstroke. Rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles, a dazed look. Wrap them in a towel soaked with cool, not cold, water. In severe cases, place them in the bathtub. Heatstroke can be fatal. See us as soon as possible.

Never leave your pet in a parked car. Not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. On a 70-degree day, the car temperature can rise above 150 degrees in minutes. It's extremely dangerous, and the Number One cause of heatstroke.

Always provide plenty of fresh water. Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.

Sunburn is no day at the beach. It hurts! Shorthaired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are especially susceptible. Limit their exposure. Don't forget those little paw pads can burn too on hot pavement and beaches.  Again, limit their exposure. Animals in the water for the first time should be eased in, never thrown or chased in. Don't let them drink from ponds, streams, or the ocean. And, if they swim, rinse them off. Salt and minerals can damage a dog's coat.

This is the time when most pets come in contact with other animals, at parks, on walks, etc. Keep vaccinations up to date. We see twice as many fight injuries and bite wounds in summer, and remember, your pet is no match for a car.

Stop external parasites before they bite. Fleas, ticks, and ear mites thrive in warm, humid environments. Frequent brushing provides early warning of parasites and skin infections by lifting the coat, permitting a view of the skin below. Also avoid internal parasites. Be sure your pet has been heartworm tested and is on preventative.

Find a cool spot. For indoor pets, keep the air circulating with a childproof fan or air conditioner. Provide shade for outdoor pets. And a gentle sprinkle from a hose is always appreciated. Watch the exercise and diet. Don't encourage exercise during the hottest part of the day. And let them eat less. Overeating can lead to overheating.

Be cautious of pesticides and herbicides. Read the precautions for lawn chemicals carefully and keep pets away from newly treated yards. If pets come in contact with chemicals, wash their feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly, then contact us.