Dog Days of Summer

• Never leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather. Even with windows open, the temperature inside can reach deadly heights in just a few minutes.

• The Anti-Cruelty Society strongly advises that dogs live inside the home year-round. However, if your dog spends a lot of time outside in warm weather, he or she must have a sheltered area to cool down and rest, and plenty of fresh, cool water at all times.  Several bowls of water with ice cubes in each is recommended. Cats should be kept inside at all times year-round.

• When it’s hot, limit walks to the cooler hours in the morning or evening.

• Companion animals cool off by panting. However, be on the lookout for excessive panting or drooling—this may be a sign of heatstroke or distress.

• If your pets become too hot, they could suffer heatstroke. Signs include difficult, then rapid breathing; reddened tongue and gums; a blank stare, or sudden collapse. Emergency action is necessary:  bring the body temperature down immediately by covering the animal with cool (not cold) water, remove from the sun and take it to a veterinarian for a complete examination.

• Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of engine coolant, which can be fatal if ingested. Keep all bottles out of pets’ reach, and be sure to clean up any spills that might occur if you engine overheats.  If a dog or cat should swallow coolant—or any other poison—contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Heartworm is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Each spring your dog should be tested for heartworm. Then, during the spring, summer and fall, your dog should be on heartworm preventive prescribed by your veterinarian.

• Fleas and ticks can lead to a variety of health problems for your animal. Use preventive medication made specifically for your pet.

• If a cut pad or torn toenail occurs, use a styptic pencil or mushy soap to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, take the animal to the veterinarian.

• If your animal is scratching more than usual, has hair loss, or has raw skin, contact your veterinarian for advice and treatment.
  
  

Chicago’s comprehensive, open-admission humane society helping more than 25,000 animals each year through: adoption, low or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries, cruelty investigation and rescue, community outreach programs, a free behavior hotline, dog training classes, The Bruckner Rehabilitation & Treatment Center, the Virginia Butts Berger Cat Clinic, a charity veterinary clinic and the S.A.F.E. (short-term accommodations for emergencies) program. Last year, The Anti-Cruelty Society found loving homes for over 5,400 dogs and cats and spayed or neutered over 12,400 animals. The Anti-Cruelty Society is the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Illinois. For more information, please visit www.anticruelty.org. Celebrating 110 years of a commitment to caring.