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Just as with humans, excessive heat can be devastating to a dog’s health. When exposed to high temperatures, your four-legged friends can experience dangerous dehydration and heatstroke. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep your pet comfortable and healthy this season. A trusted provider of pet services in Sacramento, CA, Vintage Park Veterinary Clinic highlights a few effective strategies for protecting dogs from the summer heat.

5 Ways to Protect Dogs in the Heat

1. Never Leave Pets in the Car

Even when the windows are cracked, cars will get dangerously hot when parked in the sun. These temperatures can cause dogs to experience irreversible organ damage. As such, be sure to take your pooch with you anytime you exit your vehicle.

2. Stay Indoors  

Unable to properly cool themselves in high temperatures and humidity, canines can experience heatstroke when left outdoors for too long. Apart from quick breaks outside, it’s best to keep your dog indoors where it’s cooler. When you do let your pet out, be sure that they have ample shade and water.   

3. Make Water Available

pet servicesWhen it’s hot, dogs will pant to release moisture from their lungs and cool their internal body temperature. This loss of moisture, however, can cause rapid dehydration. Make sure your pet has regular access to clean, cool water. If you notice your dog is panting a lot or acting lethargic, they may need extra water.

4. Walk off the Pavement

Under the summer sun, pavement can become too hot for a dog’s paws. To help prevent injured foot pads, walk your dog during the cooler periods of the day, in shaded areas, or off the pavement altogether.

5. Watch for Heatstroke Symptoms

While following the above tips will greatly reduce the risk of heatstroke in your dog, it’s still important to know when professional help may be needed. Common signs of heatstroke in canines include excessive panting, fatigue, a rapidly beating heart, breathing problems, a purplish tongue, fever, vomiting, and seizures. If you notice any of these issues, call your pet services provider immediately.

If the summer heat leaves you in need of emergency pet services, turn to the trusted staff at Vintage Park Veterinary Clinic. Equipped with the latest veterinary tools and an experienced staff, this full-service animal hospital can address both minor and major canine health problems—including heatstroke. Whether conducting a wellness exam or performing pet surgery, their veterinarians will provide your companion with safe, gentle, and effective treatment. To learn more about their pet services, visit the clinic online. For appointments, call (916) 688-5486.

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