MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., July 21, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Middletown veterinary clinic cautions local pet owners that summertime brings a heightened risk of heat stroke for their beloved animals. According to Dr. Michael Barra of Ani-Mall Pet Hospital, even a few minutes of extreme heat can sicken or even kill a dog or cat, and owners of a heat-stricken animal should seek veterinary help immediately. "It is important not only to know the signs of heat-related illness but also to prevent it in any way possible. We advise our clients on how to keep their pets safe," says Dr. Barra.
Dr. Barra explains that a lack of water and excessive heat from direct sunlight can quickly bring on this all-too-common affliction. This is one reason the clinic urges owners to check their pet's water bowl regularly during hot summer days, since the heat of the sun can rapidly reduce the amount of water in the bowl. The Middletown veterinarian notes that heat-stricken animals usually exhibit clear symptoms such as drooling, disorientation, weakness, heavy breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and loss of consciousness, accompanied by fever, and that pets can die without prompt veterinary attention. He recommends that owners wrap their pets in cool, damp towels and rush them to the veterinary clinic immediately for emergency care.
The Ani-Mall staff recommends prevention as the best way to keep pets from facing this health scare. "Anything you can do to keep your pet comfortable, hydrated, and out of the suns direct rays is absolutely worth doing," says Dr. Barra.
In addition to refilling the water bowl at regular intervals, he advises owners to provide or construct a source of shade for their pets such as a porch awning, a traditional doghouse or even a makeshift tent for short-term protection. He also recommends setting up a pool in the yard strictly for pet use, pointing out that owners do not need to spend a lot of money in the process; a plastic children's pool will fit the bill by giving the animal a place to splash around and cool off. He also recommends ice as a way to help a pet achieve external cooling, since dogs are fond of licking, chewing, or even rolling around in ice chips strewn about the yard or patio.
Dr. Barra adds that protecting pets from summertime heat includes making smart choices about outdoor fun time. He warns owners of flat-nosed pets such as Pugs or French Bulldogs not to take their pets outside for more than a few minutes on hot days because these animals cannot pant efficiently enough to cool themselves. "And whatever you do, never leave your pet in a hot car," he emphasizes.
Ani-Mall Pet Hospital provides wellness care, surgery, boarding, grooming, nutritional counseling, dentistry and puppy training for Middletown pets.