Sun Safety Alliance

Lisa Carey, an award winning freelance writer, has worked with families volunteering and professionally for 20+ years. She shares with her readers a variety of topics important to families. E-mail Lisa with your questions about families and Houston. She recently wrote the following article for the Los Angeles eXaminer.

From RIP

Pets are people too, well in many families they are. During the hot summer months it is important to not only provide sun safety for your people family but pets too. Pets too can become victims of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. In Heat related illnesses we talked about keeping your family safe, now learn how to keep your pet safe from the sun.

Tips for keeping your dog safe in the sun
Never leave your pet in the car. On July 2, 2009, two police dogs died after being left in police cruisers during Britain’s heat wave.

Watch the amount of time you leave your dog outside. If you dog must remain outside or is a pet that lives outside make sure you do the following:

• have water available at all times using a container that cannot be tipped over.

From RIP

• start with ice chips so they don’t gorge on water they also enjoy the “treat.”

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• provide your pet with a shaded area to rest and stay safe from the sun.

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• if possible allow your pet to play in the sprinkler or swimming pool.

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• if using a crate make sure it is wire so it is open to the breeze.

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• if using a chain make sure they can’t tie or twist themselves up around the post or tree which eventually keeps them away from the shade and water they so badly need.

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• when traveling, walking or visiting with your pet outdoors bring along a water spray bottle and spray his foot pads, stomach and back for relief.

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Have your dog shaved or groomed to have shorter hair during the summer months when “hot spots” are more likely to occur. Hot spots or open, oozing sores on your dogs skin that can occur as a result of matted or heavy hair and moisture build up. The dog will scratch and nibble at it to get relief actually making the sores much worse.

Some animals, just like people are more susceptible to the heat such as those with short noses, darker coats, thicker coats, puppies and older pets. Be aware of their special needs and circumstances.

Symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion in pets include:

• panting more than normal
• blue or white tongue and bright red gums
• staggering around
• weak
• vomiting or diarrhea
• non responsive

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion is just as deadly in pets as it can be in humans. If you dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms or a combination of them get to the veterinarian immediately. Cool the dog with the use of immersion in tepid water or hose him off, gently. Take your pet into air conditioning, wet this tongue and place cool, wet towels around him until you can get professional treatment. Cooling too fast can be a problem, so be sure not to use cold or ice water. Just like with your family, your family pet’s first line of defense against sun damage and heat related illness is prevention and care.

From RIP

This post is dedicated to "B", the rottweiler bullmsatiff of Covina, California. January 2008 - June 2009. May you RIP.