by WWLTV.com
wwltv.com
NEW ORLEANS – The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the area today from 9am-6pm. Temperatures are expected to rise to the mid 90’s by this afternoon and the heat index may reach as high as 120o. The Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA) advises residents to ensure pets are kept cool.
Pet Owners should take the following precautions:
If your pet is outside during the day: provide protection from the sun and plenty of fresh water. Older, short muzzle and overweight dogs are more likely to overheat during hot weather. You can provide a wading pool to aid in cooling.
Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Even partially open windows won’t protect your pet from heatstroke.
Exercise your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures and pavement are cool. Paw pads can get injured from the hot pavement and melted tar can get stuck to pad and hair. Pets need exercise but do it in the cooler hours of the day.
Dogs in truck beds can suffer injury or heat stroke. If you cannot touch the hot truck bed with your bare hand, your dog should not be on the hot metal. Debris from the road damages eyes.
Know the Warning Signs: symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
Heat Stroke: if your pet is suffering from any of the above symptoms transport him/her to your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. Affects from heat stroke can be long lasting and deadly
