It's also important to note that you should never leave your Pug in your car, even for a few minutes while you go inside a restaurant to get food to go. In just a few minutes your car's temp will rise and your pup can suffer from severe heat exhaustion. Wherever you take your doggy during the summer keep his health at the forefront of your mind and follow these tips:
Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.
1. Visit the Vet
A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventive medication.2. Made in the Shade
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors.3. 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. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.4. No Parking!
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.5. Make a Safe Splash
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers.6. Summer Style
Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.7. Street Smarts
When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.8. Avoid Chemicals
Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach.9. Party Animals
Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas.10. Fireworks Aren't Very Pet-riotic
Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets.
Even the 4th of July is a fun holiday to experience, the loud noise can really hurt your pup's ears. Also, keep in mind that during a holiday party people may accidentally drop food on the floor that your Pug can ingest. Separate him from the party and keep a close watch on him during the summer.
The more you can learn about your Pug and how to keep him cool and healthy during the summer time, the better. Read more summer tips on ASPCA.
