AUGUST 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 45
PRESS PETS
DOG DAYS BEATING THE HEAT BY ALLISON MATOS
Summer can take a toll on our furry
friends in unexpected ways. Weasked
Leigh Wixson, Licensed Veterinary
Technician and Animal Shelter Supervisor
at the Town of Smithtown Animal
Shelter, to weigh in on some common
questions.
Do pets’ appetites decrease in hot
weather? If your pet won’t eat at all,
call your vet, but a decrease is perfectly
normal in extreme heat. Fun frozen
treats made with watermelon and banana
and peanut butter treats can help
your pet feel more comfortable and
entice a little eating, or blend canned
food and water and freeze. Some pets
(cats included) enjoy ice cubes too.
How much time outside is safe? If
there is plenty of shade and water, they
may do well for hours, with observation.
Unattended pets should never be
left more than 10 minutes in extreme
heat. The highest risk pets are the very
young, the very old, short-nosed or
brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs,
etc.), obese pets and those with respiratory
or cardiac problems. Watch for
excessive panting or drooling, bright
gums, or skin that is hot to the touch.
What should people do for an animal
in distress? Get to the vet immediately.
Gently cool the pet by putting them in
shade or in an air-conditioned environment
and try to get them to drink cool
water but do not force it. Put cool
water on their body and feet
but do not use extreme
cold as you can shock
their bodies
(aim
for about
70 degrees
at first).
Other than onions, chocolate,
or grapes, what summer
foods should people avoid
giving their pets? If your dog is the type
to steal food, lock them up when you have
company. If they investigate everything
by putting it in their mouth, make sure
you are with them when they interact
with new
things in their environment. Sand, when
eaten, can cause significant damage to
the lining of the GI tract and some dogs
may try to drink salt water so be sure to
keep an eye out.
Any other recommendations? Mosquitoes
can carry heartworm disease
so make sure your pet is on heartworm
prevention medication. Dogs are susceptible
to all insect bites, flies, ants
and the like. Bee stings and spider bites
can cause facial swelling and hives in
your pets just as they can in humans.
Also, your pet should have a life vest
and/or be with you in and around the
pool. And do not walk/run your dog
when temps are over 80 or humidity
is high. Their feet are their only
source of sweat and they
use panting to cool down.
If they damage their feet
with burns, they compromise
their ability
to cool down.
Keep Fido cool this summer. (Getty Images)
Our Sweet Dogs, Angie and Oakley, are about a year old.
They are housebroken, spayed, up to date on their
immunizations and microchipped. All they need is a loving
forever home. We are looking for a person/family who are
home most of the time to teach them to be the best
Canine Citizens they are capable of becoming.
They are diamonds in the rough, but need YOU to care
enough to spend time teaching them, and especially
loving them.
Please fill out your application:
www.forgottenfriendsoflongisland.org
Look Under" Adopt a Dog"
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