UPenn Veterinarian Warns Pet Owners To Use Extra Care During Heat Wave
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Heat stroke can kill your pet. A local veterinarian says use common sense when it comes to exercising your dog in extreme heat.
You wouldn't run around in a fur coat during the heat wave, would you?
Dr. Kenneth Drobatz, chief of emergency service at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania (in photo), says you should reduce your dog's exercise during the hottest part of the day to avoid the potential for heat stroke.
"This process, once it starts, if they have a heat stroke, can be deadly," he says. "If not deadly, they will be in the hospital for several days and it will potentially compromise organs afterwards, to the point where it can shorten their life in the long term."
Drobatz says short-faced dogs like bulldogs, Pekingese, and pugs should stay indoors, ideally in air conditioning.
And he adds that you should make sure your dog has plenty of water, and never leave him in the car when you are running errands -- temperatures in a closed car can quickly climb in a short amount of time.
Reported by John McDevitt, KYW Newsradio 1060
