Beware of the Heat

With this recent heat wave we have had in the Los Angeles area we have seen an alarming number of heat exhaustion patients at the emergency center.  We want to remind our pet owners that ALL pets are in danger of heat stroke.  Young puppies can get excited and overexert themselves and older pets aren't as tolerant of the heat as they were on last summer's hike.  Please don't leave your pets in your cars, stay off the trails during extreme heat days and make sure that pets have access to plenty of fresh water during the day.

If your pet is overheated

If you believe that your pet has become overheated it is critical that you get him to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.  Call your regular vet if they are open or bring him to the Animal Emergency Centre in Studio City if they are not.  Treatment must be started right away to minimize any organ damage that might have occurred.  If you are able to quickly hose your pet down with COOL not COLD water than do so, but not if it will delay in getting him to the hospital.  The faster that treatment is administered the better the chances of survival.  Search for "Heat Stroke" in our medical database for further information.

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