Pet Hydration

July is Pet Hydration Month

The DOG DAYS OF SUMMER are hot, sultry days occurring July and August. Pet Hydration is extremely important during these months.

The phrase Dog Days of Summer refers to Sirius, the Dog Star. During the “Dog Days” period, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth. Sirius is a part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog.

Historically, this period followed the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius, which Greek and Roman astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad DOGS, and bad luck.

Needless to say, keep your pets indoors, out of direct sun and especially hot cars.
BEING LOCKED IN A HOT CAR CAN KILL WITHIN MINUTES. If your dog (or cat) is panting, he or she needs to be in a cool shady area with plenty of clean cool drinking water.

• See your vet immediately is your pet is prostate, lethargic or unresponsive for possible heat stroke.
• Provide clean cool drinking water Summer, Spring, Winter and Fall.
• Always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about this or any other pet matter.

July is Pet Hydration Month

Never leave your dog in an unattended vehicle. On a 70 degree day, the inside of a vehicle can reach 100 degrees in less than a half hour, and on hotter days, the temperature in a car can soar to 140 degrees. Dogs can die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes! Studies have found that leaving car windows open, does very little to mitigate this danger. 

If you see a dog left unattended in a car on a hot day, stay with her until helps arrives. Ask passersby to notify nearby stores to make an announcement; call the police; or, if the situation is dire, you can take measures to remove the dog from the car.