Protect your animal from the sun!
Below is an article I had published in The Westlake Bay Village Observer (2009). I believe strongly that is worth sharing as sunny and warmer days are here. Just like humans, our animals are prone to skin cancers and other consequences of the heat.“If we feel hot, they even feel hotter!” According to local veterinarian Stephanie Dean, the main point about dogs and heat stroke is that because of their fur coats and the limited mechanisms of heat exchange (panting and sweating through their feet), if we feel hot, they even feel hotter, especially on those humid Cleveland days. Brachycephelic breeds (example: boxers, bostons, pugs) and overweight dogs and others with health issues are particularly at risk because of their compromised breathing and panting ability. Panting is not an ideal way to cool as it requires a lot of muscle activity, which in turn generates more heat. If a dog's core body temperature remains elevated for a significant amount of time, damage occurs to the brain, blood and organs. A core body temperature of 110 degrees for even a few minutes can result in death. So be safe and smart and let your canine companion take a dip, offer shade, lots of [...]