PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With the warmer weather approaching, Angell Animal Medical Centers are reminding pet owners of possible spring and summer threats to animals.
Dr. Kiko Bracker, director of Angell Animal Medical Center’s Emergency and Critical Care Department said that heat stroke is actually more common in dogs in early spring, and not the summer.
He advised dog owners to exercise their dogs outside slowly and take a break if they start to pant heavily or show signs of slowing down.
Pet owners should also keep an eye out for dogs and cats licking their paws, scratching their bodies and of symptoms that could be a sign of allergies.
“Also, and this should go without saying, don’t leave your dog in the car, even if the windows are cracked,” Bracker added, noting that the inside of a car can jump to more than 100 degrees on a warm day in 10 minutes or less.
Pets should also get a spring check up to make sure that all is well with their health leading up to the summer months.
“A visit with your veterinarian can help determine if your pet has spring allergies, and also whether it might have some kind of heart or respiratory issue that could be exacerbated by the warmer temperatures,” said Dr. Meagan Painter of MSPCA-Angell West’s Dermatology team.
“And, of course, there are specialists who can help if these initial appointments reveal bigger issues.”
The MSPCA’s Urgent Care information can be found here.
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