VSC Offers Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Scorching Temperatures

CONTACT:  Sarajenie S. Smith

Veterinary Specialty Center

 Marketing Communications Specialist

847-459-7535 ext. 320

ssmith@vetspecialty.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

VSC Offers Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Scorching Temperatures

BUFFALO GROVE, IL(July 3, 2012) – Summertime in Chicago is full of fun and exciting outdoor activities.  Veterinary Specialty Center (VSC) located in Buffalo Grove, IL would like to offer a few helpful tips to keep in mind when bringing your pet along in scorching hot temperatures. 

*       Do Not Leave Dogs in the Car!  Each year, hundreds of innocent dogs die from heat exhaustion because they are left in the car.  According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association’s website (http://avma.org/myveterinarian/pets_vehicles.asp), “The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.  In 20 minutes, it can rise almost 30 degrees…and the longer you wait, the higher it goes.”   For example, if it is 70 degrees outside, in a matter of 25 minutes, the temperature inside the car can jump to around 100 degrees.

*       Outside Playtime Can be Dangerous. Most dogs know when enough is enough while others do not.  Keep outside exercise and playtime to a minimum while temperatures are high.  If your pet is showing signs of exhaustion and/or fatigue, it is time to move to a cooler location. 

*       Shade and Water are Very Important.  If you are participating and/or attending a summertime event, remember to bring water and research the location to make sure that shade will be easy to access.  Dogs become easily exhausted from heavy panting and the sun.  Making sure that shade and water are available will allow them a safe place to rest and refresh.    

*       Asphalt & Paws Do Not Mix.  Think of how it would feel to walk on a hot surface with your bare feet…ouch!  Hot asphalt can burn your dog’s paws.  Keep this in mind when taking your dog for a walk and/or attending summertime events. 

“If you have any concern regarding your pet’s health, please contact your primary care veterinarian or the closest emergency facility. In the heat, summer fun can quickly turn dangerous for our pets,” stated VSC’s head of emergency and critical care, Dr. Edward Payne.  

Located in Buffalo Grove, IL and Racine, WI, Veterinary Specialty Center (VSC) provides 24-hour, state-of-the-art care for specialty, emergency and critical care situations.  Since 1976, our doctors have consistently provided collaborative care and comfort to our clients and their primary care veterinarians.   With over 30 doctors specializing in a wide-breadth of veterinary medicine, VSC is a proven leader in the veterinary community. For more information on VSC and/or the services we provide, please contact us at 847-459-7535 or visit vetspecialty.com.

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