 |
Beat
the heat!!
Warm
weather is wonderful. However, sometimes you can overdo the warmth
- especially if you are active or exercising.
Here
are three problems we can have in hot weather. These conditions
are largely brought on by heat and dehydration -- and with proper
care it is possible to prevent them.
Heat Cramps
Heat
cramps are muscle contractions, usually in the gastrocnemius or
hamstring muscles (the muscles at the back of the calves). These
contractions are forceful and painful.
These
cramps seem to be connected to heat, dehydration, and poor conditioning,
rather than to lack of salt or other mineral imbalances. They usually
improve with rest, drinking water, and a cool environment.
Heat
Exhaustion
Although
partly due to exhaustion -- and feeling like exhaustion, as the
name implies -- heat exhaustion is also a result of excessive heat
and dehydration. The signs of heat exhaustion include paleness,
dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and a moderately increased
temperature (101-102 degrees F) which, in this case, is not truly
a fever,
but caused by the heat. Rest and water may help in mild heat exhaustion,
and ice packs and a cool environment (with a fan blowing at the
sufferer) may also help. More severely exhausted patients may need
IV fluids, especially if vomiting keeps them from drinking enough.
Warning
signs of heat exhaustion vary, but may include:
·
heavy sweating
· muscle cramps
· weakness
· headache
· nausea or vomiting
· paleness, tiredness and dizziness
Heat Stroke
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening
emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun,
in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature.
The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors and those on certain
types of medications are most susceptible to heat stroke. It is
a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical
treatment.
What
causes heat stroke?
Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally
cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin.
However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity
or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin
to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels.
If a person becomes dehydrated and can not sweat enough to cool
their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high
levels, causing heat stroke.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
The following are the most common symptoms of heat stroke, although
each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may
include:
· an extremely high body temperature (above 103° Fahrenheit,
orally)
· headache
· dizziness
· disorientation, agitation or confusion
· sluggishness or fatigue
· seizure
· hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
· a high body temperature
· loss of consciousness
· rapid heart beat
· hallucinations
Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably
as a result of heat stroke. If this occurs, keep the victim from
injury but do not place any objects in the mouth and do not give
fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open
by turning on his or her side.
How is heat stroke treated?
It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat
stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate
first aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive.
-
Get the person indoors.
- Remove
clothing and gently apply cool
(not icy!) water to the skin followed by
fanning to stimulate sweating.
- Apply
ice packs to the groin and armpits.
- Have
the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated
(that is, raised above heart level).
In hospital, Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate
for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and
body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke.
How
can heat stroke be prevented?
There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse
effects of heat stroke. These include:
-
Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on
hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid
tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration.
- Wear
lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
- Schedule
vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day.
- Protect
yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an
umbrella.
- Increase
time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat.
- During
outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself
with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.
- Try
to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid
days.
If you live in a hot climate and have a chronic condition, talk
to your physician about extra precautions you can take to protect
yourself against heat stroke.
Your sweat is your body's main system for getting rid of extra heat.
When you sweat, and the water evaporates from your skin, the heat
that evaporates the sweat comes mainly from your skin. As long as
blood is flowing properly to your skin, extra heat from the core
of your body is "pumped" to the skin and removed by sweat
evaporation. If you do not sweat enough, you cannot get rid of extra
heat well, and you also can't get rid of heat as well if blood is
not flowing to the skin. Dehydration will make it harder for you
to cool off in two ways: if you are dehydrated you won't sweat as
much, and your body will try to keep blood away from the skin to
keep your blood pressure at the right level in the core of your
body. But, since you lose water when you sweat, you must make up
that water to keep from becoming dehydrated. If the air is humid,
it's harder for your sweat to evaporate -- this means that your
body cannot get rid of extra heat as well when it's muggy as it
can when it's relatively dry.
The best fluid to drink when you are sweating is water. Although
there is a little salt in your sweat, you don't really lose that
much salt with your sweat, except in special circumstances; taking
salt tablets may raise your body's sodium level to hazardous levels.
(Your doctor can tell you whether or not you need extra salt.) "Sport
drinks" such as Gatorade® will also work, but water is
usually easier to obtain.
It's also important to be sensible about how much you exert yourself
in hot weather. The hotter and more humid it is, the harder it will
be for you to get rid of excess heat. The clothing you wear makes
a difference, too: the less clothing you have on, and the lighter
that clothing is, the easier you can cool off. Football players
are notoriously prone to heat illness, since football uniforms cover
nearly the whole body, and since football practice usually begins
in late summer when the temperature outside is highest. Therefore,
football players should pay extra attention to the fluids they drink
and lose: teams should consider limiting practice and wearing light
clothing for practice on very hot days, and athletes should be able
to drink all the water they want during practice.
Dehydration and Heat Stroke
The danger of dehydration and heat stroke:
Dehydration and heat stroke are two very common heat-related diseases
that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
What is dehydration?
Dehydration can be a serious heat-related disease, as well as being
a dangerous side-effect of diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Children
and persons over the age of 60 are particularly susceptible to dehydration.
What causes dehydration?
Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through sweat,
tears, urine and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced
by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. When a person
becomes so sick with fever, diarrhea, or vomiting or if an individual
is overexposed to the sun, dehydration occurs. This is caused when
the body loses water content and essential body salts such as sodium,
potassium, calcium bicarbonate and phosphate.
Occasionally, dehydration can be caused by drugs, such as diuretics,
which deplete body fluids and electrolytes. Whatever the cause,
dehydration should be treated as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration, although
each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may
include:
· thirst
· less-frequent urination
· dry skin
· fatigue
· light-headedness
· dizziness
· confusion
· dry mouth and mucous membranes
· increased heart rate and breathing
In children, additional symptoms may include:
· dry mouth and tongue
· no tears when crying
· no wet diapers for more than 3 hours
· sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks
· high fever
· listlessness
· irritability
· skin that does not flatten when pinched and released
Treatment for dehydration:
If caught early, dehydration can often be treated at home under
a physician's guidance. In children, directions for giving food
and fluids will differ according to the cause of the dehydration,
so it is important to consult your pediatrician.
In cases of mild dehydration, simple rehydration is recommended
by drinking fluids. Many sports drinks on the market effectively
restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance.
For moderate dehydration, intravenous fluids may be required, although
if caught early enough, simple rehydration may be effective. Cases
of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency,
and hospitalization, along with intravenous fluids, is necessary.
Immediate action should be taken.
How can dehydration be prevented?
Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration,
including:
· Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing
in the sun.
· Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.
· Try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler
parts of the day.
· Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte
balance.
· For infants and young children, solutions like Pedialyte
will help maintain electrolyte balance during illness or heat
exposure. Do not try to make fluid and salt solutions at home
for children.
How
Seniors Can Keep Cool During Summer Heat Waves
SACRAMENTO - California Department of Aging urges caregivers and
families of frail elderly and adults with disabilities to take extra
precautions to help them stay cool and safe during hot summer months.
"We
want to get the word out to families, friends, neighbors and caregivers
to ensure that older and more vulnerable Californians are safe and
comfortable during summer heat waves," said Terry. "For
some seniors and adults with disabilities, high temperatures can
lead to serious illness, hospitalization and even death."
Two
common problems caused by exposure to excessive heat are heat stroke
and heat exhaustion. CDA Director Lunn Daucher offers these easy
tips for keeping cool:
-
Eat lightly and drink plenty of fluids. Non-caffeine and non-alcoholic
beverages help prevent dehydration.
- Wear
lightweight, light colored and loose fitting clothing.
- Keep
a container of cool water nearby and use wet washcloths to pat
the wrists, face and back of neck or, for a quick cool down, wrap
ice cubes in a washcloth or use blue cooler packs.
- Use
small battery operated hand-held fans and misters for a cooling
break.
- Schedule
outside activities before Noon or in the evening.
- Wear
a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun.
-
Stay in the coolest part of the house - usually on the lowest
floor - as much as possible.
- A
shady spot outdoors may be cooler than the house, especially if
there's a breeze.
- Mobile
seniors may want to spend a few hours at the library, in a movie
or at a mall or restaurant that is air-conditioned to stay cool,
enjoy a social outing and conserve energy.
Below are tips for cooling the home:
-
Use portable and ceiling fans in frequently used rooms to substitute
for or assist the air-conditioner.
- If
it is safe to do so, leave windows open at night. Open windows
on two sides to create cross ventilation.
- Place
a piece of cardboard covered with aluminum foil in sunny windows
to reflect sunlight and heat away from the house.
- Close
shades or draperies on sunny windows.
- Vacuum,
clean or replace air filters regularly for maximum cooling efficiency.
- If
affordable, install outdoor awnings or sunscreens.
TIPS
TO Beat the heat!!
 Keeping
cool this summer may be a challenge, but a little creativity and
taking advantage of the wonderful facilities and services offered
by our government and community might just provide that cooling
breeze we are searching for:
- Take
a ride on the Lawndale Beat: the fare is low (free for seniors
62 years and older and disabled) and the motor coaches are air
conditioned.
-
Check out the Los Angeles County Library/Lawndale branch: comfortable
seats, cooling air, and a plethora of materials to feed the imagination.
-
Lawndale Parks have big green trees with lots and lots of shade!
And cooling, soft, green grass. An added bonus for youngsters
3 to 5 years: Jane Addams Park has a wading pool!
-
The beach is not too far by bus or car….
-
Stroll the wonderful shopping emporiums along Hawthorne Boulevard:
visit one of the unique restaurants for an iced beverage.
-
Come on down to the Lawndale Community Services Recreation Center.
The facilities are air conditioned and there is always something
exciting going on!
-
Invest in a small ‘personal’ water cooler: a spray
bottle filled with cold, tap water can help cool a body down or
use a small, battery powered, hand held fan.
-
If you are traveling with your pets, make sure that you bring
cool, fresh water along for them. Their needs can be more acute
than humans’ needs, and they depend on their owners to take
care of them. DON’T LET THEM DOWN!
-
Our local communities are filled with museums—all air conditioned.
-
Take in an afternoon matinee at one of the local, air conditioned
movie theaters. As an added incentive, matinee prices are usually
discounted and offer senior prices as well.
-
Remember summers past: sit in the shade of your yard with a cooling
drink. Play in the sprinklers.
-
Eat lightly and drink plenty of fluids. Non-caffeine and non-alcoholic
beverages help prevent dehydration.
-
Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose fitting clothing—natural
fibers like cotton are best.
-
Keep a container of cool water nearby and use wet washcloths to
pat the wrists, face and back of neck or, for a quick cool-down,
wrap ice cubes in a washcloth.
-
Schedule outside activities in the early mornings or in the evenings.
-
Stay in the coolest part of the house – usually on the lowest
floor – as much as possible.
-
Use portable and ceiling fans in frequently used rooms to substitute
for the air conditioner.
-
If it is safe to do so, leave windows open at night. Open windows
on two sides to create cross ventilation.
-
Place a piece of cardboard covered with aluminum foil in sunny
windows to reflect sunlight and heat away from the house.
-
Close shades or draperies on sunny windows.
-
Air out hot cars before getting into them.
-
Carry your own shade: use an umbrella, parasol, or wide brimmed
hat.
-
Avoid baking (using your indoor oven) during the heat of the day.
-
Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
Heat Stroke in Dogs & Pets
UNATTENDED PETS
Leaving a pet alone in a vehicle has a number of potential risks.
Always be conscious of the effects of heat buildup in a vehicle
because it only takes a few minutes for the internal heat to increase
forty degrees above the outside air temperature... especially in
direct sunlight. Even a dog’s body heat (expired air in the
dog’s breath is 102 degrees and has 100% humidity!) will act
like a heater inside an enclosed space. Leaving windows open slightly
at the top surely helps IF there is a breeze. However, that opening
also invites children to poke their fingers in or unkind folks to
tease the dog with sticks. Pets left in cars are at a severe disadvantage
when it comes to being able to dissipate heat from their bodies.
Even in the shade, and especially in humid conditions, dogs need
to inhale air cooler than their normal body temperature of 102 degrees.
In fact, even 80 degree air temperatures can be dangerous. Heat
stroke is a dire emergency and one from which many pets do not recover.
And you'd be shocked to find out just how fast it can occur. If
you ever find your pet distressed from overheating in a vehicle,
get to the nearest animal hospital immediately... don't even call
first; just GO!
HEAT STROKE! It might only be ten minutes... and the dog or cat
will be near death. And  sometimes
even if heroic treatment measures are taken the animal will die
from massive intravascular clotting, hemorrhaging, cerebral edema
and kidney failure. It is a gruesome thought but every day dogs
and cats suffer from heat stroke due to inattention by their caretakers.
In most cases, the pet is left "for just a minute"...
but for various reasons the pet's owner is distracted by something
unusual, or delayed beyond what was expected... and returns to the
vehicle to see their pet collapsed, salivating, panting uncontrollably
and loosing consciousness. Don't let it happen to your pet.
Animals
at greatest risk for heat-related illness include:
-
Puppies and kittens up to 6 months of age
- Overweight
dogs and cats
-
Pets that are overexerted during exercise
-
Pets that are ill or receiving certain medications
-
Dogs with short, wide heads like pugs, English bulldogs, Boston
terriers
-
Pets with airway obstructive diseases
-
Pets with pre-existing fever
-
Pets that are dehydrated
-
Pets with heart disease
-
Pets with poor circulation due to cardiovascular or other underlying
disease
- Older
pets (large breed dogs over 7 years of age, small breed dogs over
14 years of age)
What
to Watch For?
-
Noisy breathing that may indicate upper airway obstruction
-
Excessive panting
-
Bright red mucous membranes (gums, conjunctiva of the eyes)
-
Weakness
-
Collapse
-
Coma
Treatment
Intensity
of treatment depends upon the cause and severity of the heat illness.
-
Mildly increased temperature (less than 105 F) may only require
rest, a fan to increase air circulation, fresh water to drink
and careful observation.
-
Temperatures of 105 to 107 F should be hospitalized on intravenous
fluids and other medications.
-
Markedly increased temperature (greater than 107 F) must be
treated more aggressively. Cooling can be promoted externally
by immersion in cool water, or internally by administering a
cool water enema.
-
Underlying aggravating conditions, such as upper airway obstructive
diseases, heart disease, pulmonary disease and dehydration may
be treated with appropriate medications, supplemental oxygen
or fluid therapy.
-
Treatment with cortisone-like drugs such as short-acting forms
of dexamethasone or prednisone may be recommended.
The
need for additional treatments depends on the severity of heat stroke
and secondary complications that may arise. Complications of heat
stroke may include:
-
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
-
Liver failure
-
Acute kidney failure
-
Muscle breakdown
-
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
-
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
-
Convulsions (seizures)
-
Secondary infections (including pneumonia)
-
Gastrointestinal problems including bleeding and absorption of
bacteria or toxins from the intestine with development of systemic
infection (sepsis)
Home
Care and Prevention
There
are several things you can do to prevent heat related problems for
your pet:
-
Monitor outdoor temperature and minimize your pet’s activity
on hot, humid days.
-
Limit sun exposure during the hours of 11 AM to 3 PM on hot days.
-
Walk or exercise your dog in the morning or evening.
-
Keep your pet in a comfortable environment (air-conditioned room
or partially open windows with a breeze) during extremely hot
weather.
-
NEVER leave your pet in a car (even with the windows partially
rolled down) for any reason at any time. Leaving dogs in a car
during warm weather is the most common cause of heat stroke.
-
Provide your pet with plenty of fresh water and plenty of shade.
Take extra care with puppies and kittens.
-
If possible, allow your pet to acclimate gradually to high temperatures.
Heat illness is common in the spring when the animal has not had
sufficient time to acclimate to the warmer temperatures.
-
After traveling to a warmer climate, allow your pet several days
to become acclimated before allowing any vigorous exercise.
WHAT IS HEAT STROKE IN ANIMALS?
Living cells have temperature tolerance limits. Go beyond those
limits and the cell breaks  down,
looses functional capacity, releases chemicals within itself that
cause more adverse reactions, and eventually ceases to function
and dies. Tolerance to higher than optimum temperatures for mammals
breaks down at about 107 degrees. And the death of the cell (that
state where the traumatized cell cannot recover from the heat injury)
occurs when time and temperature factors combine to terminate the
cell's integrity. The longer the cell is above the 107 degree level
the less chance there is for the cell to recover. The higher the
temperature becomes above 107 degrees the faster the cell death
occurs. In pets confined to a space where the ambient (surrounding)
temperature and humidity are above tolerable levels the animal's
body will begin to acquire heat from the environment faster than
it can dissipate that heat. In overheated humans we begin to sweat,
which evaporates (unless the humidity is 100 percent), and cools
the skin surface and assists in dissipating that heat buildup. In
fur covered dogs and cats that have very few sweat glands to begin
with the only means of dissipating excess body heat is via panting.
This movement of air over the moist tongue and airway surfaces increases
evaporative cooling (again, unless the ambient humidity is 100 percent).
Unfortunately, panting is a rather inefficient means of dissipating
body heat and actually generates some heat due to the  muscle
activity involved. Keep in mind that as an animal is confined to
a closed space the expired air, which is at 100 percent humidity
and 102 degrees, will eventually increase the ambient humidity and
temperature of the animal's space. Plus, especially with larger
animals such as Great Danes and St.Bernards, their body heat will
increase the ambient temperature in the vehicle. It should be readily
obvious that leaving an animal in an enclosed space, even if the
vehicle is in the shade and even if the outside temperature is only
in the seventies, will cause a buildup of temperature and humidity
in that vehicle. Time and temperature and humidity are critical
factors in the development of heat stroke in pets. And once the
animal's cells reach 107 degrees it is crucial for any chance of
recovery to lower that temperature as fast as possible. Otherwise
death will result no matter what you do to try to save the animal.
SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE IN ANIMALS
Signs of heat stroke are intense, rapid panting, wide eyes, salivating,
staggering and weakness. Advanced heat stroke victims will collapse
and become unconscious. The gums will appear pale and dry. If heat
stroke is suspected and you can take the animal's temperature rectally,
any temperature above 106 degrees is dangerous. The longer the temperature
remains at or above 106 degrees the more serious the situation.
If you return to your car or the area in which the animal was confined
and find your pet seems to be highly agitated, wide-eyed and panting
uncontrollably... start for the nearest animal hospital right away
with the air conditioning at full blast. Otherwise get the dog to
a cool area and begin the treatment for heat stroke.
TREATMENT FOR HEAT STROKE IN ANIMALS
 Take
the pet's temperature rectally if possible. A body temperature of
about 105 degrees or higher is probable evidence for heat stroke.
Place your pet in a tub of cool running water or spray with a hose
being sure the cool water contacts the skin and doesn't simply run
off the coat. Thoroughly wet the belly and inside the legs. Run
the cool water over the tongue and mouth.  Take
a rectal temperature if possible to know when to stop cooling. A
safe temperature is about 103 degrees. A small dog will cool down
much faster than a large dog. Once the temperature gets to 103 or
104 degrees do not cool the pet any further because the cooling
effects will continue to bring the temperature down even further.
Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
If you are near an animal hospital, go there right away. At the
animal hospital they may administer oxygen, cortisone and dextrose
to help protect the traumatized cells. The staff can provide proper
cooling measures and monitor the dog's temperature, heart rate and
provide oxygen which some evidence indicates may help protect stressed
body cells. Providing intravenous fluids and anticoagulants may
be utilized as well.
WHAT DOES HEAT STROKE DO?
In severe cases, the elevated body temperature triggers chemical
reactions in the cells of the body... highly active cells such as
brain, intestinal and liver cells are at greatest risk for heat
trauma. The metabolic disturbances brought on by excessive heat
instigate the release of chemicals within the cells that cause the
ultimate destruction a breakage of the cell. Most heat stroke victims
are dehydrates, as well, and their blood thickens to the point that
the heart has severe stresses placed on it in trying to pump the
abnormally viscous blood through the blood vessels. The result is
stagnation of blood, blood clotting and eventual death of tissues
due to what is termed ischemic necrosis. Wherever a clot forms,
the tissues nourished by that clogged vessel die from metabolic
starvation. The dying cells give off chemicals that further damage
surrounding tissues and a point is reached beyond which no recovery
is possible. In some unfortunate situations where the heat stroke
victim has experienced a dangerously high body temperature for a
length of time such that too many brain and other body cells have
been damaged, no matter what life saving measures are employed and
bioprotective medications are administered, death will result.
HOW TO AVOID HEAT STROKE?
Always be careful about leaving pets in vehicles or tied out in
the direct sunlight during warm, sunny days... even a few minutes
can be critical. And flea markets and other outdoor activities are
often the worst place to bring a dog on a hot summer day. Factors
that increase an animal's risk of developing heat stroke include:
*
water deprivation
*
enclosed space
* excessive humidity
* obesity
|
*
exercise
* age
* cardiovascular disease
* lack of acclimatization |
Short faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Boxers, Pekingese, Pugs
and dogs with heavy coats are at greater risk for heat stroke than
some other breeds. Also age, heart trouble, and  physical
condition such as being overweight all contribute to a lesser efficiency
in dissipating heat buildup in the body. Any animal or human when
faced with the ambient conditions of high temperature, high humidity
and time to build up heat within the body faster than heat can be
dissipated, can face the tragedy of being a victim of heat stroke.
All it takes to avoid this serious problem it diligence and common
sense. Older pets have less resistance to stresses such as traveling,
heat, noises, and unusual activities. Excitement or discomfort brings
on panting and elevated metabolic rate which elevates the animal's
temperature; and if the animal cannot remove that heat buildup within
its body it may be just a matter of a few minutes before the dog
or cat get into some serious medical difficulty.
A NOTE FROM THE VETERINARIAN: One
of my "pet peeves", and pardon the pun, is to see people
bringing their dogs to summertime activities oriented for humans.
I can never comprehend why people insist on having their dogs with
them at events such as flea markets, Art In The Park, craft shows,
car shows, parades and carnivals. Dogs don't care about arts and
crafts, parades or carnivals! And quite honestly they would have
a much better day if left behind in the safety and shelter of their
homes. Most of these events are crowded enough with people and children,
and distractions and activities abound that have no relevance to
the dog's enjoyment; so why subject the animals to the heat and
excitement of these human activities?
Be
mindful, too, that your dog's pads can suffer heat trauma
from contact with hot asphalt or other summer-scorched surfaces. |
Casey
was treated to some shady rest and relaxation during
a very hot afternoon walk along Lake Superior in Bayfield,
Wisconsin. Considering the fact that there were lots
of distractions and interesting things for Casey's owners
to do, they took time out to make sure Casey was safe
and comfortable. |
 |
 |
|
There
are times when you need to consider if the wisest decision
might be to leave the dog at home if you won't be able to
provide it frequent relief from the heat and humidity. |
For
more information on heat-related illnesses, a good source is
Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health
and Safety, at the United
States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
Other informative web sites for people and pets are:
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/primry/life18.htm
http://www.semcosh.org/heat.htm
http://www.coastalliving.com/coastal/living/people/article/0,14587,1072601,00.html
http://www.pet-sitters.biz/pets_and_summer_heat.cfm
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml
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