Ask the Veterinarian

Q: Is there anything that I have to worry about for my pet as the temperature gets warmer?

Posted

A: As we move through spring into summer, the heat and humidity will be expected to climb.  Pet owners should take special care in ensuring their pet’s safety. Here are a few tips to help keep your pet happy and healthy during the hotter days:

● Prevent heat stroke and passing out — Older, overweight and sick pets should not be allowed to spend a lot of time outside in the hot weather. Even young and healthy pets should be watched closely to make sure they don’t get heat stroke.  If your pet is outside, it will be better if they are in a shaded area.

● Maintain your pet’s water supply — Always provide a bowl of clean, fresh water for your pet, both inside and outside. Keeping your pet properly hydrated will improve their health and prevent illness.

● Do not leave pets in a home without air conditioning — Without air conditioning, indoor temperatures will reach uncomfortable and often dangerously high levels. Always keep the air conditioning and any fans on for your pets.

● Do not leave pets in a car for any reason — Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. Even with the windows open, temperatures will rapidly climb to a dangerous level. Leaving your pet unattended in a car will expose them to heat stroke, dehydration, brain damage, suffocation and ultimately death.

Central Veterinary Associates has clinic locations throughout Nassau and Queens Counties, including Valley Stream, Great Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, Far Rockaway and Mineola.  These clinics are backed by our 24/7/365 state of the art Valley Stream Animal Hospital which serves as an emergency and surgical facility, providing advanced diagostic and treatment services, pain management, dentistry and boarding services for our clients.  

Our staff includes 18 veterinarians plus a board certified general practitioner and certified veterinary acupuncturist, a board certified surgeon, radiologist, and internist who are available for consultation.

In addition to our expertise with dogs and cats, our practice includes an exotics department with a special interest in birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, chinchillas and all reptiles and snakes.

You can reach us at 1-888-4CVA-PET. We are open at our Valley Stream location 24/7 including Halloween. For more information go to http://www.centralvets.com.