While many of us in the greater Portland area are enjoying the higher temperatures this week, our pets can be at increased risk for heat-related illnesses and injuries. There are precautions you can take to protect your pets from the heat. Keep your pets cool this summer with these helpful tips.

Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle during warm days
Even when outside temperatures are a moderate 70 degrees, a car or truck cab can become a miniature greenhouse. The temperature inside a car can quickly climb to more than 110 degrees. Because dogs don't perspire (they pant to take in cooler air), the distress of a hot car can make them panic, which only aggravates the problem.

Many cases of heatstroke happen when dogs are locked in cars with windows rolled up or cracked slightly. Heatstroke is life-threatening for animals. If not caught in its earliest stages, heatstroke can mean quick death for your pet.

Provide your pet with plenty of clean, cool drinking water
This is very important in order to avoid dehydration. However, do not let your dog drink a lot of water before, during or after exercise because a condition called gastric torsion or bloat may result. A dog, especially a deep-chested breed like the German Shepherd, can die from bloat. Its stomach may swell and even rotate like a wringing towel, which cuts off blood supply through the stomach.

Avoid exercising your pet during the midday summer heat
Exercising your animal is important, but it is better to do so in the early morning or evening hours when the temperatures are lower. If you run with your dog, it is important to gradually build an exercise program that your dog can handle. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke if overworked.

If you notice your animal behaving in a peculiar way and suspect it may be suffering from heatstroke or bloat, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Beware of exercising your dog on hot pavement
Because dogs don't have tennis shoes, they need pad protection. Your dog can get damaged or blistered feet if it doesn't have time to build up its food pads. Consider running on the roadside or grass.

Keep fleas in check
As temperatures rise, so does the flea population. Flea control is important for several reasons. Flea bites cause local skin irritation and swelling that may cause your pet discomfort. Some dogs and cats will develop an allergic reaction to flea bites. This intense irritation may result in constant scratching, which can lead to hair loss or a bacterial skin infection know as "hot spots." Fleas are also intermediate hosts for tapeworms and can transmit bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

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