Summer is a time when we spend as much time enjoying the weather as possible – we like to be outside. We sometimes forget how sensitive our pets are to heat, and the high risk of fatal heatstroke!

Signs of heatstroke in pets: unusually tired and lethargic; bright red gums; pet appears to be disoriented/confused; excessive panting even when placed in a cool area after heat exposure; eyes appear glossy with a “far away” look.

Take these easy measures to prevent your pets from heatstroke so they can continue to stroke at your heart strings, naturally.

Heatstroke Prevention for Pets

• NEVER leave your pet in the direct sun in a vehicle even with a window open. When you absolutely must have your pet in the car, turn the air conditioner on high.
• Don’t leave your pet in the car without cool air and ventilation.
• Mist pets often with a spray bottle of water.
• If overheated, place five drops of Rescue Remedy, available at most health food stores, in the drinking water and mist with same dilution and spray the animal frequently.
• The homeopathic Belladonna is an invaluable tool. Veterinarians recommend one pellet for those weighing under 15 pounds, potency 3c or 30x every 30 minutes.
• If your pet refuses to drink sufficient water, continue to mist them regularly and, if necessary, fill dropper with water and place in their mouth.
• When pets sweat they lose electrolytes. One healthy way to replenish quickly is by sprinkling some pre-digested all-natural goat-milk mineral whey into their water or on their food. This is a brown powder and contains nothing but minerals and electrolytes extracted from the cheese-making process, not whey protein.
• At the first sign of heatstroke get your pet to a veterinarian immediately.

My Family: I have three miniature poodles, all rescued after a career of breeding, showing and earning good income for their owners. Talk about unconditional love, it abounds in my household – they don’t know they’re not human, they’re treated like children, naturally.