Preventing Heat Exhaustion During summer pet owners must take special precautions to ensure that their pets are adequately protected from soaring temperatures.  Animals with short-muzzles have even more of a difficult time breathing during hot, humid days.   All pets should have access to cool, shady areas.  For dogs and cats this can be large, thick foliaged trees.  In the case of other pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or birds, their cages must never be in direct sunlight.  Be particularly careful with bird cages and aquariums that are near windows where the sun may stream in at certain times of the day, as even on a moderately sunny day the sun shining through the glass may be hot enough to be dangerous to the pet. All animals must have an adequate supply of cool, clean water.  If pets are alone during the day it is best to leave them with more than one container of water in case the container is knocked over and spilled.   When outdoors your dog may enjoy lying in a baby pool filled with fresh water.  If pets are locked in a house or shed it is essential that the area is well ventilated.  Never leave pets in a car as temperatures within cars can cause death from heat exhaustion in as little as five minutes.  When the temperature is 85 degrees, the temperature inside your car can soar to 102 degrees in 10 minutes and to 120 degrees in 30 minutes.  And that’s with the windows open and parked in the shade.   Animals suffering from heat exhaustion may pant, lie on their side, and be listless and disoriented.  Other signs include rapid pulse, glazed eyes, excessive salivation, elevated body temperature, excessive whining or agitation, staring or vomiting and white or bluish gums.  Only one of these symptoms has to be present to indicate your pet may be in trouble.  If you think your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion it must be cooled immediately.  Put the animal in a cool and shady area.  Damp it down with tepid water and fan the animal.  Contact your nearest veterinarian and transport it in a vehicle which has air conditioning.   If the animal is conscious offer cool, not cold, drinking water.  Do not allow the animal to gulp large amounts of water. Old, overweight, and very young animals are most susceptible to heat and should be provided with special care during hot weather.  Although many dogs look forward to their regular walk late in the afternoon they should not be walked until the sun goes down during hot weather.  Also be aware that concrete and footpaths may be hot enough to burn the dog’s feet.