Today fellow IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) member, Tammie Hisatake-Bumgardner, DVM of Buck Creek Animal Clinic will be our guest blogger. It is a little long but the info coming straight from a vet who also does search and rescue in extreme heat is the best advice for keeping our dogs safe in the heat. Dr. Tammie has graciously given permission to cross post from the IACP message board. If you wish to use Dr. Tammie's material you must contact her for permission. Below is her post.
Hurricane Ike reminded me that all pet owners should have an emergency evacuation list and perhaps even a bag packed. Emergency preparation can save your pets in case of a number of different scenarios. Training is crucial to a smooth evacuation. Don't wait till you need to crate your dog in an emergency to see if they will stay quietly in a kennel. It is a good idea to practice with older trained dogs just to be sure your pet will stay calm. Things you need: