Trupanion Reminds Pet Parents to Keep it Cool During the Dog Days of Summer
July 21 2021 - 9:00AM
Seattle – July 21, 2021 – With the official dog days of summer upon
us, Trupanion, the leader in medical insurance for pets, reminds
pet parents of the importance of protecting their pets from the
summer heat.
Dogs and cats are particularly susceptible to heatstroke, a
potentially life-threatening condition. In fact, Trupanion sees an
increase in heat stroke claims 4.5 times more during the summer
months of June, July and August.
“The dog days of summer are being felt with more intensity now
than ever and we are definitely seeing an increase in claims for
heat stroke,” said Dr. Steve Weinrauch, chief veterinary officer at
Trupanion.
According to data analysis from more than 600,000 insured pets,
Trupanion has seen more than a 30% increase in heat stroke claims
for the month of June in 2021 alone, when compared to the same
timeframe in June of 2020. Heat stroke claims often total over
$1,000.
For many pet parents who may have brought a new puppy or kitten
into their home during the pandemic, this may be their first time
experiencing the affects that heat can have on a pet. Therefore, it
is important to know, and heed, the warning signs of heat stroke
which include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea,
disorientation, and seizures.
“Heat stroke is an emergency condition and if you suspect that
your pet is experiencing extreme heat you should move them to a
cooler area and call your veterinarian immediately,” added
Weinrauch.
Pets are especially at risk in hot cars
Since dogs and cats don’t sweat, they cool off by panting. This
allows the pet to exchange hot air for cool air. But if the pet is
in a hot car they are exchanging hot air for hot air, putting them
at immediate risk for heat stroke.
Studies have shown that when the temperature outside reaches 85
degrees it quickly turns to nearly 120 degrees in our cars. Even
when the temperature outside is a comfortable 70 degrees the inside
of a car can top 100 degrees in only 30 minutes.
With that in mind, it is important to never leave your pet
unattended in the car, even with a window cracked.
Other causes of heat stroke can include extended outdoor
exposure on a hot day without shade and extreme exercise in hot
weather.
Your pet’s paws
To help alleviate the heat during the summer months, shorts and
t-shirts may be the dress code for many of us. However, our pets do
not have that luxury as they are literally wearing fur coats.
And while pet parents may slip on a pair of flip flops to guard
against the hot asphalt, concrete, or sand – our pet’s paws are
exposed and can burn on hot sidewalks and other surfaces. To avoid
these blistering hot surfaces, walk your pet during the cooler
morning or evening hours, or stick to grass and other surfaces that
stay cooler.
Overall, keep in mind that a pet will always do what is asked of
them and may not show discomfort until they are actually in need of
medical attention. To avoid these situations, always be vigilant
when you and your pet head outdoors during the hotter days of the
year.
“We all want our pets to be safe, healthy – and comfortable,”
said Weinrauch. “Just as we are aware of how the extreme heat
impacts our lives, we need to be conscious of the weather’s effect
on our pets and make sure they keep hydrated and avoid long periods
of exposure to the heat.”
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About Trupanion Trupanion is a leader in medical
insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada
and Australia with over 600,000 pets enrolled. For over two
decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can
focus on their pet's recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is
committed to providing pet owners with the highest value in pet
medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their
pets. With its proprietary software, Trupanion is the only provider
with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in minutes at the
time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol
"TRUP". The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in
Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States,
by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company
and, in Canada, by Omega General Insurance Company. Trupanion
Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance
Company. For more information, please visit trupanion.com.
Contact: Michael Nank michael.nank@trupanion.com
206.436.9825
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