Q&A with Simba

This column is the opinion of a 3 year old African Grey Parrot named “Simba” who has an extremely high intelligence level. While he does not possess a degree from any college or university, he does have a strong opinion of himself and feels that he is the best candidate to answer the complex questions of today’s discerning pets…and the humans they own… 

Dear Simba, 

With daily temperatures in the high 90’s and the heat indexes reaching into the 100’s it has been quite a hot summer so far. This year my dog has developed a condition of regurgitating right before he comes into the house after a walk. I know humans can get overheated and sun stroke very easily through this time of year. I hear it is possible for pets as well.

Could my canine companion be experiencing overheating or could it be something else? He is 9 years old and has a very healthy diet as well as being cared for in the most pristine manner. What else can I do to beat the heat when it comes to my pets? I don’t like to see them uncomfortable with anything…especially the unbearable temperatures that have been rising all summer.

Signed, Beating The Heat 

Dear Heat, 

Tell me about the heat!!! While us sub-tropical avian species can s o m e w h a t handle it better than the canine species, we all can get overheated if our humans aren’t careful. The regurgitation issue after a walk can be the first signs of overheating so measures should be taken to prevent this. A nice cool hosing down after a long walk is great for your canine although care must be taken into the fact that you do not shock his system with cold water. Start with the legs first. Heat

gets trapped in the legs of four-legged companions, whether it is a dog, cat, horse, etc. The last thing you want to do is to provide a burst of cold water directly at the chest. This is where the heart is and can be fatal. So whether you are giving him a full out bath or just a cooling down, always start at the legs and move upward from the rear, to the body and then to the neck, chest and head. This will cool him down gradually. If he is one of those canines that are always outside, then it’s time to bring him indoors.

The other thing you might consider is watching him while you are walking. If he is stopping to eat grass then there might be an issue with an upset stomach. Provide fresh cool water at all times and do not feed him directly after a walk. Wait about an hour and then proceed with a tasty treat. O u r h u m a n gives us electrolyte water during the summer months. Pedialyte has been on the market for years and is normally used for human babies. However, it is mild enough for pets. When my avian sisters and I are out in the aviary we get misted periodically with cool water and we are always provided with Pedialyte in our water bowls. This is the same for our canine brother and two sisters. Being cautious through the summer months is extremely important to us pets and I commend you for being aware of certain situations. If this issue persists then I would seek the advice of a veterinarian as they are the professionals and I am simply just a genius!

Fondly, Simba 

Simba is owned by Christina Giordano. If you have any questions you would like Simba to answer, please email them to: Ask Simba@angelsofflightproductions.com