Top Summertime Tips for Pet Safety
Summertime! Finally, your chance to relax and unwind! With
your sunblock, sunglasses and a good book, you plan to enjoy the day at
the pool! Suddenly, you remember your dog is in the yard – unsupervised
…surely he will be okay for a couple hours. Or will he?
By: Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary News Network
Summer temperatures might be great for tan lines and boating trips,
but the excessive heat and increased outdoor activities could spell
disaster for your pets. As the mercury rises, take just a few moments
to insure that your pets are safe and prevent an urgent trip to the
animal ER with a summertime emergency!
The most common heat related problem for pets is heat stroke. Also
known as heat stress or hyperpyrexia, heat stroke is a real emergency
for dogs. Even on moderately warm days, an excited dog might show a
body temperature increase of 2-5 degrees Fahrenheit. Since dogs don’t
sweat like we do, they are unable to dissipate the excess heat and heat
stroke may soon follow.
Any outdoor pet can overheat on a warm summer day, but short faced
breeds, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, are at a higher risk. In addition,
every year thousands of pets succumb to heat stroke because they were
left in cars while their owners ran “just a few” errands.
Many cities and states have now made it a crime to leave your pet
unattended in a vehicle. These are important laws as even on a 70
degree day, temperatures inside a car can soar to over 110 degrees in
less than one hour!
Some owners try to help their pets by shaving the dog’s long coat.
Although this seems like a good idea, a well groomed and clean hair coat
can actually insulate the dog from the heat and help keep them cooler.
Veterinarians will recommend shaving specific areas in long haired
breeds. For example, shaving around the anus and groin can help keep
the area clean and free from infections.
In some cases, shaving the hair coat could expose a lightly pigmented
dog to potential sunburn. For short haired lightly colored breeds,
Canine solar dermatitis is another problem. Boxers, Pit Bulls and
Dalmatians are just a few examples of dogs that are at risk. In these
cases, chronic exposure to hot sunny days damages the skin and causes
tender, red scaly lesions. Eventually, the skin becomes thickened and
scarred.
When the sun goes down and the temperatures start to cool, your pets
still face many summer challenges. The patriotic holidays during the
summer months are often preceded by and celebrated with fireworks. The
bright flashes and loud bangs are terrifying to some pets and can cause
anxiety, stress and even escape.
Likewise, some pets react in a similar way to thunderstorms.
Normally calm pets may become distressed, destructive and even bite in
an attempt to get away from the noises. While running, they are at risk
for being hit by a car, becoming lost or encountering another animal
who might be aggressive.
The warm summer season also brings out a many pests that will
actively seek out your pets. Fleas and ticks are two examples, but some
species of biting flies are very fond of dogs’ ears. Repeated bites
can cause a condition that can be serious and difficult to control known
as “fly strike”.
It is possible to enjoy the summer with your pets by taking just a
few precautions. First and foremost, always be aware of the weather
forecast. Knowing the high temperature can help guide your plans for
the day.
Don’t leave your pet unattended outside or plan heavy exercise on
hot, humid days. If your pet is left outdoors, he must have access to
adequate shade and fresh water.
When it’s time to run errands, leave your pet at home. Even a few
minutes in a hot car is enough to increase your pet’s body temperature
dramatically.
If you find your pet disoriented, panting excessively or collapsed in
the yard, move him immediately to a cooler environment. Use cool wet
towels over his back, armpits and groin to help bring his temperature
down. Fans are often helpful too. DO NOT USE ICE! Then, get him to
your veterinarian immediately so that they can assess his status and
begin life saving treatments.
Your veterinarian is also a good source of advice for products that
will kill fleas and ticks. Some veterinarians also carry an insecticide
gel that repel biting flies
If you are planning to take your pets to any outdoor celebrations or
cook-outs, find out first if pets are welcome or if fireworks are
planned. It might be easier to simply leave the dogs at home rather
than risk a run-away or injury.
Most national parks allow pets, but rules vary by park and of course
your pets must be on a leash at all times. Check ahead on the parks you
plan to visit.
Summertime should be a time for relaxation and fun…don’t let a pet emergency spoil your good time. |