Summer Weather Pet Care & Safety This summer, many of us will be spending more time outdoors with our pets and will be more likely to take our pets along on errands. While interaction, exercise and a day outside with your pet is important for its health and well-being, hot weather does pose risks for our animal friends. Keep your pets cool this summer with these tips.
Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle during warm days In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, even when outside temperatures are a moderate 70 degrees, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car. Because dogs don’t perspire (they pant to take in cooler air), the distress of a hot car can cause them to panic, further aggravating this potentially fatal situation. Pets left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage and possibly death. Don't think that just because you'll be gone "only a minute" that your pet will be safe; even an air-conditioned car with the motor off isn't healthy for your pet. Many cases of heatstroke happen when dogs are locked in cars with windows rolled up or cracked slightly. Heatstroke is life-threatening for animals. If not caught in the early stages, heatstroke can mean a quick death for your pet.
Provide your pet with plenty of clean, cool drinking water This is very important in order to avoid dehydration. However, do not let your dog drink a lot of water before, during or after exercise because a condition called gastric torsion or bloat may result. A dog, especially deep-chested breeds like the German Shepherd, can die from bloat. Its stomach may swell and rotate like a wringing towel, which cuts off blood supply through the stomach. This is a medical emergancy and needs attention immediately! Avoid exercising your pet during the midday summer heat Exercising your animal is important, but it is better to do so in the early morning or evening hours when the temperatures are lower. If you run with your dog, it is important to gradually build an exercise program that your dog can handle. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke if overworked. Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Your dog can get damaged or blistered feet if it doesn’t have time to build up its food pads. Consider running on the roadside or grass. Be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cool towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get him to a veterinarian immediately. If you notice your animal behaving in a peculiar way and suspect it may be suffering from heatstroke or bloat, contact us or your veterinarian immediately. Protect your pet from sunburn Just like humans, pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.Help your pet avoid a sunburn by avoiding the sun during the brightest part of the day (10 am to 4 pm) or use a pet-specific sunscreens which are fragrance free, non-staining, and contain UVA and UVB blockers. Do not use human sunscreens on pets; most are toxic if ingested by dogs or cats. Check the label, as some pet-specific products are not appropriate for use on cats. Keep fleas in check As temperatures rise, so does the flea population. Flea control is important for several reasons. Flea bites will cause local skin irritation and swelling that may result in discomfort for your pet. Some dogs and cats will develop an allergic reaction to flea bites. This intense irritation may result in constant scratching, which can lead to hair loss or a bacterial skin infection known as “hot spots.” Fleas are also intermediate hosts for tapeworms and can transmit bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. A common cause of pet poisoning in the summer months is improper use or application of flea and tick control products. Use such products responsibly and according to package instructions. Overuse and misuse can be deadly.
Never apply 45-65% permethrin (such as Advantix) "spot-on" products to cats, even in small amounts. Highly concentrated permethrin can be extremely toxic to cats. If you have both dogs and cats in your household, you should be aware that using a permethrin "spot-on" product on a dog may cause illness or death in a household cat. Never use flea medications intended for a dog on a cat instead. It is important to use only flea and tick products specifically designed for cats, and to administer the proper dosage. All flea and tick "spot-on" products—even ones with nearly identical brand names—are not alike. Check the label to identify the active ingredient before you apply it. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions. With the proper precautions, you and your pet will enjoy a fun, comfortable, and healthy summer.