Summertime brings hot weather and sunny skies. The summer months can also harbor many hidden dangers to your pets. Read on to learn how to make this season happy and healthy for your pets too.
Heat Stroke occurs when pets are exposed to high temperatures. Make sure outdoor pets always have fresh water and be shaded from direct sunlight. Heat stroke can lead to brain damage and death. The signs of heat stroke include excessive panting and salivation, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, loss of consciousness, and collapse. Emergency veterinary care is needed to reduce the body temperature and to restore hydration with intravenous fluids. Keep a close eye on pets while they are outdoors and prevent them from exercising strenuously during the heat of the day. Pets do not sweat as humans do, and panting is not a very effective way to eliminate heat. Pets with the flat, pushed in faces are even more sensitive to heat prostration because their airways are distorted.
We strongly advise that pets never be left alone in vehicles. If you must do so for a short while, it is important to park in the shade, to leave windows ajar, and provide fresh water. Be aware that temperatures in closed spaces rise quickly, and at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a car may heat up to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes.
Drowning is another summer danger. Never leave pets unattended near pools or water that is higher then their stomach. Even the best swimmers can get tangled or become tired. Puppies can drown in a bucket of water just as human toddlers can.
Sun Damage
Sunburns may occur with shorthaired pets, especially those with pink skin and white hair. Limit exposure during hours of the sun's highest intensity. Human sunblock products can be safely used on the most sensitive areas, such as the top of the nose and tips of the ears. Prolonged exposure to the sun is not recommended.
Asphalt and concrete can get very hot, to prevent injury and pain to their pads test the surface with your hand before walking them on it.
Fleas and Ticks are also summer worries. Preventatives not only protect your pets from infestations but also help protect against health risks such as tapeworms and Lyme Disease. Protect your pets with a veterinarian-approved product for fleas and ticks such as Frontline Plus.
Noise Phobias
Fear of thunder and other loud noises such as fireworks may drive pets to seek shelter. Their attempts to seek immediate shelter may damage property and cause injury to themselves. Pets that react to loud noises can be trained not to panic through a process called progressive desensitization. Your veterinarian can review this process and may recommend anti-anxiety medications to use concurrently with these behavior modifying techniques. The desensitization process must occur gradually, but the time spent will prove to be beneficial to your pet, family, and finances spent on repairs.
Heartworm Disease is very prevalent in our area because of the large numbers of mosquitoes and because there is a wild animal reservoir for this parasite. Heartworms are spread from animal to animal by infected mosquitoes and can be present in your pets for up to six months before testing positive. For this reason we recommend yearly heartworm testing for dogs and year round prevention for cats and dogs. The monthly heartworm preventions that we have for dogs and cats also helps protect against the common intestinal parasites for which the Center of Disease Control is recommending strategic deworming.
West Nile Virus is another deadly mosquito-borne disease. In addition to infecting humans, horses and birds, we now know that most animals including dogs and cats are also at risk. Mosquitoes are most active from summer to early fall, dusk to dawn, and when the air is still. A bite from an infected mosquito can transmit this new strain of encephalitis. The central nervous system is primarily affected, and in severe cases, this disease may be fatal. The incubation period for a human is 5 to 15 days; the incubation period in a pet is unknown. The symptoms can range from mild vague malaise and flu-like symptoms to neurological disturbances such as severe seizure activity and death.
A blood test can be sent to an outside laboratory to confirm West Nile Virus if your pet's symptoms are suspicious for it. Treatment for West Nile Virus is primarily supportive with hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics. Try to minimize your pet's exposure outdoors during the time periods when mosquitoes are most active and also try to eliminate sources of stagnant water that are prime areas for mosquitoes to multiply. We currently recommend using a pyrethrin spray such as Vetkem Ovitrol Plus or Mycodex All-In-One to repel mosquitoes. Yard treatment sprays, such as Virbac Yard Spray, can also help to reduce exposure. Mosquito bites still may occur despite our best efforts.
Insect Bites can cause skin irritations, which may lead to rashes and skin infections. Try to keep these areas clean and discourage your pet from continually licking at the area. Allergic reactions can result for some pets, especially from a bee or wasp sting. Watch the site for sudden swelling, redness or warmth. Allergic reactions may compromise your pet's ability to breathe. Seek immediate veterinarian assistance if there is any swelling to the pet's neck and/or face.
Lawn and Garden Products may be hazardous to pets. Read the product label prior to use. Keep plants and fertilizers that are toxic out of reach.
Antifreeze from vehicles is another source of summer danger. Antifreeze may spill or leak when vehicles overheat. Pets are attracted to antifreeze because it tastes sweet. Antifreeze is extremely toxic when ingested, and even a very small amount can be fatal. It is essential to seek veterinary care immediately.
Infectious Tracheobronchitis, otherwise known as Kennel Cough, spreads from dog to dog and may occur anywhere multiple dogs are or have been, such as at the groomer, in parks, at boarding and training facilities, or during unplanned hospitalizations. Many families take vacations during the summer months. This means the family dog may be taken to a boarding kennel or to a friend's house until their family returns. It is important to help protect your pet against tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) by vaccinating them for Bordetella. Tracheobronchitis causes a deep "throaty" cough that sounds croupy. Although usually self-limiting, infectious Tracheobronchitis can last several weeks or more. We recommend that dogs receive an intranasal Bordetella vaccine every six months.
HomeAgain Microchip is an excellent technique to identify pets and help to return lost pets to their family. Ask about this affordable way to give your pet a unique microchip number for identification.
Dog Parks
With nice weather approaching, more people will be utilizing our local dog parks. Please remember that pets still need to be closely supervised. Bite wounds between dogs that are not familiar with one another or that may not be well-socialized, are common.
Vehicle Injuries
Nice weather also brings an increase in pets that are hit-by-cars. Injuries can be fatal or cause permanent disabilities, not to mention the pain and expense incurred. This is an area where an ounce of prevention is far superior to any cure.
Be very careful not to let your pet ride in the open bed of a pick up truck. Pets can jump or fall out or may be injured by flying debris or dust. Even pets riding in the seat of a car or truck are safer if secured by a restraint harness. Small dogs and cats do very well in a pet carrier.
Behavioral Tips
Spring and summer is a good time to initiate obedience classes for pets of all ages. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a good training facility appropriate for your pet's needs and personality. Clicker Training is a fun and effective approach that is becoming increasingly popular. Many pets and owners enjoy taking a class together in pet massage. Some community colleges such as the one in Elgin are offering classes in pet massage. There are also wonderful pet first aid classes being taught that might be a lifesaver for some pets and can empower pet owners as far as pet care. Check with our health care team about our certified massage and physical therapy provider, Kim.
Due to worsening problems of separation anxiety, try to maintain a normal schedule of crating walking, and training through the summer months. It can be a real shocker to pets that have not been crated or left alone at all throughout the summer, to have their owners go back to working longer days and children back in school in the fall. Anti-anxiety medications are often necessary for these distraught pets.
Travel Tips
Before you and your pet leave on vacation, schedule an appointment for a physical examination, vaccinations and a health certificate. In most cases health certificates for general travel are valid for 30 days and 10 days on an airplane. Ensure that pets will be permitted at the lodging facility. Identify pets with a HomeAgain Microchip as well as an identification tag that includes your name, home address, and current contact phone numbers. It is also a good idea to keep a current photo of your pet while traveling in case you and your pet become separated. If you pet is not accustomed to long vehicle rides, gradually introduce her or him to longer drives. Pets usually travel more comfortably if fed a small meal prior to the trip and avoid feeding while in motion. Pack your pet's favorite toy or blanket, food and water dish, collar, leash, health certificate, first aid kit, veterinarian phone numbers, and waste disposal bags.
Everyone should be able to enjoy the nice weather outdoors with their pets. Remember to keep your pets on a leash to help avoid accidental injuries due to cars or dogfights and also to prevent against unwanted pregnancies. Enjoy this time of year; we'll see you in the fall. |
