Help Your Pets Be Cool This Summer
It's great to enjoy summer with your pet. But it's also the time when they have the greatest risk of injury and heat-related health problems. So here are some tips on keeping things cool this summer.
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE: rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles, a dazed look. Wrap them in a towel soaked with cool, not cold, water. In severe cases, place them in the bathtub. Heatstroke can be fatal. See your veterinarian as soon as possible.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A PARKED CAR. Not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. On a 70° day, the car temperature can rise above 150° in minutes. It's extremely dangerous, and the Number One cause of heatstroke.
KEEP VACCINATIONS UP-TO-DATE. This is the time when most pets come in contact with other animals, at parks, campgrounds etc.
ALWAYS PROVIDE PLENTY OF FRESH WATER. Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.
STOP EXTERNAL PARASITES BEFORE THEY BITE. Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in warm, humid environments. See your veterinary office for a preventive program.
ALSO AVOID INTERNAL PARASITES. Be sure your pets are heartworm tested and are on a preventive.
WATCH FOR HOT PAVEMENT. Sensitive paws burn easily.
FIND A COOL SPOT. For indoor pets, keep the air circulating with a childproof fan or air conditioner. Provide shade for outdoor pets. A gentle sprinkle from a hose is always appreciated.
THE STREETS AREN'T SAFE. Don't let your pet roam. Just in case - make sure your pet is licensed. Veterinarians see twice as many fight injuries and bite wounds in summer. And, of course, your pet is no match for a car.
THE YARD ISN’T ALWAYS SAFE, EITHER. Be cautious of pesticides and herbicides. Read the pre-cautions for lawn chemicals carefully and keep pets away from newly treated yards. If pets come in contact with chemicals, wash their feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly, and then contact your vet.
BRUSH AFTER EVERY HEEL. Frequent brushing provides early warning of parasites and skin infections by lifting the coat, permitting a view of the skin below.
IT’S ALLERGY SEASON. People sneeze. Pets scratch. Common pet allergies include pollen, grass and weeds. If your pet scratches excessively or chews at its paws, bring it in for an exam. Your veterinarian can design a program to help.
WATCH THE EXERCISE AND DIET. Don't encourage exercise during the hottest part of the day. And let them eat less. Overeating can lead to overheating.
NOT EVERY DOG PADDLES WELL. Animals in the water for the first time should be eased in, never thrown or chased in. If possible, don't let them drink from pools, streams or the ocean. You may want to discuss the new Giardia vaccine if your dog swims often. After they swim, rinse them off. Salt and minerals can damage a dog’s coat.
SUNBURN IS NO DAY AT THE BEACH. It hurts. Short-haired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are especially susceptible. Limit their exposure.
