Summer has long been the season for vacations, cookouts, and pool parties. As the heat increases, so does the danger to pets. Be sure to be prepared to keep your dog, cat, or other furry friend safe. We spoke with Dr. Elizabeth Rozansky, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Associate Professor of Clinical Science at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Director of Emergency Medicine at Small Animal Foster Hospital, to help prevent accidents and protect pets during disasters. We interviewed them about tips to protect them. during the summer.
- tick
One of the biggest dangers when pets spend time outdoors is ticks. During the summer, Dr. Rozansky recommends that you or your dog walker check your pet for ticks at least once a day and thoroughly observe it after walks or trips in wooded areas. Masu. “Ticks are harder to spot on dogs with thicker coats,” she warns. “And dogs are often more susceptible than cats.”What should I do if I find a tick? Read the ASPCA’s guide, “How to Remove Ticks from Your Pet.” Once you remove it (usually with tweezers), “try to store it in an airtight container,” Dr. Rozanski suggests. “Then ask your veterinarian if you should take your dog in for testing.” Ticks can carry a variety of diseases, but the symptoms are often difficult to identify. Your dog may become tired, have a fever, or become lame. Therefore, consult your veterinarian in advance for effective tick treatments and only use products made for your type of pet.
- Dehydration and heatstroke
As the summer heat approaches, dehydration and heat stroke become very real threats. Whether it’s summer or the middle of winter, animals should always have access to fresh, clean water. Carry a portable water bowl with you when you go for a walk, and take it with you on vacation or long car rides. Short-nosed dogs such as pugs, chins, and bulldogs, dark-colored pets, overweight animals, or animals with thick coats such as Himalayan and Persian cats are especially susceptible to heat stress. Look out for symptoms such as:
- excessive lethargy
- decreased urinary output
- dry gums
- refuse to eat
- sunken eyes
- Decreased skin elasticity (gently pinch the skin around your pet’s shoulders in a tent shape; if the skin is slow to return to normal, your pet may be dehydrated).
Don’t worry if your dog is panting. “That’s how you cool your body,” Dr. Rozanski says. “The hotter it is, the more they pant.” Are there other ways to cool down your pup? Fans, ice packs, frozen treats, ice cubes, wading pools, sprinklers. Both kids and dogs will love it!
What should I do if I think my pet is dehydrated? “If your pet appears weak or unbalanced, cool them with a hose or wet towel and seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.” ,” recommends Dr. Lonzansky.
- pool and water
Despite what YouTube says, cats and rabbits don’t like swimming. “Most animals believe that.” [in the videos] I don’t enjoy it,” says Dr. Rozansky. And not all dogs master the dog paddle. Some people may not like water, and certain breeds such as pugs and terriers may have difficulty swimming. So before you take Fido to the beach or pool, buy a flotation device to keep your pup safe (yes, dogs can wear flotation devices too!). If you’re planning on boating with your dog this summer, be careful not to jump off the boat, which can be dangerous for the animal. Also, do not try to force your pet into the water.If you’re lucky enough to have a pet that enjoys splashing, be sure to rinse it off after swimming. Chlorine, salt, and bacteria in pools and lakes can be harmful. Animals also need a shady place with access to cool, fresh water near them, as ingesting seawater or pool water can cause health problems.
- car
We’ve all been guilty of that. Leave your dog or cat in the car to run some quick errands at the store. However, during the summer months or when the temperature is above 65 degrees, give up this bad habit. “This should not be done because the risks to the dog’s health are too great,” Dr. Rozanski warns. Keep your pets safe and bring them with you.
- snake
The more time you spend outdoors, the more likely you are to encounter a crawling snake. Although many are harmless, snake bites can be worse than a dog’s bark. Protect your pets (and the rest of your family) by keeping your garden tidy. Snakes love to hide, and tall grass or junk piles are perfect places to hide.Remind children that if they see a snake, venomous or not, they should back away and leave it alone. “If your dog tends to chase wild animals, bring them inside the house until the animals are gone,” advises Dr. Rozansky.
If your cat is allowed outside, do a quick check of the garden in advance to make sure the shore is clear of people. Unfortunately, for some snakes, a cat or small dog may be just the right size meal.
If your pet is bitten by a snake, the face and head will swell, so “you should contact your veterinarian right away,” recommends Dr. Rozansky.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Venom One team specializes in responding to snakes and snakebites. They are featured in Animal Planet’s Swamp Wars, and additional safety information is available on their website.
- be stung by a bee
Buzz. Buzz. It may not be a pleasant sound to us, but your pet may start investigating. And while curiosity might not kill your cat (or dog), it could get stung. So what should I do? “In many cases, there is nothing,” says Dr. Rozanski. If the swelling is severe, contact your veterinarian who will recommend an appointment or prescribe over-the-counter medication. However, some OTCs can be harmful to your pet, so you should never administer them yourself.And observe how your pet reacts to the swelling. If it is very irritated, you may scratch the sting and pull out the fur. These “hot spots” make your pet look bald. If you notice any of these behaviors or markings, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately.
- sidewalk
Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s hot so you can fry eggs on the sidewalk”? Things like black pavement (or asphalt) can get very hot and hurt your pet’s paws. “Think about what you’re walking through,” says Dr. Rozansky. “If you don’t want to walk on it barefoot, try to limit the amount of time your dog walks on it.”Talk to your dog walker about routes to avoid in the summer. Avoid asphalt and rough sidewalks, choose softer routes, and plan your walks during cooler parts of the day.
What about boots? “If you think your dog can tolerate them, give them a try, but many don’t really like them,” says Dr. Rozansky. Plus, common sense techniques like walking in the shade can eliminate the need for boots, so try them out before paying for something your pup doesn’t like.
- extra fur
Grooming is especially important during warm weather. Brush your pet more often during the summer to remove excess or matted fur. This can put stress on your pet and cause it to overheat. And while it depends on where you live and the type of animal you have, “If your dog keeps panting or is feeling uncomfortable due to his thick coat, for example, take him to a groomer.” “Please consider that,” says Dr. Rozanski. However, the coat protects your pet from the strong summer sun, so be careful not to cut it too thin.
- BBQ or family dinner
Everyone loves to cook, and your pet especially loves to eat leftovers from the table. But these little tastes and flavors can be detrimental not only to your waistline, but to your pet as well. Some amazing foods, such as grapes, onions, garlic, and raisins, can be toxic to dogs when ingested in large amounts and should be taken off your dog’s menu. Dr. Rozansky says grapes and raisins are safe for cats, but onions and garlic should be kept away from cats. Be wary of barbecue favorites that can cause problems for your pet.
- barbecue: This slow-cooked treat can cause unpleasant diarrhea in your dog.
- corn on the cob. Dogs often have difficulty digesting corn on the cob, making this barbecue staple a choking hazard.
- fruit with holes. Peaches, avocados, and other fruits with seeds are a choking hazard.
- food with bones:Toy Squeaky Bones: Awesome. Real bones are rarely found in foods. Even feathers with bones can be very dangerous to pets. They can damage your pet’s gastrointestinal system and even pierce their intestines. Avoid feeding your pet anything with bones and avoid the emergency room.
- Foods made with toothpicks and skewers: If you miss a toothpick or a piece of debris, it can puncture or perforate your intestines.
- ice cream: For most dogs, a little bit of any flavor is fine. Try some. However, it may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs. Just like humans, some dogs can become lactose intolerant.
And what about the other things on the table? “Table scraps and treats should make up less than 10 percent of your pet’s diet,” says Dr. Rozansky. Boneless chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs are fine, but limit them to small amounts. As you know, most pets will eat anything, so be careful what you’re eating.
Before your summer party, talk to your guests, especially children. Be polite and note if your pet has a special diet, is allergic to anything, or if there is food on the table that could cause health problems. You want to have fun at the party instead of spending your time caring for an upset pet.
These dangers may sound scary, but with a little preparation and careful monitoring, you can beat the summer heat. Get more hot weather tips from the ASPCA.
Text source: Stephanie St. Martin
