Deer Park Veterinary Hospital


Summer Pet Care Tips

 
  • Limit exercise to early morning and evening hours.
    • Pets will overheat just like humans do when out in the hot sun.
    • Being out in too much heat for extended periods of time can cause heat exhaustion, stroke, brain damage, and even death in severe cases.
  • Signs of heat stress include: paning, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness and staggering, vomiting, and deep red tor purple tongue.
  • What do you do when you suspect heat stress??
    • In a cool or shady location apply cool (not cold) water over their body.
    • You can put ice packs on their head, neck, and chest but nowhere else.
    • Let them drink small amounts of water at a time or allow them to lick ice.
    • You should then take your pet to see a veterinarian to ensure your pet is okay.
  • Do not leave your pet in the car.
    • On an 85o day with cracked windows, a car can reach temperatures up to 102o within ten minutes, and up to 120o in thirty minutes.
  • Pets do actually get sunburn.
    • You may need to apply sunscreen on your pets nose and ears, especially if they have light colored skin.
  • Make sure your pet has a collar with ID on them at all times.
    • Collars with identification is the easiest method of identifying a lost pet.
    • Microchips are another effective way to ensure your pet comes home safely.
  • Always keep your pet on a heartworm preventative as well as flea and tick preventative.
    • Heartworm disease is transmitted easily through mosquitoes.
    • Heartworm is fatal to pets when it goes untreated.
    • Use only flea and tick products recommended by your veterinarian. Some OTC products contain harmful toxins.
  • Always supervise pets when around water.
    • Lakes and pools can be a good way to cool of your pet during the summer.
    • Putting an ear cleaner into your pets ears when finished swimming is a great way to discourage ear infections caused by water sitting down in the ear canal.
  • Lawn fertilizers, plant food, and insecticides are poisonous to pets.
    • Do not allow your pet to play in the yard shortly after being treated with chemicals.
    • When ingested these chemicals are fatal.
  • Fireworks
    • Be sure to keep pets at home while fireworks are being let off.
    • You can also consult your vet if your pets need a medication to calm them down during storms and fireworks.
    • If your pet is known to run away during these times make sure you keep a collar with ID on them at all times.