Summer Pet Care Tips

During hot temperatures:

  • Limit exercise/walks 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.

  • If outdoors, you can freeze a bucket  of water and allow it to thaw throughout the day for cool drinking water through the day.
  • Having your pet groomed to remove the undercoat allows your pet to stay cool. Shaving them down allows them to get sunburn. Their coat serves as protection from the sun.
  • Signs of heat stress include: panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness/staggering, vomiting, and a deep red to purple tongue.
    • Pets overheat easily due to the lack of sweat glands on their bodies. Sweat glands can only be found on their feet.
  • What do you do when you suspect heat stress??
    • In a cool or shady location apply cool (not cold) water over their body.
    • After applying cool water over their bodies you can place a fan in front of them, or use an means of obtaining airflow..
    • 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 pet's nose and ears, especially if they have light colored skin.
    • Placing a t-shirt on your pet is another way to prevent sunburn.

 

Heartworm Disease

  • Heartworm disease is transmitted easily through mosquitoes and is fatal to pets when gone untreated.
  • A heartworm preventative should be given once a month year round to prevent the disease.

Fleas and Ticks

  • Use only flea and tick products recommended by your veterinarian. Some OTC products contain harmful toxins.
  • Both fleas and ticks carry parasites and diseases that can be harmful to your pet.

�Some of these diseases are zoonotic and can affect humans.

  • A preventative should be given once monthly to ensure proper protection.

 

Identification

  • Make sure your pet has a collar with ID on them at all times.
  • Collars with identification are the easiest method of identifying a lost pet.
  • Microchips are another effective way to ensure your pet comes home safely.

Water

  • 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 pet�™s ears when finished swimming is a great way to discourage ear infections caused by resting water in the ear canal.

 

Mulch

  • Allowing your pet to eat/play with mulch can cause GI irritation and even GI obstruction.
  • Cocoa mulch is made from the shells of the cocoa bean. It provides many benefits for your landscaping but does contain the toxic ingredient theobromine.

·        This is the same component that makes chocolate toxic to your pets.

Lawn Care Products

  • Lawn fertilizers, plant food, and insecticides are poisonous to pets.

·        Do not allow your pet to play in/near the yard shortly after being treated with chemicals.

      • Most commercial grade treatments are pet safe once allowed to dry on your lawn. ALWAYS consult with lawn care professionals before having your lawn treated.
    • Follow the instructions on the bag or contact the manufacturer before using the product.
    • Insecticides containing disyston, disulfaton systemic organophosphates (roses), and metaldehyde snail baits are extremely dangerous.
  • You can visit householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov to look up information on all of your lawn care as well as indoor products.
  • You can also contact Animal poison Control at (888) 426-4435. They are a 24 hour contact. A consultation fee may apply.

 

Fireworks

  • Be sure to keep pets at home while fireworks are being let off.
  • You can also consult your vet if you feel your pet needs a medication to calm him/her down during storms and/or 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. You may want to consider getting them microchipped as well.

Boarding

  • If you plan on boarding your pet make sure they are current on all vaccinations.

·        This includes having a bordetella vaccine given within 6 months to ensure proper protection.