Health Facts Summertime Health Tips
"Hot Dogs Face Serious Health Risks"
With temperatures rising, and summer on its way, the Pet Health Council has a few top tips to keep pets healthy and happy this summer.
H20 + FOOD
It's important to keep pets hydrated throughout the summer months so provide them with plenty of water, especially dogs.
Not only does water need changing frequently but remember it evaporates quickly when the weather is hot, so keep a bowl in the shade, and one indoors too.
All wet pet foods should not be left out as they may spoil in the heat or attract flies. Wet food should be removed once the pet has finished feeding. Bacteria builds up quickly in the food and water bowls so it is advisable to clean them regularly.
FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT!
If your pet likes to 'sunbathe' make sure he doesn't become overheated or suffer heat prostration. During 11am and 2pm try to ensure your pet has adequate shade and apply plenty of sun-block, especially on sensitive areas such as the ears and nose.
Be aware that sunburn and skin cancer are potentially more dangerous to fair-haired pets. It may be safer to keep pets out of greenhouses as temperatures can soar to dangerous levels and, if the door closes, animals could become trapped.
HEATSTROKE can be fatal and is not uncommon in animals in the summer.
Some symptoms to look out for:
Panting, staring, refusal to obey commands, warm and dry skin, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, and collapsing, he is probably suffering from heat exhaustion. Take him away into the shade where plenty of water is accessible.
- Panting, staring, refusal to obey commands, warm and dry skin, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, and collapsing, he is probably suffering from heat exhaustion. Take him away into the shade where plenty of water is accessible.
- If your pet is having breathing difficulties, check his gums. If they are pink, increase air circulation and help him cool off. If dark red, this could be serious so seek veterinary advice.
It is particularly important to keep old, young, overweight or unwell pets cool as they find it harder to regulate their body temperature.
The main way for pets to lose heat is through panting, or a little from their paws, which is something to take into account as continuous exercise on a hot day can lead to heat stroke. It is always important to regularly exercise a dog but do so either earlier or later in the day at a slow speed.
To treat heatstroke: the body temperature should be brought down as quickly as possible by bathing the animal in cold water over the head, along the neck and back until the temperature returns to normal. One should seek veterinary advice as quickly as possible.
KEEP YOUR PET IN TIP TOP CONDITION
If you take your pet on a longer walk this summer, afterwards check for cuts and sores as any injuries can get infected quickly. Summer is a key time to ensure your pet is regularly groomed. Tangled fur can lead to their coat becoming inefficient at protecting them from the sun and can attract blow flies when wet and soiled. What's more, if the hair is matted and tangled, it may cause overheating. An economical option is to buy a home pet-grooming kit to keep your pet's coat short throughout the summer.
SUMMER SUPERVISION
The summer months can lead to some extra hazards for pets. If you are near a swimming pool, keep a close eye on your pet. Swimming pools can prove very hazardous to animals as they can fall in and drown. With soaring temperatures, it is more often that you will leave doors and windows open due to the heat. However, this can result in animals escaping and getting lost so think first.
Remember to keep animals well away from the barbecue while the grill is on or cooling down. In addition, ensure that aluminium foil and left over food are cleared away and stored well out of your pet's reach. The smell is sure to attract pets and, if unsupervised, they could be severely injured. Keep your pet at home when you go to summer events such as fetes or fairs as the loud, busy and hot atmosphere can be dangerous.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
When it's hot, never leave pets in a car even if they are in the shade with the window open. Temperatures in cars can increase by 40 degrees in just a few minutes which can be very dangerous causing strokes or even death. If you are going away, book your pet into a reputable licensed kennel or cattery in good time, or get a pet sitter. If your pet is going with you, make sure its welcome and ensure it receives all relevant vaccinations.
UNWANTED VISITORS
Pets are usually affected by pests worse in the summer. It is better to prevent fleas all year round, but if you see fleas or ticks in your pets' coat, treatments are available from your vet to kill adult fleas or break the life cycle. Summer is a good time for your pet to have their annual vaccinations as if they are going to kennels they will need their booster first. The roundworm, Ascarids, is commonly picked up in parks so it is a good idea to protect your pet with regular worming.
BACK TO NATURE
Make sure animals are inside if you spray fertilisers and insecticides in the garden. Indeed, there are over 700 plants which are potentially dangerous to animals.
Dogs and cats are also very susceptible to getting bites and insect stings. Ensure the animal's airway is clear if it has been stung in the mouth and take it to the vet immediately.
PET POISONS
Beware of all garden sprays and treatments which dogs and cats could tread in they're able to wander into open garages and sheds. Their paws can become infected which could induce various forms of poison. Symptoms may involve internal bleeding, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions and unconsciousness.
Beware that puddles in the streets and parks may contain chemicals which could be toxic and so don't allow your pet to drink from them.
Cat owners should also be aware of the dangers of lilies as they are highly toxic to cats. The active poison (yet to be identified) if ingested, initially causes vomiting and then can lead to fatal kidney failure within a few days. You can protect your cat by avoiding keeping these poisonous plants in your home and by not planting lilies in your garden. If your cat does become ill and you suspect lily poisoning, seek veterinary advice immediately. The earlier the treatment, the more chance there is that it will succeed.
Best Paw Forward assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.
