Dr. Ford’s Blog – August

When consulting with clients about their pets, I am frequently asked about summer safety tips.  Summer is a potentially dangerous time of year for your furry little loved ones; higher temperatures bring harmful pests, heat strokes and dehydration are all too common, and frightening firework displays have the potential to cause your pet to run away.  I have comprised a list of items and activities I feel are most perilous with suggestions on how you can protect your feline and canine counterparts this summer.

Heat stroke and dehydration are very major health implications for pets, especially dogs.  Walk your dog in the early morning or late evening when it’s most cool out.  Even then, be sure to take along fresh water and stop in shady areas often to give your dog a panting break.  If your dog must be left outside during the day, be absolutely sure to leave an ample supply of fresh water.  Be wary of heat stroke symptoms, such as excessive panting, excessive drooling, weakness, lethargy, labored breathing, and even seizures.  If your dog exhibits these symptoms, cool him down with cold water and towels, ice packs, small bowls of water, and by feeding ice chips.

Barbeques and parties abound this time of year, but you must celebrate with prudence.  Many party-favorite foods are extremely harmful for dogs and cats.  Substances like caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol, as well as fruits and vegetables, like grapes and onions, are highly toxic for cats and dogs.  If you stock these items at your summer gathering, be mindful to keep them from the reach of your dog or cat.  Human foods that are safe for cats and dogs include apples, peas, green beans, some popcorns, blueberries, and carrots.

As mentioned above, high temperatures in the summer bring harmful pests.  Mosquitoes thrive in the warms summer months and bring with them harmful viruses.  Many people use children’s mosquito repellant on their dogs or cats, but in fact, DEET is extremely toxic for animals.  However, many pet stores sell pet-friendly insect repellants.

A vast majority of lost pet cases are reported on or near Independence Day.  Fireworks displays are unpleasant and very frightening for dogs and cats and you should resist the urge to take your pet to them.  It is best to leave your pets inside at home in a sheltered, quiet area.  It may also be wise to leave a television or radio on at a normal volume to keep your pet company and to drown out the noise of the fireworks.

If the right precautions are taken, summer can be an enjoyable time of year for you and your pets.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions concerning these or more summer safety tips.