Summer Health Care for Animals
General Information
Being a good pet owner means learning as much as you can about the problems facing
your dog or cat. And the summer season can pose special problems for companion animals
and other pets. Here is some common sense information and a few simple ideas to
help keep your pet healthy and safe.
Heat Stress
Any animal can suffer from heat stress and it can be fatal to your pet when they
are exposed to a combination of extreme temperatures, high humidity and poor ventilation.
Dogs and cats do not sweat to cool their skin like people do. Panting and radiation
of heat from the skin are their main means of controlling body temperature.
When the air temperature and humidity are high, and air circulation is reduced,
these cooling mechanisms are inadequate. Body temperature can increase dramatically,
resulting in collapse and severe shock. Animals not treated may die!
Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese and Boxers are especially
susceptible to heat stress because their restricted breathing doesn’t allow enough
air exchange for rapid heat loss.
Limit your pet’s exercise during hot, humid weather. Provide your pet with adequate
ventilation, suitable protection from the sun and plenty of cool, fresh water to
drink. Never leave your pet in a closed automobile! Notify your veterinarian if
your pet seems weak, has difficulty breathing or its general health changes.
Paw Protection
The nest time you slip into your favorite jogging shoes and put the leash on your
faithful running companion to go for an aerobic workout in your neighborhood. STOP!
And think about your dog’s unprotected paws on the hot concrete highways and byways
of Phoenix.
How would you like to run for long distances in your bare feet on fiery hot cement?
Or up a mountain on jagged rocks and prickly cactus without proper protection on
your feet? Many dogs are doing both activities and usually without any obvious signs
of complaining.
You need to recognize and understand the potential danger and possibility of injury
to your running partners, and lookout for their well being. So, what does that mean
exactly? Start by running shorter distances at first to help build-up the calluses
on their paws. Next, don’t run during the hottest part of the day. And last, be
aware of the surface your dog is running on and its ambient temperature.
For example, if you observe your dog high-stepping like a prancing Lippazon stallion,
his or her paws are probably sore and possibly injured. Check the sidewalk or the
road with your bare hand or uncovered foot to feel if the surface is uncomfortable.
If it’s too hot to the touch, wait until the temperature drops and the surface cool’s
down, or jog in a nearby park.
By following these few suggestions, you can keep your pet’s paws healthy and safe.
Ticks and Fleas
Watch for signs of these blood-sucking pests that are particularly prevalent during
the summer months. Both of these parasites make your dog or cat miserable. Some
ticks transfer Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever as well as other common
ailments.
No animal seems to be entirely immune to fleas! Pets can pick up fleas on walks
and other outings outside the home. A small population of adult female fleas can
quickly grow to over a million in just 30 days. In a short time, your home and yard
can become a serious flea infestation.
If you think your dog or cat may have ticks or fleas, consult your veterinarian.
Plants, Pesticides and Potential Hazards
Help keep your pets safe from hazardous plant consumption during the summer months
when plants and flowers are abundant. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned,
call your local veterinarian immediately. You can also call the National Animal
Poison Control Center (1-800-548-2423) there is a charge per call, or The Poison
Control (1-888-426-4435) there is a charge per call or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680)
there is a charge per call.
Vacationing
When planning your summer get-away, it’s necessary to decide on your pet’s care
and whether to leave him or take him along. Two important considerations in making
this decision: 1) your pet’s disposition and 2) the length and distance of your
trip.
There are many animal friendly motels and hotels around the state and country. Check
to see if your friend is welcome where you are going. If your pet would be more
comfortable at home please spent time interviewing the people you ask to come into
your house to make sure they are trustworthy and that you’re pet likes them. Boarding
facilities are becoming more pet friendly, check with your veterinarian for a recommendation.
Make sure your dog or cat or other pet is fully vaccinated and pre-treated for ticks
and fleas before using one of these facilities.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is not a summer-specific problem, but it is particularly prevalent
during warmer weather. This mosquito-transmitted disease can be fatal to your dog.
Have your dog treated for heartworms by your veterinarian. If your dog’s test is
negative, ask your veterinarian about preventative heartworm medicine, available
in pills or chewable form, and can be given daily or monthly.
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