Summer Health Care for Animals
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 their 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. 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 next 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 feet 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 callouses on their feet. 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 feet
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 cools down, or jog
in a nearby park.
By following these few suggestions, you can keep
your pet's feet healthy and safe.
Ticks and Fleas
Watch for signs of these blood-sucking pests
that are particularly prevalent during summer warmer weather. Both of these parasites make your dog or cat miserable. Some
ticks transmit 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 pet 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 or the National Animal Poison
Control Center (NAPCC), a non-profit, cost-recovery program at
the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois in
Urbana, IL 61801.
The telephone call is free (1-800-548-2423), but
the service is not ($30 per case, credit card only with free
follow-up calls until the problem is resolved).
Bites and Stings
Unusual swelling or soreness may be signs of a
spider bite or a bee sting. Contact your veterinarian
immediately.
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 are: 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 furry friend
is welcome where you are going. If your pet would be more
comfortable at home please spend time interviewing the people
you ask to come into your house to make sure they are
trustworthy and your 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 tested 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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