Pet Summer Safety

We all like to frolic in the summer sun with our friends and family, including the furry, four-legged variety. Here at Specialty Store Services, we are crazy about our companion animals (and sometimes they even visit the office with us!) so I would like to share some tips to keep your furry and feathered friends safe during the summer heat. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions and not meant as medical advice. You’ve got a great vet for that already, right?

Feeling hot, hot, hot! The temperature inside your car can climb up to 120 degrees, even on mild days with the windows cracked or while parked in the shade. Dogs and cats are susceptible to heat stroke since they do not have the ability to cool themselves as effectively as humans, especially the elderly, the very young, the ill and flat-nosed varieties such as Pugs and Persians. In fact, flat-faced dogs and cats should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible during hot weather. A body temperature over 104 degrees can result in heat stroke which can lead to death or brain damage. Some signs of heat stroke include:

• excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• increased heart rate
• drooling
• weakness or collapse
• inability to focus or pay attention to commands
• vomiting
• bloody diarrhea

If your pet has any of these symptoms please seek medical attention immediately as time is of the essence when dealing with heat stroke. Even if you are able to safely bring down your dog’s temperature the vet will need to verify that no brain damage has occurred.

On the run. Dogs love to run around and many pet owners enjoy their dogs’ company on jogs, however, the summer heat can make this activity dangerous for dogs. If you do run with your dog you will want to make sure to run in the cool of the early morning or the evening, keeping a close eye on your dog for signs of heat stroke. Keep in mind that pavement can get extremely hot, causing burns on your pets’ paw pads so it’s best for Fido to romp in the grass or dirt. To keep your running partner safe while running after sunset, keep him on a leash and consider accessorizing your pooch with some reflective leg bands. When taking your dog for a run remember that, just like humans, they need to build up their endurance so a 5k run the first time out is not a good idea. Also, keep in mind how much shorter their legs are; one step for you could equal several steps for them.

Can you get my back? Unbeknownst to many people, pets are also prone to the pain, peeling and cancer caused by sun burn so make sure those exposed areas such as ears, noses and lips are slathered in SPF, especially on white and hairless dogs.

Water here, there and everywhere. It is imperative that your pets stay hydrated in the summer heat so make sure all your pets have access to fresh, cool drinking water, especially after exercise or while outdoors. Kiddie wading pools provide a fun and cooling experience that many dogs enjoy. Many dogs also enjoy swimming but, contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are good swimmers so keep a close eye on your pooch when you’re out at the pool, on the boat or on the pier. Life preservers for pets are a good idea for those furry friends who are buoyantly challenged.

You ate and drank what?! Anti-freeze is a cause for concern year round so make sure your little friend isn’t imbibing in any of this sweet-tasting but deadly liquid while in the garage, street or parking lot. Another cause for concern are pesticides, fertilizer, herbicides and certain garden plants so be watchful about what your pets are putting in their curious little mouths.

Creepy crawly. Summer is heartworm season so be sure your pets are tested for heartworm and take heartworm preventatives. Don’t bother with flea collars, which can be ineffective at best and toxic at worst. Ask your vet for suggestions for flea and tick preventatives. If you do find ticks, remove them carefully with a tick key, taking care to remove the entire tick.

Around the house.

• Make sure window screens are secure so your squirrel-watching cats and dogs don’t fall out the windows if they lean against the screen.
• If you have pet birds, be sure that the cage(s) aren’t next to a/c vents or drafty open windows since birds cannot regulate their body temperatures as effective as larger animals.
• Rabbits and guinea pigs are also prone to overheating so make sure that their cages aren’t in direct sunlight. If you take the little critters outside, be sure that they have access to shade and water at all times. Don’t forget that your turtle or snake may not need the heat lamp if your home is as warm as the animals’ recommended temperature during the summer. If you are new to owning exotic pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and turtles, you may want to contact your vet for more summer care tips.

We all want to enjoy summer fun with our little (or not-so-little) friends and these helpful hints can help you avoid the animal emergency room and keep you out at the b-b-q or pool party, where you all belong. Have fun and stay cool!