Hot sunny days are great for enjoying outdoor activities with your pet. But, like every season, summer comes with its own unique risks for furry companions. Dr. Zak of Parkside Animal Hospital in Waterdown has some advice to help keep your pet-safe this summer.
Heat stroke and dehydration
According to Dr. Zak, heat stroke is the most prevalent summer hazard for pets, and this life-threatening condition requires immediate vet care.
“Extended exposure to heat without precautions can cause dehydration, increased body temperature, excessive panting, and respiratory distress — all signs of heat stroke,” says Dr. Zak. “On hot, humid days, the best way to keep your pet cool is to avoid the heat by keeping them in a shaded and cool environment. For instance, instead of walking them in the afternoon when the sun is out and temperatures are high, walk them early in the morning or late evening during
sunrise or sunset. Also, hot walking surfaces can cause severe paw pad injuries.
“Furthermore, it’s very important to keep your pet hydrated and to monitor them for early heat stroke symptoms, such as distress, excessive panting, and restlessness. If any of these symptoms are noticed, please cool down your pet and immediately contact your vet. Extra precautions should be taken with brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, boxers, and French bulldogs, due to their facial anatomy.”
Cat owners should keep in mind that feline friends are just as affected by the heat as dogs, and it’s important to take the same precautions, such as keeping them in a cool, shaded environment.
Ticks and bee stings
Long walks in the great outdoors are fantastic exercise for you and your pet, but they also boost the chances of them picking up parasites.
“Outdoor activities during the summer increase the risk of disease spreading through fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Therefore, we recommend placing pets on monthly prevention medications,” says Dr. Zak.
Curious animals like to check out their surroundings with their paws and snouts, making them susceptible to being stung in these spots. “If your dog is stung by a bee or wasp, the best course of action is to visit your vet. Stings could result in the pet having a local reaction or, worse, going into anaphylactic shock, where the largest concern is the throat closing up and impairing breathing. Visiting your local vet after a sting enables them to properly assess your pet and
immediately implement the best intervention to stop further damage or deterioration,” says Dr. Zak.
Fertilizers and pesticides
Considering that fertilizers and pesticides can kill weeds and insects in your lawn, it’s not surprising that they can also harm your pet when these toxins are ingested or absorbed through the skin.
“Owners are advised to keep their pets away from fertilizers and pesticides, both of which are poisonous and can possibly lead to GI and neurological illness. If owners would like to use either product, it is highly encouraged to purchase the pet-safe alternatives,” says Dr. Zak.
Barbecues and picnics
“Barbeques and picnics may be a great concern for swallowing foreign bodies or developing gastrointestinal problems due to the possibilities of pets stealing and swallowing ribs, bones, or other fatty foods that may cause intestinal obstruction or pancreatitis,” says Dr. Zak.
Foods such as onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, corn on the cob, sauces and spicy dishes can also be toxic to pets. Dr. Zak recommends avoiding the urge to share, and pack your pet's own food along with plenty of water.