Greetings!
Now that the hot weather is upon us, here are some tips to keep your pet safe and healthy this summer. General Health - Since pets, dogs especially, tend to spend more time outdoors when the weather is nice, it is critical to make sure all their vaccines are up to date.
- All dogs and cats, regardless of their indoor/outdoor status, are required by Massachusetts law to be vaccinated for rabies and be up to date. Rabies is a fatal disease for animals and humans.
- Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more prevalent in the summer months. They can infect your pet with heartworm disease, lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Make sure your animal receives their monthly dose of heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention.
- Pets can escape your house or yard. In order to provide a successful return home, make sure your pet is wearing an identification marker or two! Use one or more of the following: a collar with your phone number sewn on, a town license tag, an ID tag, and a rabies tag. Microchips, the only permanent means of identification, are great for both dogs and cats. Click here to learn more about a microchip for your pet.
Heat Hazards - Pets are unable to release heat by sweating like people do. They pant as a way to expend the heat and can overheat very easily.
- Make sure to provide fresh, cool water to your pet.
- Never leave a pet in a closed car. The temperature within the car can reach 100 degrees in only a matter of minutes.
- Doghouses can also trap heat and should be placed in a cool, shaded area. Consider filling a child's wading pool so your pet can cool off.
- It's a good idea to avoid any strenuous activity on hot days. Go for walks either early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Pugs, Bulldogs, British Shorthairs and other pets with short/flat faces, also known as Brachycephalic breeds, are extra sensitive to the heat because they don't pant as efficiently. Keep these brachycephalic dogs and cats inside with air-conditioning.
Signs of Heatstroke - Heatstroke is a serious condition and can be fatal.
- Early Stages:
- Heavy panting
- Rapid breathing
- Bright red gums and tongue
- Posturing by spreading out limbs in order to maintain balance and aid in breathing
- Advanced Stages:
- White or blue gums
- Lethargy or unwilling to move
- Labored or noisy breathing
- If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, immediately try to cool them down by:
- Apply rubbing alcohol to paw pads
- Hose down with cool, but not cold, water
- Apply ice packs, wrapped in a towel, to the groin area
- Let them lick ice chips or drink small amounts of water
- If you see any signs of heatstroke, contact us or an emergency veterinarian immediately. Heatstroke can progress from the early stages to an advanced stage very quickly.
Beach and Water Tips - Swimming and running in the sand can be strenuous. Make sure your pet has plenty of water and can rest in the shade.
- Pets can get sun burned, especially those with short-hair, white fur, and pink skin. Apply a sunscreen labeled for animals to their ears and nose.
- Some dogs love to swim. Some dogs hate the water. Others have no idea what to do in it. If you want to teach your pet to swim, do so slowly and make sure they are never left unattended. Never throw your pet in the water.
- After your pet is done enjoying the water, make sure to rinse saltwater or chlorine off. Drying your pet thoroughly will help to avoid skin infections.
Travel Tips - By Air
- Always call ahead if you plan on bringing your pet on a plane. Some airlines will not fly animals during the summer months. If your pet is in cargo, make sure they have fresh water and some frozen water that will thaw over the course of the plane ride.
- The airline will likely need a copy of your pet's exam and vaccination records. Make sure to contact the airline well before your intended departure so you can prepare anything they require.
- By Car
- Consider setting up a sunshade on your windows to block that hot summer sun.
- Make frequent stops to allow your pet to drink water.
- Putting icepacks in or around the crate will cool your pet down during the trip
Fourth of July Tips - Loud, crowded areas, especially firework displays, can frighten a pet. The best plan is to keep your pet at home in a safe, quiet, escape-proof part of your house.
- Make your pet feel at-ease by setting up a comfortable area with their bed, favorite toy, food and water. Leaving the radio or TV on will provide your pet with familiar sounds and will help drown out the sound of fireworks.
- While enjoying the holiday festivities, don't be tempted to give your begging pet any food. Many foods, such as chocolate, onions, coffee, grapes, raisins, and alcohol, are toxic to pets. Any change in a pet's diet can cause gastrointestinal upset, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Make sure to keep matches, lighter fluid, fireworks, citronella candles, and insect coils away from pets. These products can cause gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression, aspiration pneumonia, and heavy metal poisoning. Click here for more information regarding pet toxins.
Summer is a time to enjoy the beautiful weather and the company of family and friends, especially our furry ones! By applying these summer safety tips, you will ensure the well-being of your pet and benefit from many more fun-filled summers together. If you have any questions regarding summer safety or tips for your pet, please feel free to contact me! Sincerely, Jennifer Harackiewicz, CVT
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