Summer time is here and for many of us (including our pets), that means camping and enjoying recreational activities. By being aware of summer dangers for pets, you can avoid or at least minimize accidents and emergency situations.
Heat Stroke
Most people are aware that leaving a pet in a locked vehicle on a 38oC day is dangerous. We do not experience those temperatures very often in Alberta, however , it is the seemingly mild days that can pose danger, too. Driving around, parking and leaving your pet in the car for "just a minute" can be deadly. A 29oC day can heat up the car to 48oC-55oC in 30 minutes or less - even with the windows open a little. Watch for signs of heatstroke ! Excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting and coma. Wrap them in a towel soaked with cool, not cold, water. Very cold water constricts blood vessels and will impede cooling. In severe cases, place them in the bathtub. Offer ice cubes to your pet to lick on until you can reach your veterinarian. Please be aware that if your pet is cooled and appears OK, do not assume everything is fine. Internal organs are affected by the elevation in body temperature and blood tests and veterinary examination are required to assess this. There is also a secondary complication to heat stroke called Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) that can be fatal . See veterinary help as soon as possible. Short nose breeds (such as pugs and bulldogs), large heavy coated breeds, and dogs with heart or respiratory problems are more at risk for heat stroke.
Short-haired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are susceptible to sunburn. Sunburn hurts ! Limit their exposure to direct sun !
Be aware of your pet’s housing. If they are kept outdoors, make sure they have access to fresh water and shade at all times . If it is a particularly hot day, it is a good idea to hose down your dog, to provide extra cooling (before work, lunchtime).
The yard isn't always safe, either. Be cautious of pesticides and herbicides. Read the precautions for lawn chemicals carefully and keep pets away from newly treated yards and parks. If pets come in contact with chemicals, wash their feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly and contact your veterinarian.
Jogging
even though a wonderful activity for many owners and their dogs, can be dangerous at this time of the year! As the weather warms it is important to change the exercise routine to early morning or late evening to prevent heat stoke. Remember, unlike humans who perspire and can alter the type and amount of clothing worn, dogs are still jogging in their winter coat (or a slightly lighter version) and can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of sweating through their foot pads. Always provide plenty of fresh water ! Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.Insect Bites and Encounters with Other Animals
Know the potential dangers of the area you will be camping in. Bears, ticks, cougars, snakes and insects can be threat to you and your pet. At this time, there is no evidence that dogs and cats are susceptible to West Nile Virus. Do take precautions for yourself by using mosquito repellent and eliminating standing water.
Stop external parasites before they bite ! Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in warm, humid environments. See your veterinarian for a preventive program. Also try to avoid internal parasites, such as Heartworm, by making sure your dog has been tested and is on a preventive program during the mosquito season.
Keep vaccinations up-to-date. Summer is the time when most pets come in contact with other animas, at parks, campgrounds, etc.. Giardia (beaver fever) which causes diarrhea, is one of those important vaccines. If you take your dog camping, to lakes, streams, rivers and off leash areas they are at risk of being infected. We highly recommend vaccinating against Giardia due to the fact that some animals do not respond well to treatment and are thus contaminated for life. Giardia is a zoonotic disease (transmissible to humans) and you and your loved ones are at risk of being infected. Always wash hand well especially after handling feces !
Water Safety
Many people head for lakes and rivers this time of the year and the family dogs are usually included in this recreational fun. Not all dogs are swimmers by nature, especially if they have underlying health problems (heart disease or obesity) to deal with. Consider protecting your pet with a life preserver. If your pet is knocked off the boat (perhaps getting injured in the process), or is tired and cold from choppy water a life jacket could save your dog’s life.
Camping
Fresh air, recreational activities, camp food, campfire, insect bites, relaxation, lumpy beds and bad weather are all part of camping. Emergencies and accidents should not be considered routine camping. Be prepared ! We have First Aid packages available at our clinic.
Many people indulge when camping - s’mores by the fire and all sorts of snacks and treats that would not normally be found at home. This is fine for humans (well, maybe not) but not for pets. Pets have sensitive digestive systems! Ingestion of fatty foods can lead to Pancreatitis, and picnic foods, such as corn on the cob are often eaten cob and all and become lodged in the intestines. Prevention of dietary indiscretions is the best approach while camping since these "belly aches" can turn into emergency situations quickly!
Just like humans, pets become out-of-shape and overweight. Be aware of your pet’s activity levels and do not push your pet to swim, run by your mountain bike, hike, etc. if they are not in excellent shape and used to the activity. Sore muscles, stiff joints, difficulty swimming and heat exhaustion happen to pets too !
Loud Noise Phobias
If your pet is afraid of fireworks, thunder, or gunshot, take special care to assure your pet is safely leashed or kennelled. A frightened animal can become lost and injured quickly !
HAVE A FUN AND SAFE SUMMER !
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