Summer Warnings For Pet Owners

Never leave your pet in the car- It may seem like a car trip will cool off your pet, but it will probably do more harm than good.  The sun can raise the temperature in the car to 120 degrees F within minutes. 

Pets, like humans, need extra water- Whether you’re indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check water bowls several times a day to be sure they are full.  If you go outside, be sure to bring plenty of water for both of you.

Keep a close eye on them- If they are extra thirsty, pets are bound to drink something they shouldn’t.  Puddles of what looks like water may be on the ground, but they may include antifreeze or other dangerous chemicals.  Did you know that antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like?  But watch out- it is toxic.  If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze, please seek immediate medical attention.

Pets need sunscreen- Your pet can get sunburned, just like you!  Especially if he or she has a light colored coat or is a hairless breed.  Animal sunburns can cause some of the same problems as with people: pain, peeling, and skin cancer.  Keep your pet out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.  When you do go outside, rub a bit of pet safe sun block on the unprotected areas like the tips of the ears, the skin around the lips, and the tip of the nose. 

Watch the exercise- Don’t overdo it in the heat.  Keep walks to a gentle pace.  If your pet is panting or seems tired, it’s time to stop.  Never push a pet to continue when they seem tired, regardless of the temperature.

Inside is better than outside- Even if they’re in the shade, animals can become sick quickly on hot days.  Keep them inside as much as possible.  If you have to leave them outside, check on them frequently.

Watch for Heatstroke- It can be fatal.  If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, call a veterinarian immediately.  In the meantime, lower the animal’s body temperature by spraying them with a hose or bathing them with cool water.   Often the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again.  With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately.

    Possible Signs of Heatstroke

• Panting
• Staring
• Anxious expression
• Refusal to obey commands
• Warm, dry skin
• High fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Collapse

Bee stings and spider bites- Bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, spiders, and fire ants are common problems for pets.  They can attack the face and paws of pets who like to investigate and play with them.   Most reactions manifest as itching with swelling of the face, eyes, and ears.  However, life-threatening reactions can result in difficulty breathing and other problems.  If this occurs, get your pet to veterinarian immediately.  To minimize stings and bites, survey your yard for nests and hives and discourage your pet from playing with insects.

Matches and lighter fluid- Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach.  Certain types of matches contain chlorates which, if swallowed, could result in difficulty breathing, or kidney disease in severe cases.

Alcoholic beverages- Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them.  Alcoholic beverages can be toxic to pets and if ingested, the animal could become extremely weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. 

Citronella products- Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach.  If ingested, they can produce stomach irritation in pets, and possibly even central nervous system depression.

Flea products- Cats react very differently than dogs to some insecticides; because of this, some flea-control products that are safely used on dogs, particularly those containing permethrin, can be deadly to cats, even in small amounts.