Summer Pet Protection
My-Dog.info > Dog Care
The onset of summer brings sunny days, warm temperatures and a
plethora of outdoor activities for people and their pets. Here
are some handy "animal health care" tips to follow to
help you and your four-legged friends enjoy the sunny season.
- In preparation for summer fun, take your pet to a
veterinarian for a check-up. Ensure your pet is on an
appropriate preventative health care program including
vaccinations, flea and tick control and where needed,
heartworm prevention.
- Despite their protective fur coats, overexposure to the
sun can be dangerous to pets. Exposure to sunlight should
be limited, especially during the peak hours of sunlight
from noon to 4 p.m . Cats and dogs should have access to
water and shade at all times. Sunscreen can be applied to
hairless breeds or breeds with thin coats.
- During the warm summer months, pets shold not be left
unattended in a parked car, even if windows are left
open. Excess heat can cause cats and dogs to experience
heat stroke which can be fatal. Rapid breathing, loud
panting, and staggering are signs of heat stroke. If your
pet exhibits any of these symptoms, take it to a shady,
ventilated area and sponge the animal with cool water.
Take your pet to a veterinarian for further care that may
be required.
- When driving with pets, make sure that your
vehicle’s windows are only slightly open so that
your pet is not tempted to stick its head out. A pet who
sticks its head out the window risks getting insects,
dust and debris in its eyes.
- Cats and dogs aren’t the only animals that enjoy
nice weather. Summertime also brings an increase in
snakes, skunks, and porcupines. When walking your dog or
cat, especially on campgrounds or in cottage-country,
make sure your pet is on a leash and in sight at all
times.
- To avoid contact with harmful poisons, don’t walk
your pet in areas which may have been sprayed with
insecticides or pesticides.
- Although most dogs love swimming, the potential for
drowning still exists- even in backyard pools. Keep a
watchful eye on your pet at all times.
- Ear and skin infections can result after prolonged
periods in the water. To remove water from your
pet’s ears, place a piece of cotton in the top of
the ear canal and massage the lower ear to force water
into the cotton.
- Most importantly, in case of emergency, keep your
veterinarian’s phone number handy.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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