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Protect Your Pet From Summer Hazards

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Our pets love summer fun as much as we do. However, hot weather can create serious health hazards for our beloved pets. With a little planning and information, you can make this a fun, safe season for your four-legged friends. Bear in mind that dogs are not good at keeping themselves cool and they want to go everywhere you do, even if it’s too hot. It is up to you to use good judgment to protect your pet.

Jogging is particularly dangerous in hot weather even if your dog is in good health. As the weather warms, humans alter the type and amount of clothing worn and we sweat. Dogs are still jogging in their winter coat and can only cool themselves by panting. Many dogs will keep running, no matter what, to stay up with their owner.

Plan exercise and outdoor activities for the morning and evening. Even in the cooler part of the day, watch for signs of trouble. In summer heat your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions are very serious and could cause your pet to die. You should be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. Bear in mind that older, obese and short-nosed dogs are less heat-tolerant and all dogs need constant access to shade and plenty of cool clean water.

If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes.

Never leave your pet in a car in hot weather, even if it is only for a “quick errand.” Cars heat up fast, even when the windows are cracked. Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.

Ticks are another summer hazard for pets. Do not remove them with your hands. Remove them with tweezers or a tick remover and apply strong steady pressure. Dispose of the tick without touching it and keep an eye on the spot for a few days to make sure no infection develops.

Heartworms can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Once in a new host, the heartworm larvae make their way to the heart, where they can grow to be nine to 14 inches long, blocking the flow of blood and causing severe damage and possibly death. By the time the symptoms are noticed, a great deal of damage has usually been done, not only to the heart but also to other organs such as the kidneys, which rely on a steady flow of blood to operate. Talk to your holistic practitioner about natural ways to prevent heartworms.

Because of their keen sense of hearing, many dogs are absolutely terrified by fireworks. If your holiday plans include fireworks, be considerate of your dog’s needs. Make sure pets are secure when the noise begins, because scared pets are more likely to escape the house or yard. Many pet lovers believe the homeopathic product called Rescue Remedy helps to calm a nervous pet. This remedy is available at health food stores.

The lazy hazy days of summer are so much more fun when we share them with our pets. Here’s to a happy, safe season for you and your four-legged friends!