SPRING HAS SPRUNG AND SUMMERTIME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
While enjoying the fun and sun with your pet be aware of these summertime hazards.
HEAT STROKE: Never leave your animal in a closed vehicle in the summertime. The temperature inside of the vehicle can rise rapidly increasing the risks for heat stroke. Be careful when taking your dog out for long walks on very hot days, always make sure your pet has access to shade and water. If your pet experiences a heat related issue cover them with a cool wet towel and contact your veterinarian immediately.
SUMMERTIME TOXICITIES: Be careful when using fertilizers or pesticides on your plants. Try to keep your pet off new fertilized lawns for 24 hours. Another common toxicity in the summer is rodenticides. Make sure you store your chemicals out of reach from pets. Always save the packaging for later reference if ingestion occurs. If your pet does ingest any chemicals contact your veterinarian immediately.
PICK UP TRUCKS: Uncovered truck beds are a very dangerous place for your pet! Many dogs have suffered broken bones, severe road rash injuries, limb amputations, and death from being thrown from the back of a truck. These injuries occur from road debris, sliding around in the truck bed or even being run over by another vehicle after being thrown from the truck. The safest way to transport your dog is in the passenger portion of your vehicle with an animal harness or in an animal carrier. If you must transport your pet in the back of a truck use a secured crate or tether your dog to the truck with a secure, short leash.
BITE WOUNDS: Spring and summer are the times when dog parks are full of dogs. Many of these dogs are harmless but when faced with certain conditions a dog can turn suddenly and bite. Stay close to your pet and take him/her to another part of the park if you see aggressive play. If you or your pet receives a bite wound, seek medical help to prevent infection. Make sure your pets Rabies vaccination is also up to date in case of such an encounter.
Protect Your Pets against pests:
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Use Flea Preventives – Fleas cause extreme skin irritation and can also cause severe allergic reactions in some pets. Use a veterinary recommended, topical flea control product to kill adult fleas.
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Watch out for ticks – Before attachment, ticks are very small and can easily hide on pets. Tick bites can transmit Lyme disease to your canine companion. Inspect your pet carefully after spending time outdoors. Use a veterinary recommended product that is labelled to be effective against ticks.
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Avoid heartworm – Pets can become infected with heartworm disease as a result of just one mosquito bite. Heartworm disease can be fatal to both dogs and cats. We start heartworm medication on June 1st unless your pet travels to a heartworm prevelant area.
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Treat bug bites and bee stings – Insect bites and bee stings are potentially dangerous. If possible, remove the stinger and apply a cold compress to the skin’s surface to help stop swelling and relieve pain. If your pet is having an allergic reaction contact your veterinarian immediately.
It is VERY important never to use a dog product on your cat, or vice versa.
