As the warm weather encroaches on us, please remember the following tips to help make your pet’s summer more comfortable and healthy.
Heat kills. Every summer the number of deaths because animals are left unattended in vehicles increases. Pets do not sweat. They release internal heat by panting. When an animal is locked inside a vehicle (even when windows are cracked open), their ability to cool down is critically affected. Remember, the inside of a car can be approximately 30 degrees hotter than it is outside the vehicle. It doesn’t take long for an animal to overheat and suffer major health-related problems or death when left in a car.
Leave clean fresh water available for your pet at all times. When it comes to bottled water verses tap water, just go by this rule: if you drink bottled water perhaps you should give it to your pet for the same reasons. Should you find your pet is drinking a lot more (or a lot less) water than normal, call your vet. It might be a sign of illness.
Snakes are also more active during the summer months and rattlesnakes are an important part of our environment. Be respectful of the wonderful creatures as they play an important part in keeping our communities rodent free. When it comes to snakes, dog owners currently have a few options that include training your dog to stay away from snakes and/or obtaining a rattlesnake vaccine. Where the vaccine is concerned, it does not take away the toxic reaction of the bite, it merely delays the onset of these effects. This may buy you a bit more time to diagnose and treat your dog appropriately. It does not alleviate the need for immediate medical attention.
Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and worms may be more prevalent during the summer and fall months. Animals that have access to the outdoors tend to be at a higher risk but those indoors may have limited vulnerability as well. Being proactive can minimize some of the risks of these parasites. Limit your pet’s exposure to high animal traffic areas (such as dog parks), clean up feces daily and talk to your veterinarian about starting a worming program or a flea/tick prevention program, if needed.
A few simple steps on your end can create a more comfortable and healthy environment for not only your pet, but also your whole family.
