Summer Hazards

 Hooray for Summer! Summer is my favorite time of year, but it comes with a few hazards to think about with our pets. I’ve compiled some of the most common dangers we see this time of year so you can keep your furry friends safe.
1. Heat Stress. Cats and dogs have limited ways to cool themselves and they are vulnerable to overheating (think about wearing a plush fur coat all year!). Never leave an animal locked in a car without the air conditioning running. Limit exercise to early morning and late evening when the temperatures are cooler.
2. Burned paws and skin. Watch out for hot sand on the beach and hot pavement when walking your dog. Paw pads can become burned on hot surfaces. Dogs and cats, especially those with white fur and pink skin, are prone to sunburn, particularly on the nose and ears. There are sunscreens made specifically for dogs. You can use children’s sunscreen as long as your dog does not lick it, but avoid PABA and zinc oxide.
3. Critters. Rattlesnakes are out and about and can cause a potentially fatal bite to cats and dogs. Insect bites and stings can cause several reactions in pets. Wasp and bee stings can cause swelling on the face and muzzle, hives on the body, or a severe anaphylactic reaction with pale gums and collapse. Spider bites can be difficult to identify and treat because they have a wide variety of symptoms and can have delayed onset of signs (even up to 14 days depending on the spider).
4. Toxins. Rat and mouse bait can cause bleeding disorders and brain swelling. Some bleeding may not be evident for four to five days or more, so always seek treatment immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any poison and bring the packaging with you. Snail bait contains metaldehyde that can cause muscle tremors, seizures, and liver failure.
There are lots of reasons to get out and enjoy the summer. Keep these hazards in mind to keep your pets safe and remember that your veterinarian is always here for you with advice. We are ready to help, from simple bee stings to complex toxicity cases, from burned paws to snake bites.
Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center is located at 25832 Hemingway Ave. in Santa Clarita.  For more information, please call 661-799-0655 and visit www.srvc.com.