SUMMER PET HAZARDS

Pets face many hazards during the summer months this article will help you to familiarize yourself with some of them. Recognizing what hazard your pet has come in contact with is just part of the battle. If you think your pet may have exposed themselves to a toxic animal or material seek veterinary help immediately.

TOADS AND FROGS:
These amphibians secrete a substance that can irritate a dog’s eyes or tongue. Catching and chewing a toad can cause excessive salivation with disorientation, but is usually not very serious. If your dog has caught a toad, flush his mouth with water to relieve the unpleasant symptoms and then follow up with a call to your veterinarian!

MUSHROOMS:
Most pet owners do not realize that some of the mushrooms that grow in their yard are toxic to pets. Pets who like to “graze” will sometimes eat wild mushrooms along with lawn grasses, leading to mushroom poisoning. Some pets, like some people, are allergic to even edible, normally safe mushrooms. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can range from mild vomiting and diarrhea to severe digestive problems to complete liver failure.

LAWN AND GARDEN:
Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But beware: Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. In addition, more than 700 plants can produce physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient enough amounts to cause harmful effects in your pet.

ANTIFREEZE:
Antifreeze is actually a year round hazard. With the warmer temperatures of summer, cars over heat and may leak antifreeze. (This is typically a bright green liquid.) Also, people changing their antifreeze may spill some or leave antifreeze out where pets can access it. Antifreeze tastes sweet and is inviting to pets (and children). It is also extremely toxic in very small amounts. Call your veterinarian immediately if any ingestion is suspected.

STINGS AND BITES:
Bees, wasps, fire ants and mosquitoes are other painful pests of the summer. Pets that take a curious or aggressive interest in bees or wasp are likely to receive payback in the form of a sting on the nose, head or foot. (Be sure to have Benadryl on hand and discuss its use ahead of time with your veterinarian.)
Fire Ants often march onto the abdomen of a pet lying outdoors enjoying the sun, then sting in synchrony, which is a very painful experience. If your pet is stung by fire ants, hose them off and get your pet to the veterinarian.
Reactions to insect bites and stings range from slight swelling and pain to anaphylaxis, a sudden and severe allergic reaction that can be fatal if not treated immediately.


JOGGING OR RUNNING:
These activities can also be dangerous during warmer part of the year. So your dog jogs everyday with you and is in excellent shape; why alter the routine? As the weather warms, humans alter the type and amount of clothing worn, and we sweat more. Dogs are still jogging in their winter coat (or a lighter version of it) and can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of sweating through the foot pads. Not enough! Many dogs, especially the ‘athletes’ will keep running, no matter what, to stay up with their owner. Consider changing the time of day you routinely do this activity to early morning or late evening to prevent your pet from having a heat stroke. (See also BURNS)

BURNS:
Hot sidewalks and parking areas can be painful for pet’s paws. In addition to burns on the pet’s paws, sunburns are more common in the summer months. Areas not protected by fur or dark skin are more prone to burn from exposure to the sun. Pet owners should keep their pet indoors as much as possible during the times of day when the sun is at its peak. If you and your pet are going to be in prolonged sun exposure talk with your veterinarian about the possibilities of using sunscreen to keep your pet from burning.

WATER SAFETY:
Many people head for the lake, river, or other body of water this time of year and the family pet is often part of the fun. However, not all dogs are excellent swimmers by nature, especially if he or she has underlying health problems, such as heart disease or obesity to contend with. Consider protecting your pet just as your human family and purchase a life jacket for your pet. If your pet is knocked off of the boat (perhaps getting injured in the process), or it is tired/cold from choppy water or a sudden storm, a life jacket could be what saves your pet’s life.

OTITIS EXTERNA:
Ear infections are frequently caused by water getting trapped in a dog’s ear after swimming or bathing. If your pet is frequently in water activities speak with veterinarian regarding specific ear cleaning products that will help dry the ear canal after water exposure to help prevent recurring ear infections.

PET SHELTER:
If your pet stays outdoors, it is important that they have shade and fresh water accessible at all time. A story we (NAFA) are all to familiar with is outdoor pets who suffer from heat stroke because their tether, tie out, or chain got tangled around or stuck under something prohibiting them from reaching their shady area or their water source. Remember that temperatures inside a dog house can reach 100 degrees during the day. Consider bringing your pet inside and put them in a crate, laundry room or blocked off area during the hottest portions of the day.

BACK OF TRUCK:
It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab or in a secure crate in the bed of the truck.

TRAVEL:
If you are traveling outside of your home town, it is wise to check out the Veterinary clinics/hospitals in the area you are planning to visit, before the need arises. It is better to be prepared for an emergency and not have one happen than to panic in an emergency situation, wasting valuable time. Be sure to take your medical records, medications, and pet supplies with you include an emergency contact number for your pets in case of an accident. It is best to carry a gallon of water when you travel, as you never know when you could be stuck in traffic jams or have vehicle trouble on your trip.

Watch for tips for a safe and stress free 4th of July with your pets in our next post.

Have a great weekend,
Tut