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Summer is a time
for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors,
but along with the fun, the season also offers up situations
that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you
can decrease the chance that disaster will happen. The
HSUS offers these tips for pet owners to keep their furry
friends safe this summer:
In nice weather you may be tempted
to take your pet with you in the car while you travel
or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside
of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes,
even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real
trouble for your companion animals left in the car.
Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat
by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets
who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from
heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can
even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone "just
a minute" that your pet will be safe while you're
gone; even an air conditioned car with the motor off
isn't healthy for your pet. To avoid any chance that
your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer,
be sure to play it safe by leaving your pet cool and
refreshed at home while you're on the road. And if
you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the
hot summer months, alert the management of the store
where the car is parked. If the owner does not return
promptly, call local animal control or the police department
immediately. For
more information, check out our page on pets and hot
cars.
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 (in a crate or
wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in
a secured crate in the bed of the truck.
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 amounts to cause
harmful effects in animals.
With people and dogs
spending more time outside, dog
bites are likely to increase in the summer months. Spaying
or neutering your dog reduces the likelihood that
he will bite and provides many other health benefits.
Make sure your pet is always wearing
a collar and identification tag. If you are separated
from your pet, an ID tag may very well be his or her
ticket home.
Check with your veterinarian to
see if your pets should be taking heartworm prevention
medication. Heartworm
disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can
be fatal in both dogs and cats.
Pets and pools can equal disaster.
Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a
pet in a pool.
Provide plenty of water and shade
for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors
so they can stay cool.
If you plan on traveling with
your pet during the summer, take the time to prepare
for your furry friends in advance. Many airlines have
summer pet embargoes, and most trains and ships do
not allow pets other than service animals. The HSUS
has information
on traveling with your pet that may make the difference
between a pleasant trip and a vacation nightmare.
Pets need exercise even when it
is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older
dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats.
On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or
evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very
hot and can burn your pet's paws.
Another summertime
threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments
recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea
and tick products can be toxic, even when used according
to instructions.
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.
Don't take your pets to crowded
summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises
and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful
and dangerous for pets. For your pet's well being,
leave her at home. Be especially aware of these threats
during holidays, such as the Fourth
of July.
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. 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. Most importantly,
get him to a veterinarian immediately.
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Really good reason
not to plant
catnip in a flower box
Submitted by Lorraine Decker 6/30/08
Diva the wonder dog
On Saturday July 12th. My husband and I were cruising in our boat with our
two pets around Sinclair Point to Sport Island pub on Sacandaga Reservoir
to meet one of our friends. When we arrived our friend asked where Diva
our Scottie was. To our horror she was gone and must have fallen off
the boat at some point. We had no idea where but we stopped to take a
plastic bag off our propeller off Sinclair Point and thought she may
have fallen off there. This all happened around 5:15. We went back searching
and telling everyone we could to look out for her. We even dialed 911
and called over a police boat to help us. Out to the point we went and
back with no sign of her. Our hearts sank and we started for home looking
and hoping but it was 8:15 and hope was fading fast. As I started to
lose all hope I saw a little black object on a beach and told my husband
to drive closer. As we approached we saw the tips of her ears and her
red collar. Yes it was our Diva! We joyously picked her up but we're
amazed that she could have gotten to the beach. We figure she must have
swam for at least a 1/2 mile in choppy water with boats all around. It
is a miracle we found our little dog. We will now always have her life
preserver on.
Submitted by Ony Antonucci
7-14-08 |
