Summer Dangers for Pets

As the weather begins to warm up, your pets want to spend more and more time outdoors. Just like their human companions, pets love to feel the sun on their skin and the breeze in their fur. But, there are dangers that come with the warmer weather that many owners do not think about. Keep your furry friend safe this summer by following these tips.

Protect Them

The warmer weather also comes with the unfortunate return of the creepy crawling pests that love to feast on your pet. That’s right, I am talking about fleas and ticks. There are so many different types of ticks out there that it can be hard to tell them apart. No matter the breed, they all can cause harm to your pet. They are not only annoying and painful, but they can spread diseases.

Two common diseases that a tick bite can spread are Lyme disease and Cytauxzoonosis. Lyme disease can cause kidney failure, joint pain, and loss of appetite. Cytauxzoonosis is a very scary disease because it can actually be fatal for cats. Hospitalization is typically needed for pets that contract it.

In order to protect your pets from these harmful pests, take a trip to your local vet’s office. There are many great products on the market that can keep the nasty bugs at bay. There are oral preventions as well as collars and body washes. Speak with your vet about which option is the best for your pet.

Keep Them Cool

It is easy for your pets to get overheated in the extreme heat waves that come with summer. Dogs can easily become victims of heat stroke due to the fact that they do not sweat. They open mouth pant in order to cool themselves down.

Luckily for us, it is very easy to spot the signs of a heat stroke in dogs. The first sign that they will show is excessive panting. They will then begin to vomit and have diarrhea. It is also a good idea to check their gums. When suffering from heat stroke, they may turn a blue tint.

If your dog is showing signs of heat stroke, immediately move them to a cooler area. It is also a good idea to try and cool your pup off by putting them into a bath or small body of water. After you get their initial body temperature down, get them to the vet right away.

Painful Blisters

Pets love a long walk on a beautiful summer’s day, but there is an important factor that is often forgotten. The temperature of the asphalt can get so high that it can damage the paws of your four-legged companion. Their soft paws can develop painful blisters.

A good way to test the temperature of the pavement is to place the back of your hand against the asphalt. If it is too hot to leave it there for a couple of seconds, then it is too hot for your pet to walk on it. Try and move the summer outdoor fun to a grassy area instead. They will still have a blast.

If your pet does develop a blister on their paw pads, do not pop it. Leave it alone to let it heal. It should only take a week to get back to normal. Make sure you keep an eye on it to ensure that it does not become infected.

Summer fun is a great time for everyone, but it does come with its risk. Always stay informed and keep an eye out for any signs of heat stroke, ticks, or painful blisters. If they happen, don’t beat yourself up about it. Accidents can and will happen. Take the time to nurse your friend back to health and be proactive about it in the future. No pet owner is perfect, and it is okay to learn from your mistakes.