24/01/2023
Now that we're in Summer, here is some tips to help keep your pets safe...
Summer is here and many of us will be spending more time outdoors with our pets.
As temperatures rise we might head to the beach or creek to cool off.
Of course, this all sounds fun, but we could be putting our pets in harm’s way. The summer months can be dangerous for cats and dogs. Heat and humidity are the obvious dangers, but there are many more.
Let’s look at what dangers are most common this time of year.
Heat & Heatstroke😎
This is probably the most hazardous. Never leave a pet in a vehicle even with the windows down! The inside temperature of a vehicle can rise rapidly. For example, if it is 30 degrees outside, the inside of a car can reach 60+ degrees in just 10 minutes! As more time passes, the temperatures continue to rise. Your pet could quickly succumb to heatstroke or death.
Dehydration
Another common heat-related danger is dehydration. While not as dangerous as heat stroke, it causes problems for your pet and can escalate into heat exhaustion or heat stroke if not treated. Pets need to drink water frequently when outdoors in the heat. It is a good idea to bring a few extra bottles of water and a dish or collapsible bowl when taking your dog (or cat) on outdoor adventures. On hot days, it is best not to overexert your pet. Drooling, excessive panting, or difficulty breathing means it is time for a break! Find some shade to let you and your pet cool off from time to time.
Sunburn 🥵
We must recognize that our pets are also vulnerable to sunburns. UV rays from the sun is what causes sunburn in people and pets. Too much exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer. Believe it or not, there are sunscreens made for cats and dogs! Never apply sunscreen made for humans to your pet! Many of the chemicals can be toxic.
Roads/Bitumen can also cause burns on the paws of dogs and cats. The darker color the pavement, the more heat it will trap. You can avoid these types of burns by walking your pet in the morning or evening hours or by spending short amounts of time on concrete/road surfaces. Grass, sand, and shaded areas are much cooler. If you place your hand on the road and can leave it there for 30 seconds then it's ok to walk your dog on it!
Insects, Snakes, fleas & Ticks
Almost every pet owner has had to deal with fleas or ticks because they are everywhere. This year is one of the worst we've seen for Ticks, so make sure your prevention is up to date!
Not only can fleas and ticks can cause discomfort for our pets, they also transmit some serious diseases as well. Diseases such as Lyme, and ehrlichiosis are just a few that dogs and cats can contract from fleas or ticks.
Paralysis Tick is very dangerous,and treatment is expensive should your pet need hospitalisation, Luckily, there are many options to prevent fleas and ticks from feeding on your pet. Discuss options such as once-a-month flea and tick prevention with our veterinarians.
Mosquitoes
Although insects, and snakes are common in Qld year-round, they become more active in the warmer months. The most troublesome are mosquitoes, which can transmit heartworms to your dog or cat. All that it takes is one infected mosquito to bite your pet once. Heartworms can be deadly if not treated. Treatment is available for dogs, but it is costly and lengthy. Prevention is key, and luckily monthly preventative is available (and often combined with flea/tick preventative) from your veterinarian.
Bees and Wasps
Both cats and dogs love to chase and even eat flying bugs! Bees and wasps, unfortunately, fall into that category. Sometimes dogs will eat the bee, which can result in a sting inside the mouth. If this happens, the swelling could restrict breathing and a veterinarian would need to be contacted.
Snakes
Snake bites from poisonous snakes can also be deadly, please be viligent when out walking with your pets!
Enjoy our wonderful Qld Summer months and be safe with your pets 😍🐶🐕
