Summer Safety
for our Four-Legged Friends

by Robert Dammeyer, DVM, Pet Medical Center at Apple Tree Cove, www.kingstonvet.com

After what seems like an eternity of cloudy skies punctuated with periods of rain and (gasp!) snow, the sunny days of summer have finally arrived.  Time to spend more time outdoors exploring with our four-legged buddies!  But as we prepare to enjoy the new warmth of summer, don’t forget to keep in mind the safety of your canine companion.

Heat Stroke

Most people have heard of heat stroke (or heat exhaustion).  Unfortunately, nobody thinks it can happen to them.  Heat stroke is a condition in which the body cannot keep its temperature in a safe range.  As a result the body’s temperature rises (hyperthermia) and bodily systems begin to fail.  While people can effectively blow-off extra heat through sweating, it is important to realize that animals have a poor means of regulating body temperature when faced with extremes in environmental temperature.  Panting, cooling through the nose, and limited sweating through the foot pads are the main ways dogs cool themselves off.  Because of their shorter snouts, breeds like pugs, bulldogs and the Pekinese are even more susceptible to heat stroke and extra caution should be taken if you have one of these breeds.

Heat stroke occurs when a pet is exposed to temperature extremes without proper ventilation or relief.  Signs include rapid panting, bright red tongue, thick saliva, weakness, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.  Long walks or runs in high heat or high humidity without shade, periods for cool down or adequate water intake can lead to collapse from hyperthermia.  Most commonly heat stroke occurs when a pet is left in a car unattended.  Cars are like ovens on wheels, even on mild weather days.  Frequently the temperature on the inside of a car is considerably higher than the temperature on the outside.  Even with the windows cracked or down, heat stroke can occur.  A quick stop to get “just a few things” can end in disaster.  Hyperthermia can lead to permanent organ damage, brain damage and death in a very short period of time. 

If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from heat stroke, remove him or her from the hot area and seek veterinary care immediately.  Rapid attention is critical and may be the difference between life and death.  If a veterinarian is not available, offer your pet water or a child’s electrolyte solution and attempt to gradually cool his body with lukewarm water baths and/or fans to circulate the surrounding air.  Too rapid a drop in body temperature can lead to severe complications; care must be taken to avoid this.  Even if your pet seems to fully recover, have a veterinarian examine him to ensure there are no complications occurring.

Prevention of heat stroke is as simple as avoiding the situations that lead to it.  Provide fresh, clean water at all times.  Make sure that your pet had a cool shelter from the day’s heat (outside dogs should always have access to shade).  Do not take your dog on runs or walks on warm or humid days. And while we certainly love the company of our dogs and they love to tag along, being left in a cool home with a nice big bowl of fresh water is the wiser choice when running our in-town errands.  Just take the time to give some quality attention to them when you return.  That  will more than make up for being left behind!

Garden Hazards

The sun is not the only potential danger to our faithful companions.  Pet’s should be kenneled or kept indoors when lawn mowers or other power trimmers come out.  Every year pets become injured and maimed when they become too curious about the noisy contraption that seems to be attracting all of their master’s attention.  In the blink of an eye they have ventured too close and the damage is done.  Don’t take the chance; keep them away at a secured distance.

If you use products that are labeled “baits” for pest control, think twice.  The problem with bait products is that they bait everything, including dogs looking for their next snack.  Slug Bait is the most widely used of these products and is one of the most toxic substances known to dogs.  It acts as a neurotoxin and induces seizures, hyperthermia and eventually death.  Less toxic alternatives for controlling slugs are now available and are labeled as such.  While not as toxic as slug bait, insecticides can be a hazard and should be kept out of reach of our furry friends.

With simple foresight, everyone can have a fun summertime.  Have a warm, sunny (hopefully!) and safe summer season!