Enjoying the “Dog Days of summer”

Summer is a great opportunity to spend more time outdoors with your four-legged friends, however have you ever considered the risks the warmer months can pose to your pets?

With summer fast approaching we thought it was an ideal time to highlight potential summer ailments to be wary of.

Heat Stroke

Dogs and cats are unable to sweat and regulate their body temperature like we do, therefore they are at an increased risk of over heating. Exercise can be a common trigger, as well as confinement in warm, humid, poorly ventilated environments.

Some pets are more susceptible including overweight pets, brachycephalic breeds, older pets or ones with underlying health concerns (especially respiratory or cardiac disease)

It is essential you are aware of the early signs of heat stroke, this includes;

• Heavy panting
• Drooling
• Red gums or tongue
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weakness or collapse
• Restless, pacing, trying to seek shade

If suspicious, you need to act immediately; COOL FIRST, TRANSPORT SECOND!

• Provide shade, ideally ventilated
• Offer sips of water
• Cool them down by pouring / hosing water over the body
• Encourage air movement, via a fan, air conditioning or breeze
• Then proceed to call your vet.

Insect Stings or Bites

Just like us pets can be highly sensitive to insect stings or bites. The degree of reaction varies depending on the dogs immune system as well as the type of insect. Common summer critters include bees, wasps, ants, ticks, spiders and mosquitos.

Mild symptoms include;

• Mild swelling to the affected area
• Licking, biting or pawing the area
• Whining and crying
• Limping
• Drooling

Allergic symptoms include;

• Hives or rash
• Rapid swelling to an area
• Rapid / difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse

Contact a vet immediately if your pet is displaying any of the allergic symptoms, or the swelling is around the face, neck or throat.

What can you do if you suspect your pet has been stung?

• Check to site for potential stingers - if there is a stinger left behind, try to gently remove it by placing the edge of a credit card under the venom sac (yellowish blob). Do not use tweezers as this may release more venom.
• Place a cold, damp towel or ice pack wrapped in a tea towel to the affected area.
• Anti-histamines can provide some relief - contact a vet to discuss potential treatment options.

Beach Day Fun in the Sun

It isn’t really summer without days spent at the beach. If providing shade, plenty of water and pet safe sun cream, your dog may be able to join too.

Be aware of some potential hazards found down by the seaside;

SAND

It is often fun watching dogs dig and roll around in the sand. Occasionally the sand may get in the eyes or cause potential sores to the paws. At the end of the day use saline to gently bathe the eyes and check the feet to ensure no abrasive damage. Paw balms are great to soothe cracked pads.

SALT WATER

Having a dip in the sea is a great way to cool off for dogs, however be aware that avid sea swimmers or ones that drink salty water, are at risk of salt poisoning. This can lead to serious illness, gastrointestinal upset and potential dehydration. If you suspect your dog has swallowed some salt water, try to encourage drinking fresh water to help dilute this.

SUN BURN

Don’t assume your dogs fur will protect them from sun exposure. Dogs that have light coloured fur, short, fine fur or light areas may need suncream, as well as any exposed areas of skin, including the belly, muzzle and ear tips.

Some breeds such as Weimaraner and Boxers are sadly also prone to developing tumours and cancer on the skin, so extra protection is warranted.

Do ensure the sun cream you apply is a pet safe one, and does not contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid, which is considered toxic to dogs if ingested.

BBQ

• If you are planning a BBQ this summer, be aware of some hazards to our four-legged hungry pets!
• Many of the meats on a BBQ (sausages, burgers, chicken thighs) have a high fat content, which if ingested by our pets can cause inflammation to the pancreas (pancreatitis) or potential gastrointestinal tract causing acute abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Corn on the cob, kebab skewers and bones can commonly cause gastrointestinal obstruction or potential perforation if ingested.
• It’s a given that the flames / grills can cause burns to your pet when in use. Don’t forget to close the lid when the grill is cooling down, incase your pet has decided to jump up in search of scraps. If your pet does get burned submerge the area in cool water (not ice) for 10-20 minutes and call your vet.

Should you have any concerns that your pet is potentially at risk of exposure to any of the above hazards, do not hesitate to contact Vetsy for advice, treatment suggestions and potential prescriptions. If however more urgent care is required, we advise seeking direct veterinary attention in practice.

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