Tails In the News

Keep your pets safe this summer

by Lauren Lewis

Warm weather, sunny days, and more time outdoors mark the arrival of summer. But more fun in the sun can mean more risks for your pet. A recent analysis of 2005 claims submitted to Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) for dogs and cats shows an increase in several ailments during the summer months, such as ear infections, insect bites/stings, and heat stroke. Taking a few simple precautions and using some common sense (like making sure your pet is wearing his or her collar and ID tags), can ensure that the season is enjoyable for you and your tailwagging pals.

A big problem for both pets and humans during hot weather is overheating. But unlike humans, pets can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of sweating through their paw pads. Always make sure your pet is protected from the heat and sun. And make sure she has access to plenty of water. Signs of heat stroke include body temperatures of 104-110°F, excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Sometimes heat stroke can result in a coma or even death. Short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, large heavy-coated breeds, and dogs with heart or respiratory problems are more at risk for heat stroke. Remember to never leave your animal unattended in your car—even if the windows are rolled down. Although it may not seem that hot outside, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise to a dangerous level within minutes. And if you jog or exercise outside with your dog, consider switching your workout to early morning or evening on very hot days. In addition to the risk of heat stroke, hot sidewalks or asphalt can be very painful and even cause burns on your pooch’s paws.

More exposure to the great outdoors means the increased likelihood of encountering disease-carrying parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and heartworm, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Make sure to use good protection against these parasites. Talk to your vet about effective medications and learn the facts about the pest prevention you use. According to the most recent national survey by the American Heartworm Society, 250,000 dogs were reported to have heartworm disease and only half of America’s pet guardians give their dogs preventative medication. “It is important to remember that wherever there are mosquitoes there is heartworm and that it only takes the bite of one mosquito carrying heartworm to infect a dog or cat,” says American Heartworm Society’s Dr. Sheldon Rubin. The Lyme Disease Association (LDA) estimates that dogs are 100 times more likely to be bitten by disease-carrying ticks than humans. “With their furry coats, proximity to the ground, and propensity to roll in leaves and other groundcover, dogs are many times more likely to come into contact with ticks than their [guardians],” says Pat Smith, LDA president. Lyme disease is transmitted by the deer tick, and according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a huge increase in Lyme disease has occurred in the last 10 years. The most common visible signs of infection are recurrent arthritis and lameness that lasts for three to four days, sometimes accompanied by loss of appetite and depression. While Lyme disease is most commonly associated with ticks, there are other tick-borne illnesses to be aware of, namely canine ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis or dog tick fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).

In the yard, watch out for pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and plants that may be toxic to your pet. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the most commonly reported plants with potential to produce life-threatening problems in pets are Lily, Azalea, Oleander, Sago Palm, and Castor Bean. “We typically recommend that pets not be allowed to eat plants in general,” says Dr. Safdar Khan, veterinary toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “However, it is especially critical that these plants be kept out of the reach of animals, as they have the potential to cause serious, even fatal systemic effects when ingested.” For more information on toxic plants check out the ASPCA's list. It’s also a good idea to avoid walking your animal near grass and flower beds that may have been chemically treated with fertilizers (like the highly toxic cocoa mulch), herbicides, or insecticides—they contain chemicals that can irritate paws, and if inhaled or ingested, can cause your pet to become critically ill.

Summertime also brings with it fireworks and thunderstorms. According to PETA, animal shelters nationwide report an increased number of lost companion animals after fireworks displays. The sounds of pyrotechnics exploding or the boom of thunder can be very frightening to animals, many times causing them to panic and flee, sometimes injuring themselves. Cases have been reported of animals jumping over or breaking through fences, breaking chains, and even jumping through glass windows to get away from the noise. PETA suggests keeping dogs and cats indoors during fireworks displays, and if possible, staying with them. Never leave animals tethered or chained outside—they can hang themselves if they leap over a fence while trying to run from the noise. Close your windows and curtains and turn on some soothing music or the TV to help drown out the sound of the fireworks. Canine thunderstorm anxiety symptoms can range from pacing and panting, to destruction of houses, and serious injury. If your pet exhibits this kind of behavior during storms, talk to your vet. Treatment methods can include behavior modification, such as desensitization, or sedatives, such as Valium (diazepam).