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6
Summer Safety Tips for
You and Your Pet
The dog days of summer are just
around the corner, and as a pet owner
you should be looking out for the
safety of your companion. Now is the
time to think about parasite control,
prevention of heat stroke, water safety,
and travel arrangements for companion
animals.
Insects
As pets spend more time outside
during the warm weather, they are
likely to encounter disease-transmitting
insects such as ticks, fleas, and
mosquitoes. Ticks can transmit Lyme
disease, while fleas can transmit tapeworms.
Both can be prevented with
the use of topical medications applied
monthly. Mosquitoes can transmit
potentially fatal heartworm disease
to both cats and dogs. The best way
to prevent heartworm disease is by
giving a heartworm preventative once
a month. Run your hands through
your pet’s coat every day to check for
ticks and keep your pet indoors in the
evenings to avoid mosquito bites.
Bees, wasps, and fire ants are other
painful summer pests for pets. Dogs
or cats that take an interest in bees or
wasps are likely to be stung. While
fire ants can ruin a picnic for people,
they can also cause problems for your
pets. Reactions to insect bites and
stings range from slight swelling to a
Pawpourri Summer 2008
by Jane Grantman
severe allergic reaction, so
monitor your pet if it’s bitten
or stung.
Falls and Toxins
Keep your cats safely inside
by securing all window
screens. Many cats are seriously
injured every summer
by falling from upper level
windows.
In an effort to have
that picture perfect yard,
many home owners rely on
fertilizers and insecticides.
These can be fatal if your
pet ingests them. If you
do use fertilizer, be sure to
keep your pets off the area until it’s
been washed into the soil.
Heat
Heat can be lethal to pets. Dogs
need exercise even when it’s hot,
but owners should take extra care
to prevent heatstroke*. On very hot
days, limit exercise to early morning
or evening hours. Keep in mind that
asphalt gets very hot and can burn your
dog’s paws. Dogs can’t perspire and
can only dispel heat by panting and
through the pads of their feet. Pets
can get sunburned, too, especially
animals that have thin or light-colored
coats. Sunscreen can be applied to an
animal’s nose, face, and ear tips. And
in warmer months never leave your
pet in a car. When out running errands
it’s best to leave your pet cool and
refreshed and at home.
Water Dangers
Pets in water can also equal disaster
if not supervised. If your dog loves
swimming in the family pool, be sure
he knows how to get out. Take your
dog into the pool and show him how to
find the stairs and climb out. Problems
occur when pets fall into pools and
panic. Does your dog love riding the
waves at the beach? The jarring force
of waves is hard on a dog’s joints and
can cause injury especially to their
knees. Dogs may also drink the ocean
water, which can be harmful. If your
dog swims in lakes or rivers, be aware
that in stifling summer days the water
becomes stagnant. Drinking stagnant
water may cause your dog intestinal
trouble.
Traveling
Finally, if you are traveling with
pets this summer, be sure that they
have proper identification. Your cat
or dog should have a well-fitted collar
with current identification, rabies
and license tags. A microchip is also
another great way to identify your pet.
Always keep your pet on leash or in a
carrier when stopping at rest stops and
make sure pets get enough water to
drink. Make sure all vaccines are up to
date before traveling and take along an
extra copy of the vaccination record in
case of emergencies.
If your pet is not traveling with
you, make kennel reservations well in
advance or better yet, leave your pet in
the comfort of your own home with a
trusted caretaker. We have a list of pet
sitters available at the shelter and on
our Web site at www.awla.org/animalresources.shtml.
Looking for a book
to help you with your travels? Check
out Traveling with your Pet: The AAA
Pet Book and The Pet Travel and Fun
Authority by M.E. Nelson.
Most importantly, have a safe, fun,
and pet friendly summer!
*Signs of heat stress include: heavy
panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse,
unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting,
or a deep red or purple tongue. If
your pet does become overheated, you
need to lower his body temperature
immediately. Move your pet into the
shade and apply cool (not cold) water
over his body to gradually lower his
core body temperature. Let your pet
drink small amounts of water or lick
ice cubes. Most importantly, get him
to a veterinarian immediately.