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July: Summer Safety for Your Pets
by Sonya L Volkhardt
Summer is finally here! With temperatures soaring and the sun shining, it's time for outdoor fun. With a little common-sense caution, you can make sure that both you and your pet have a safe and happy summer.
Here are a few helpful tips:
Hints for Avoiding Heat Stroke
Pets can suffer from heat stroke just like people. How hot is too hot? For most cats and dogs, it's safe to assume that if it's too hot for you, it's likewise too hot for your pet. Keep in mind what your pet is doing while he or she is outside; a pet who is running around in the sun will overheat more quickly than a pet who is sitting quietly in the shade. For pets with long hair, more caution may be needed, and certain breeds (those that are stockier, or have snubbed noses) may tolerate the heat less well.
Smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs do poorly in even mild heat. Bunnies and piggies should be indoors any time it's warmer than 80 degrees, and don't handle sudden changes in temperature well. Reptiles can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine outside, but a glass or plastic cage can quickly turn into an oven - never leave glass or plastic cages in the sun, whether inside or out. Box turtles can overheat quickly in direct sun, whether in or out of a cage - make sure your box turtle has access to shelter and shade.
To keep your pet safe in moderate heat, make sure he or she has plenty of fresh, cool water and access to shade. Adjust your activity schedule if needed, avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and watch for signs that your pet may be overheating. Pets should never be left outside unsupervised during unpredictable summer weather.
Mild symptoms of overheating include excessive panting, tiredness, and increased thirst. If you see these signs, get your pet somewhere cooler, give plenty of liquids, and try wiping the ears and paws with a cool, damp cloth. Watch your pet closely to make sure he or she isn't getting worse.
More serious symptoms of possible heat stroke include lethargy, vomiting or nausea (your pet may refuse water), weakness and disorientation (your pet may look wobbly or drunk), seizure or loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a life threatening condition; if your pet shows any of these symptoms after being out in the heat, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention. While on your way to the vet, you can wipe your pet down with a luke-warm, damp cloth (do not use cold water - sudden cold could induce shock). This is just a stop-gap measure to get your pet to the doctor; you cannot treat heat stroke at home.
Practice Pool Safety
Some pets can enjoy swimming with their families, but pools can also be a source of danger. To avoid potential tragedy, treat your pet just like you would a small child when it comes to the pool - NEVER leave your pet unattended in a yard with a swimming pool, whether the pool is open or closed, even if your pet is a good swimmer. Even above-ground pools can be a risk if there is a ladder your pet could potentially climb.
While some breeds of dog love the water, some are very poor swimmers - generally those with stout bodies and short legs. Snub-nosed breeds may also have difficulty breathing properly while swimming. For those breeds, a quick dip may be more stressful than fun; they'd probably rather lounge pool-side while you enjoy the water.
Drinking excessive amounts of chlorinated water can cause stomach upset, so don't let your pet drink from the pool. If your pet swallows just a little while swimming, it should be fine.
Small pets and exotics generally don't enjoy swimming, and may not react well to chlorinated water; keep them out of the pool. Aquatic pets like some turtles and frogs, despite being water-loving, aren't going to love the chlorine - it could make them sick or even kill them. If your exotic pet gets into the pool accidentally, contact a vet.
Store pool chemicals out of reach of pets, and have the Animal Poison Control Number, 1-888-426-4435, on hand in case of an accidental ingestion. If your pet does get into any sort of chemical, DO NOT induce vomiting, unless directed to do so by poison control or a vet - vomiting could cause further damage. Make sure you get a case number from poison control when you call; the vet will need this number to call them back to discuss your pet's treatment. Bring the product package, or a copy of the label, with you to the vet.
Don't Let a Healthy Lawn Lead to an Unhealthy Pet
Most lawn and garden treatments are safe for dogs and cats if you follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. Store all chemicals out of reach of pets, and make sure you know when it is safe to let your pet back out into the yard after treatment. Even products labeled 'organic' may be toxic if handled improperly. If a product doesn't have instructions for pet safety, either call the manufacturer for direction, or choose a different product.
Some products, in particular some pesticides, are never safe for pets - if you must use toxic products, make sure all members of the family know what areas of the yard or garden have been treated, so pets can be kept away.
If you share property with others or use a lawn service, make sure everyone communicates clearly about what chemicals are being used and where they are stored and applied, so that pets (and people!) can be kept safe.
Small pets and exotics may be more sensitive to chemicals than dogs or cats; it's best to keep them out of treated areas entirely. Rabbits and guinea pigs enjoy fresh grass or dandelion greens, and many small pet owners supplement their pets' diets from their yards or gardens; this is fine, and healthy, provided no treatment whatsoever has been used on that part of the property - that includes fertilizers and organic products. Keep in mind that what your neighbor puts on his or her lawn may run off onto yours; choose a spot you know is chemical-free to pick your pet's salad.
Keep all product packaging with labels and manufacturer's contact info intact, and have the Animal Poison Control Number, 1-888-426-4435, on hand in case of any accidental exposure or ingestion. If your pet does get into any sort of chemical, DO NOT induce vomiting, unless directed to do so by poison control or a vet - vomiting could cause further damage. Make sure you get a case number from poison control when you call; the vet will need this number to call them back to discuss your pet's treatment. Bring the product package, or a copy of the label, with you to the vet.
Be Aware of Wildlife
You and your pets aren't the only ones enjoying the warmer weather; wild animals are out and about too! Many of them have their babies in the summer, which can make them hungrier, crankier, and more defensive of their space. Avoid confrontation by following a few simple precautions.
Keep your dog leashed in parks, except in areas specifically designated for dogs to run free.
Take your outdoor cat in at night - if that's not possible, provide him or her with a secure shelter.
Always stay close - within touching distance - of small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs or exotics when they are outside, even if they are caged; your small pet may look like a small snack to a passing hawk.
If you see a wild or stray animal acting strangely, or a nocturnal animal like a raccoon, fox, or bat out in the daytime, get yourself and your pet inside immediately, and call animal control. Never approach or handle a wild animal that appears sick. Be aware that stray cats can also carry rabies. Bucks and Montgomery Counties have multiple cases of rabies every year; don't take a chance. Make sure your pet's rabies vaccine is up to date.
Guidance for Grilling
Make sure pets are supervised around hot grills, fire pits or bonfires. Pets who have no experience of fire may be fascinated by all the sizzling and sparking. They don't know that the grill is burning hot - they just know that it smells like yummy hamburgers. To avoid burnt paws and noses, keep pets leashed, in the house, or in a different part of the yard while you are cooking and afterward, until the grill cools.
First-aid for burns is much the same for pets as for people; cool the burn immediately, preferably with cool running water. Even small burns merit a trip to the vet, as they may be more serious than they appear on the surface, and antibiotics may be needed to prevent infection. Large burns are an emergency; seek immediate medical attention. Burns can be very painful, so use caution when handling an animal with a burn injury; even normally docile pets may snap when something hurts.
Avoid Accidents and Escapes
Small pets and exotics can escape from owners' hands very quickly, and may be difficult to re-capture.
Reptiles can benefit from time spent out in the sun, but caution should be taken to ensure their safety. Small reptiles should go outside only in a cage (mesh screen or wire, NEVER glass or plastic). Remember that a cage may not provide adequate protection from determined predators - never leave your pet unattended. Larger reptiles, like iguanas, can wear a harness; so can some small mammal pets like rabbits, guinea pigs or rats. Just make sure that your pet can't wriggle free; don't assume that a harness is secure just because it is advertized for your pet's species - test it indoors first!
Very small mammal pets like hamsters, gerbils, and mice should not go outside - they can escape too easily and would find being out in the open more stressful than fun.
Pet birds can fly away even if their wings are clipped - they can use wind currents to glide, and cover a very large distance in a very short time, easily becoming lost. Birds should not go outside unless they are in a secure flight cage. Again, be aware that a cage that will keep your bird in may not be enough to keep a predator out.
Pets of any kind just don't mix with some summer activities - like anything involving fireworks. Pets should not be around when you're mowing the lawn or using a weed-whacker. Just use common sense, and you and your pets should be fine.
Last but not least . . HAVE FUN!
Fresh air and exercise are great for you and your pet; be sure to (safely) enjoy the out-of-doors and the warm weather while it lasts!