 Summer’s here, and for most of us, that means the heat is on. While all that flooding sunshine can deliver a healthy dose of Vitamin D, it can also present unique dangers, for pets as well as people. These quick tips will put you in-the-know so you can keep your beloved four-legged companions out of the danger zone. Staying Cool Heat stroke is no joke. It can be fatal. Heat stroke can happen when an animal’s body temperature rises above its normal range. A dog can suffer organ damage or death at 108 degrees. For a cat, that number is 106 degrees. Signs of heat stroke in pets include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Hot Cars Speaking of heat stroke, keeping your pet in a warm car alone is never a good idea, even if you crack open a window or park in the shade. You might think it’s safe because you’re “just running into the store for a minute”, but you might be surprised by how quickly a car can become dangerously hot. Consider these alarming stats from the ASPCA (American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals):
Staying Hydrated Heat stroke isn’t the only warm-weather danger that can be fatal to your pet. Dehydration is serious business, too. Animals need plenty of water to maintain good health, but this is especially true in warmer weather. Without enough water, a pet can suffer organ damage or even die from dehydration. Many pet owners may be tempted to think that just keeping an animal’s water bowl full is enough, trusting that the pet will drink when it needs to. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s water consumption and encourage drinking. For example, for dogs, adding a splash of bone broth to water can make it more appealing. If you leave the house with your pet, be sure to bring plenty of water and a bowl or portable pet water bottle. It’s not a good idea to encourage your pet to drink from natural bodies of water, like ponds, rivers and lakes. These could contain harmful elements like bacteria or pollutants. Signs of dehydration in pets include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Hot Pavement Have you ever walked barefoot on hot pavement? Under a summer sun, concrete, asphalt, and similar surfaces can become scorching and can be painful and cause burns. It’s no different for pets. Their paws are just as vulnerable as our feet. Whenever possible, encourage your pet to walk on a cooler surface in summer, like dirt or grass. Otherwise, booties and socks can help, as can taking walks when surfaces tend to be cooler, such as in early morning or evening. Signs of burned footpads include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Burns can become infected. Shaving is Not Always Best For some breeds of dogs, the “summer cut” is an annual ritual. Pet owners take their dog to the groomer for a super-short haircut in an effort to keep the animal cool. However, a total shave or near-shave isn’t the best idea. Without enough fur, a dog is more likely to suffer sunburn. You can prevent sunburn in your dog by using child-safe sunscreen. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply to the parts of the dog’s body that are most likely to burn, including:
Be sure to reapply if your dog rolls around in the grass or goes in water. If you think your dog may be sunburned, get him out of the sun and apply cool, wet compresses to the affected areas. If redness or blisters are present, call your veterinarian immediately. Bug Season The insects come out in summer and they’ll be looking for someone to bug. Your pet is no exception. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which are prevalent in summer. Be sure your pet is taking preventative heartworm medication. Ticks thrive in summer and can cause a variety of serious illnesses including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Consider using tick prevention medication for your pet. Your vet can make recommendations. Also, it’s smart to be cognizant of pesticides and other lawn chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Often homeowners who use these kinds of products will post a warning sign on their lawn for neighborhood pet owners, but not always. Steer your pets away from greenery you’re not sure about. Fireworks Aren’t Fun for Everyone Many pets are unsettled by loud noises like fireworks and summer thunderstorms. They may hide, paw at carpet or furniture, whine, pace, and display other signs of anxiety. Here are three ways to help your frightened pet:
Summer may present perils for pets, but with a little knowledge, awareness, and some easy preventative measures, it can be a safe and joyful season for the animals we love. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.
0 Comments
 As we move into the summer months, many of us will be venturing outdoors in search of recreation on boats, in pools, and on the beach. But is it safe to bring your dog in the water? For some dogs, swimming is in their DNA. Their breeds have been working in water for centuries. Take the Portuguese Water Dog, for example. This breed has a long history as the fisherman’s helper, trained to carry objects between ships or from ship to shore. Now, that’s an experienced swimmer! But not all dogs take naturally to water. Here’s what you need to know before you take your four-legged bestie swimming. DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, physician or other qualified care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before taking your pet swimming, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Some Dogs Aren’t Swimmers Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are born to swim. Some breeds have unique physical features that may make them susceptible to drowning, such as those with short legs, a stocky build, or short nose. Their bodies aren’t made to stay afloat, and short legs take short strokes which may not be enough to keep them above water. Short-nosed dogs can become quickly overcome because their nasal passages are narrow and not suited to sustained deep breathing. Other dogs may be too weak to swim safely and comfortably. This includes dogs who are:
Water Can Scare Your Dog Water can be scary for your dog, especially when:
Grabbing a dog and throwing them into water to “sink or swim” is not only dangerous, but it can be cruel if they’re terrified. It may also create a fear of water for dogs that are young or strangers to water. Instead of traumatizing a dog, help them gain a sense of confidence so they can know the fun of water play and avoid panicking in a hairy situation. Life Jackets Are Important for All Dogs – Even Strong Swimmers Every dog, no matter how strong and capable in water, should wear a life jacket. Dogs can tire out. They can also encounter the unexpected, panic, and swallow water. They can get caught in currents that are stronger than they are and get carried far away from safety. Life jackets are made to save their lives. When shopping for a life vest for your dog, here are some things to keep in mind:
Good News: Most Dogs Can Learn to Swim If your dog isn’t built for swimming but still shows an interest in water, it’s still possible to enjoy time in the water together. Many dogs can be taught to swim, but it’s crucial that your dog wear a life jacket, even when they’re supervised and taking lessons. Many dog training facilities and even some doggy daycare centers offer swimming lessons for dogs. However, if you’re up for the DIY approach, here are some tips to help give your dog a positive experience:
More Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe in Water Water can present a variety of perils to your dog. It’s especially important to be aware of these: Cold. Frigid water can cause hypothermia, a dangerous and potentially fatal condition in which the dog’s body temperature drops below its normal range. In addition to serious physical consequences, it can also impact a dog’s ability to swim, making them susceptible to drowning. With hypothermia, a dog’s blood travels to his major organs in order to keep them warm. That means there’s less blood in his legs, making swimming difficult. If your dog is shivering or cannot move his tail, get him to a vet immediately. Here’s an easy math equation to help keep your dog safe: Air temperature + water temperature = 100° or higher If the sum is under 100°, your dog will be safer out of the water. Heat. Extreme heat, just like extreme cold, can be fatal to your beloved pet. Prevent heat stroke and dehydration in your dog by making sure he has plenty of shade and clean water to drink. Even better, employ a cooling pad or cooling vest for added comfort and safety. Sun Damage. Yes, dogs get sunburn, too, especially those with lighter coats that allow the sun’s rays through to the skin. But even a dog with a thick, dense coat can be easily burned on the nose. Pack your doggie sunscreen. Swallowing Water. It’s inevitable that your dog is going to swallow some water while swimming. But swallowing too much could make him sick. A snack of freeze-dried or dehydrated food can help soak up some of the excess water in your dog’s stomach. A better option, of course, is prevention. Keep swimming sessions short and sweet, about 10 minutes or less. Critters. When swimming in a natural body of water, your dog is going to share space with other creatures. Some may not be so friendly. For example, in fresh water, snakes and snapping turtles may bite. In some areas, alligators are a very real danger and can take your dog down in the blink of an eye. And in the ocean…well, there’s no shortage of dangers lurking there, including stinging jelly fish, barbed rays, sharks and more. There are few ways to entirely protect your dog from water critters, but it’s important to steer clear of areas where aggressive predators are known to be present, and to keep an eye on your dog at all times. Sharp Objects. Rivers, ponds and oceans are littered with rocks and seashells, some of them quite sharp, which can slice a dog’s paw. Walk through the water yourself first to checks things out. Fish Hooks. Be aware of the possibility of discarded fish hooks in natural bodies of water. A hook containing juicy, delicious bait will be irresistible to a dog, and the hook itself will almost certainly injure him. If your dog gets a hook in his mouth, rush him to a vet immediately. Toxic Algae. In the past few years, it’s become increasingly common for natural bodies of water to be closed for human recreation due to toxic blue-green algae. It can make both people and animals ill. Be aware of local alerts concerning toxic algae blooms and avoid waters where harmful algae is present. Strong Currents. Powerful water currents are an all-too-common cause of drowning, because currents can come from out of nowhere, and are often stronger than even the strongest swimmer. To be safe, keep your dog on an extra-long leash (about 30 feet), so in the event that a current starts to carry your dog away, you can tow him back to safety. Exhaustion. Even without the danger of strong currents, dogs can tire easily in water, including in a pool. They may get lost in their own enthusiasm, and then when the reality of their exhaustion seems to hit from out of nowhere, they can flounder. Keep a close eye on your dog, and encourage frequent breaks. Dogs are our best friends. No wonder we love their company wherever we go! But when planning a day of water fun, it’s important to consider a dog’s comfort and safety. By taking the right precautions, we can enjoy the warm-weather pleasures of a refreshing swim with our four-legged friend and remember it fondly, forever.  CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.  The road trip is back, baby! Now that some COVID restrictions are being lifted, thoughts are turning to going anywhere but home. But there’s someone who’s just loved having you at home, and that’s your pet. If you’re thinking about taking a road trip, your pet’s going to miss you. A lot. But if he or she is the adventurous type, taking your pet on the road might be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever share. Is Car Travel Right for Your Pet? First, you’ll have to decide if traveling by car is a good idea for your pet. All pets are individuals, just like people. Some will relish car travel, and others will be unsettled by it.
Seat Belts Save Animal Lives, Too As a passenger in your car, your pet will face the same hazards that any person would. A seat belt could save their life. For some pets, like dogs, there are car safety seats that incorporate your existing seat belt. Some allow for limited but comfortable movement (and the all-important ability to stick their head out of the window) while still preventing fatal impact in the event of an accident, or even a short stop. Some dog safety seats resemble car seats for children. Others are more like dog beds that allow the dog to nestle in while staying securely tethered to the seat belt. Other pets may feel more secure in a crate stowed safely in the back of the vehicle. When deciding whether or not car travel is right for your pet, keep in mind how they respond to the confinement of a travel carrier. Sit, Stay, Eat! When traveling with a pet by car, it’s important to plan ahead. For example, you may be able to control your bladder or ignore your rumbling belly through the next couple of rest stops, but your pet may not. Be prepared to meet your pet’s needs promptly when they arise.
If your pet eats refrigerated food, it’s easy enough to pack a cooler and replenish fresh ice along the way if necessary. You can also buy coolers and mini-fridges that plug into your car’s dashboard. Fast food is never a good idea for pets, as it can easily cause stomach upset. Eating in a moving car can do the same. (Do you really want to deal with vomit or diarrhea in such close quarters?) Perhaps more importantly, fast food can contain ingredients that are outright toxic to pets, such as onions and garlic. However, you might get lucky and find yourself near an eatery with a pet-safe menu. Here’s one website that maps them.
Never Forget: Overheated Vehicles Can Be Deadly to Pets You might think leaving your pet in the car is safe enough on a mild day, but cars can heat up quickly in all kinds of weather. On a 70° day, the inside of your vehicle can quickly climb to 90°. Within half an hour, that temperature can escalate to 120°. Never leave an animal alone in a closed car, as this can cause fatal heat stroke. For your animal’s comfort on the move, consider buying a cooling mat. Taking a road trip with your pet is possible, and it could be a ton of fun. You’ll never forget the quality time you spent with your best friend. And you never know – the next time your pet has a pleasant dream, it might be a remembrance of the fascinating sights they enjoyed on their great adventure with you. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice. |
Barktique + Meow MusingsPets make the world go round. From our heart to yours. Archives
September 2021
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
|
|
