SUMMER TIPS FOR PET CARE

No time of year presents as many concerns for the health and well-being of our pets as summer.  School is out and the temperature is rising.  What better topic for the column today than care of our pets now that summer is upon us?  Here are some tips to keep your pets healthy and happy this season.

HEAT - Though well publicized, it bears repeating – don’t leave a dog in a car on a warm or hot day.  From www.MyDogIsCool.com, here are some numbers:  “A little heat outside a car can quickly make it very hot inside. On a summer's day of only 85 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, even keeping the windows slightly open won't stop the inside temperature from climbing to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 120 degrees in 20 minutes. A dog whose body temperature rises to 107-108 degrees will within a very short time suffer irreparable brain damage — or even death. “  

 For dogs who either live outside or play outside with their owners, watch for heatstroke, a deadly condition identified by rapid panting, excessive salivation, staggering, and/or collapse.  First aid manuals suggest you remove your pet from direct heat if possible, then wet your pet with cool water, making sure the water hits the skin.  Get your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital as quickly as possible.  Some effects of heat stroke may not show up for hours or days.  Remember, if your pet is old, overweight or in poor health, she is even more susceptible to heat stroke.  Be sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool water, shade, and air circulation when outside.

CHILDREN – When school is over, more children are playing outside.  Since any dog will bite, be sure you take all steps to keep pets and children safe.  Dogs should be supervised or contained at all times.  A fence that does not allow children and/or other dogs or wildlife into your dog’s area is best – chain link or wood.  Parents who have not taught children safety tips around dogs should do so now.  For the best information, I recommend you check www.doggonesafe.com .  Teach how to “Be a Tree” and what the stress signs of a dog look like.  Children and dogs should always be supervised when together. 

PARASITES – Ticks and fleas, yuck.  Summer is paradise for them and your pet is like a trip to a food festival.  Pets should be checked daily by rubbing your hands through their fur.  Fleas can be seen scurrying to a safer location or you may find “flea dirt” on your pet’s skin.  There are many commercial flea treatments on the market.  For those of us who prefer more natural remedies, look for herbal powders or try a rinse of lemon skin tonic made from a whole lemon, thinly sliced, added to 1 pint of almost boiling water then allowed to steep overnight.

 Ticks can be coated with petroleum jelly or a tick spray, then removed with tweezers.  Be sure to get the whole tick, including the head, by pulling slowly and firmly, then flush it down the toilet.  For more suggestions, check out Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

VETERINARY CARE –If it’s been a while since your pet has visited the vet, now is the time!  The most important contribution you can make to the health of your pets is a yearly exam, twice yearly for the aging ones.  Veterinarians can often catch disease at early onset and successfully treat it.  Heartworm preventatives, especially at this time of the year when mosquitoes are abundant, are important.   One of the easiest conditions to prevent, it is also dangerous and expensive to treat when the parasites become well established. 

If you plan to travel, your pet will need to be up-to-date with his rabies vaccination, the only required vaccination in all states.  Most states, including Tennessee, recommend pets receive the three year duration rabies vaccine, so you should have no problem with this.  Some places require extra vaccinations if you board your pet, be sure to check with the kennel or pet sitter well in advance.  It may take up to 14 days before the vaccine is effective.  Of course, vaccinations are highly controversial and I would suggest to all pet owners that they research the topic. 

Don’t forget the advantages of spaying or neutering your pet. Now is a great time to make an appointment with your veterinarian or the Humane Society Spay/Neuter. 

Summer is a great time of year filled with opportunities to have fun with your furkids.  Take time to ensure their safety and health. 

Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services in Cookeville.