Spring and Summer are great times to get out and about with your dog. Unfortunately, dogs run the greatest risk of injury and heat related health problems in the spring and summer months. However, by educating yourself, being prepared and attentive, and taking some preventative measures, you will lessen the chances of injury or illness for your dog. Consult with your veterinarian about their recommendations related to spring/summer nutrition, activities, warm weather concerns and, other, health and safety issues. And, be sure to ask your veterinarian for specific instructions related to emergency situations. Especially, his/her recommendations related to emergency first aid and contact/transport procedures. During an emergency situation, your swift and appropriate reaction can be the difference between life and death for your dog. Be sure that you familiarize yourself with this information before being confronted with an emergency situation.

HEAT (and HUMIDITY) RELATED CONSIDERATIONS:

Not just the canine athletes are in danger of experiencing heat stroke. Every pet is susceptible. Unlike humans who sweat to cool themselves, dogs and cats cool by panting. This draws air over the moist membranes of the nose and tongue and cools by evaporation. But panting only works for a short time. Prolonged panting can critically upset your dog's metabolic system. High humidity diminishes the cooling effect of panting, increasing the possibility of heatstroke. Pets often survive hot days yet succumb on cooler days that are more humid. To lessen the possibility of your dog being a victim, observe the following safety measures: Never leave your pet in a parked car - It's extremely dangerous. And the number one cause of heatstroke. Even on an 70 degree day, the temperature inside a car can get up to 150 degrees in minutes. Leaving a window cracked doesn't prevent heat build-up. Dogs don't sweat, and they don't have an efficient way to cool themselves down.

Provide plenty of fresh water 24 hours a day - Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature. Make sure to use a sturdy, no-slip, no-tip water bowl that will not become unreachable or tip over.

Your may notice a decrease in your dog's appetite during warm weather. Consult with your veterinarian for his or her recommendations with regard to your dog's diet. If your going to be leaving your dog alone, have a plan in case you will be gone for several hours or, a backup plan, in case your return is delayed. Arrange for a relative, friend or neighbor to check on your pet and provide any needed care.

Watch for hot pavement and beaches - Sensitive paws burn easily.

Find a cool spot - If you do not have central air conditioning, or there are areas of the house where it is warmer in the summer, you need to take some extra steps to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Keep the air circulating with a child-proof fan or window air conditioner. However, do not place the fan in a location that will not allow your pet to regulate their exposure (i.e., do not put a large fan directly in front of their crate, etc.) And, when outdoors, provide your pet with sufficient shade and a constant supply of clean, cool water. Remember the shade will 'move' as the day progresses. Check on your pet frequently. Additionally, a sprinkle from your garden hose can provide some welcomed relief.

Watch the exercise and diet - Don't encourage exercise during the hottest part of the day. Wait for cooler, evening hours to exercise and play. And let them eat less. Overeating can lead to overheating. Your dog does not know when to quit exercising. It is up to YOU to protect your pet. Sunburn is no day at the beach - It hurts. Short-haired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are especially susceptible. Limit their exposure.

Long coats hold in body heat - Black dogs absorb the sun's rays, so they get hot more quickly than lighter-colored dogs. Clipping the dog's coat a little shorter for summer will also help to keep the dog cooler, but DO NOT shave the dog. That can lead to sunburn.

Being able to recognize the signs of trouble is important to responding in a timely and successful manner. Learn the symptoms of heat related illness and appropriate responses. ANY one of the symptoms listed should be considered a warning sign:

Heat Stroke - Excessive panting, drooling, a bright red tongue and gums, and the skin on the inside of the ears may become flushed and red. Weakness, wobble in walk, fainting or loss of consciousness.

Response: If your dog is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, cease all activity immediately. Cool your dog down as quickly as possible. YOU MUST TAKE EMERGENCY ACTION. Do not wait to get to the veterinarian's office. Hose down or shower your dog with cool, not cold, water or give it a cool water rubdown right away. However, cooling the body back to normal is often not sufficient to save your dog's life. Follow your veterinarian's emergency procedures to secure professional medical assistance for your dog AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If you are unfamiliar with your veterinarian's emergency medical procedures, contact him or her for instructions. And, if you are unable to contact your vet, or are out of town, proceed to the nearest available emergency veterinary facility as soon as possible. IT IS ALWAYS BEST to have these plans in place BEFORE an emergency situation arises.
 
 

CREEPERS, CRAWLERS, & OTHER CRITTERS:

Keep vaccinations up-to-date
This is the time when most pets come in contact with other animals;at parks, campgrounds, etc.

Stop external parasites before they bite
Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in warm, humid environments. Depending on where you live, fleas can be a real problem. They can lead to skin problems and invade your home. It is best that you consult with your veterinarian for their specific recommendations for a preventive program. Many flea products can be highly toxic to your pet and your family. Just because the product is accepted does not mean you should use it.

One approach is to dip a flea comb in rubbing alcohol and run it through your pet's coat. Repeat until you have gone through the whole coat. Doing this once a day should help, at a minimum, to reduce your dog's flea problem.

Brush after every heel - Frequent brushing provides early warning of parasites and skin infections by lifting the coat, permitting a view of the skin below.

Avoid internal parasites
Heartworms - are internal parasites that are transmitted to dogs by mosquitoes. Because dogs infested with heartworms can suffer severe distress and die from heart failure, you should see a veterinarian for preventative medicine. Many people erroneously choose not to give heartworm medication during winter months thinking the mosquitoes are dormant. But not every area's winters kill mosquitoes - it is better to be safe than sorry. All dogs must be tested before receiving the preventative medications, even dogs receiving the preventative on a year-round basis. This is because some occult heartworms can manage to survive in a few dogs taking the preventatives. Be sure your dog has been heartworm tested and is on a preventive program.
 
 

GENERAL SAFETY::

Some potential dangers are not as obvious as others. Keep the following in mind for a safer and more enjoyable summer for your dog.

ALL Activities - Consult your veterinarian for the level and type of activity that he or she recommends for your dog, especially biking. Biking is very physically demanding for your dog and you must be certain that it is appropriate and safe for your individual breed and dog. Make sure your dog's vaccinations are current and that you have followed your veterinarian's recommended schedule for examinations. Start out slow and watch your dog carefully. Look for signs of fatigue and allow your pet to rest.

Hiking & Biking - Do not hike or bike with your dog during extremely hot weather or during the hotter times of the day. Bring water for your pet and offer it often. While this will vary with each individual dog, approx. every 5 minutes on a run or bike ride and every 15 - 20 minutes on a hike. Always observe the rules of the land. Keep your pet from approaching wildlife. Take breaks. Only use appropriate, safety tested, dog-specific equipment with your dog and observe extreme caution with regard to road or path conditions, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and surroundings.

Altitude - Remember that higher elevations affect your pet as much or more as it does you. Also dehydration can be another problem of higher elevations.

It's allergy season - People sneeze. Pets scratch. Common pet allergies include pollen, grass, weeds and fleas. If your pet scratches excessively or chews itself, take it to your veterinarian for an exam. They can design a program to help and will be able to prescribe medication that will make your pet more comfortable.

Traveling in the Car - Travel kennels, vehicle harnesses, or pet barriers allow you and your pet to travel safely. Do not let your pet travel in an open truck bed, trailer or other platform. Do not leave your pet's lead attached while traveling in the car with your dog. Leads can be caught in doors, windows, on arm rests, crates, windows cranks, etc. and, in the event of an accident, can pose a greater danger.

Power Windows - A dog, with it's head out the window, can be injured if the power window button is stepped on or hit. Lock the power window buttons or, if your car does not have one, do not open the window enough for the dog to fit its head through it.

The streets aren't safe - Don't let your pet roam. Just in case - make sure your pet is licensed. We see twice as many fight injuries and bite wounds in summer. And, of course, your pet is no match for a car.

Proper identification is most important at this time of the year. Make sure you have a safety collar with water/weatherproof identification tag containing accurate, current contact information.

The yard isn't always safe, either - Be cautious of pesticides and herbicides. Read the precautions for lawn chemicals carefully and keep pets away from newly treated yards. If pets come in contact with chemicals, wash their feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly, then contact your veterinarian.

Make sure your windows do not provide an opportunity for your dog to escape or or take an accidental fall. Install screens or whatever secure. Not every dog swim or swim well - Animals in the water for the first time should be eased in, never thrown or chased in. And, after a dip, rinse them off. Salt and minerals can damage a dog's coat.

Do not let your pets drink from pools, streams, or the ocean. Sea water is toxic in large quantities and can be fatal if he drinks enough.

Bathing & Grooming - Remember that a pets coat is balanced by nature and, with regular brushing, most animals don't need frequent bathing. Too much bathing can cause skin problems. Your companion animal may also exhibit more skin problems in warm weather. If your animal is scratching more than usual or has raw skin, call the vet. Daily brushing will help keep your pet's coat healthy and clean.

Visitors & Visiting - TRAIN and SOCIALIZE your dog. Do not expect others to put up with your misbehaving dog. Make sure any potential visitors are aware of your pets as a part of the invitation process. Familiarize your guests with your 'pet house rules' (i.e., treats, door opening and closing, behaviors that should not be encouraged, etc.). Conversely, do not spring surprise pet guests on your hosts/hostesses and be prepared to abide by any rules or requests they make of you with regard to your pet. If you are unable to do so, find alternative accomodation. It is not fair to expect others to significantly alter their lives to accomodate your pet.

Always remember that when you are out with your pet to be courteous to others. TRAIN and SOCIALIZE your dog. Do not expect others to put up with your misbehaving dog. In public situations, always have control of your dog. Do not let your dog approach or jump on other people or to run freely.

Spay or neuter your dog There are several medical and behavioral advantages to having your dog altered. Additionally, one female dog and her offspring can produce contribute 67,000 puppies in 6 years. Considering the MILLIONS of dogs that are prematurely euthanized annually (most recent estimates I've read are between 4 and 6 million dogs and puppies per year), it is your responsibility as a pet owner to not be a contributor to this sad situation.