Top 4 Summertime Dangers for Pets

Summer sun might be great for tan lines, but the heat could spell disaster for your pets. As the mercury rises, take just a few moments to ensure that your pets are safe and prevent an urgent trip to The PARC for emergency care!

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a real emergency for dogs that can be fatal. Because dogs don’t sweat like we do, they can’t cool off easily. 

Every spring and summer we treat several dogs for heat exhaustion – one German Shepherd collapsed after a long run with his owner; a small Pom got too hot while waiting outside of a restaurant; and a 4-year-old Lab heated up after a long day of running errands with her owner. Sadly, all of these pets passed away, leaving a wake of devastation for their grieving owners.

Any outdoor pet can overheat on a warm day, but short-faced breeds – like pugs and bulldogs – are at a higher risk. In addition, every year thousands of pets succumb to heatstroke because they were left in cars for a short time. On a 100-degree day, it takes only 15 minutes for the temperature inside of a car to reach 140 degrees. Even on a 70-degree day, the temp inside a car can soar to over 110 degrees in less than one hour! Learn more about pet heatstroke

Fireworks

Even after the sun goes down your pets still have things to worry about that they don't understand like fireworks. The bright flashes and loud bangs are terrifying. Fireworks can cause anxiety and stress and even prompt some pets to escape and run away. Each year on Independence Day, Memorial Day and even New Year’s Eve, our emergency staff ends up tending to the injuries of these frightened pets.

Thunderstorms

Some pets react in a similar way to thunderstorms. Normally calm pets may become distressed, destructive and even bite in an attempt to get away from the noises. If your pet has severe thunderstorm anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about it. We can help by prescribing sedatives to give your dog when you know a storm is coming. We’ve had great success with a medication called Sileo that helps calm dogs that are frightened by loud noises of all kinds – fireworks, thunder, construction work, traffic or even the vacuum cleaner.

Pests

Warm weather brings out many pests. Fleas and ticks are two examples, but some species of biting flies are very fond of dogs’ ears. Repeated bites can cause a condition that can be serious and difficult to control known as “fly strike.” Make sure your pet is on flea and tick preventatives. We like Bravecto – one dose covers three months of prevention.

So how do you keep your dogs and cats safe this summer?

Summer Precautions for Pet Owners

• Be aware of the weather forecast.
• Don’t leave your pet unattended outside on hot, humid days. If your pet is left outdoors, make sure there's water and shade.
• Leave your pet at home. Even a few minutes in a hot car is dangerous.
• If you find your pet disoriented, panting excessively or collapsed in the yard, get him to The PARC immediately so that we can begin lifesaving treatments.
• If you are planning to take your pets to any outdoor celebrations or cookouts, find out first if they are welcome or if fireworks are planned. It might be easier to eave the dogs at home.
• If your pet has any kind of anxiety, talk to your vet at The PARC. We have great sedatives that are really safe and help take the edge off. 

Summertime is fun. Don’t let a pet emergency spoil your good time.