10 Summer Dangers for Dogs — And How to Avoid Them

10 Summer Dangers for Dogs — And How to Avoid Them

Summer isn’t officially here — yet — but temperatures are climbing up across the country. Check out 10 ways to keep your dog safe as the weather warms.

The dog days of summer are opportunities for fun in the sun with Fido, but the hot summer weather also brings the following top health and safety concerns.

1. Walking dogs on hot pavement

Walks are a great way to keep your dog physically and mentally exercised, but in the summer months they come with some specific health concerns. Emmy award-winning veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber cautions that dog parents should pay special attention to the pavement and how hot it is. “Remember, even after dark the pavement retains heat and can injure your dog’s pads,” he says.

Not sure if it’s too hot? Place your hand on the pavement. If you have to pull your own hand away because it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Plan your dog walks for early morning hours, late afternoon or early evening, and always avoid having your dog out in the midday heat. If you must walk your dog in the heat of the day invest in booties to protect your dog’s sensitive pads from the hot pavement.

2. Riding in cars

When driving with your dog in the summer, always keep the air conditioning on for the safety and comfort of your dog. “If the car is too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog,” Dr. Werber explains.

Cars are dangerous places for dogs in summer heat, and dogs should never be left in a parked car, even in the shade or in a parking garage. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car increase rapidly and can quickly be fatal to your dog.

3. Leaving dogs outside

Increasingly, cities and states are instituting new legal protections for dogs that prohibit them being left outside in extreme cold or hot temperatures. In Pennsylvania, for example, people who leave dogs outside in over 90-degrees Fahrenheit heat could face steep fines or even jail time.

If for some reason your dog must be left outside, Dr. Werber advises that your dog must be provided free access to water. In addition, your dog must be able to get either natural shade or consistent shade created by an awning or other structure.

4. Brachycephalic dogs overheating

While hot weather can be dangerous for all dogs, there are particular breeds more at risk in hot weather due to breathing problems — dogs with more pushed-in faces (brachycephalic dogs) such as: Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Affenpinschers, Japanese Chins, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos and Brussels Griffons.

These dogs are better off inside in air conditioning during the hottest of summer months.

Japanese Chins are particularly at risk in hot weather. Dr. Werber also cautions that “Pekingese and Lhasa Apso have more thickness around their necks than other breeds and are more inclined to having pharyngeal stenosis. This can make breathing and panting more challenging, which is why you often hear them ‘snoring.’ These breeds are more prone to overheating.”

Before traveling, check with the airlines on any pet restrictions during warm weather months.

5. Heatstroke

Dogs pant to cool down, but ongoing panting can be a sign that your dog is overheating and in distress. If your dog has been in the heat, is incessantly panting, has slowed down, appears extremely tired and doesn’t want to move, Dr. Werber cautions that the dog could be experiencing heatstroke, which can be fatal.

If you think your dog has heatstroke, get him to a veterinarian right away. While en route, Dr. Werber says to dribble water into your dog’s mouth to keep it moist and try to soak down the feet as well as the body, which should help to bring down your dog’s overall body temperature. He advises that “room temperature water is best — you don’t want to cool them down too quickly.”

6. Not drinking enough water

Year-round, but especially in the summer heat, it’s essential that your dog has constant access to fresh water. Because risk of dehydration in dogs increases in the summer heat, make sure your dog stays hydrated while you are out enjoying the warm weather. Always carry water for your dog and have a travel water bowl with you for hikes and outings, but also for neighborhood walks. Take frequent breaks to give your dog an opportunity to drink. Dr. Werber also encourages dog guardians to “soak a bandanna in water and freeze it overnight. Wrap it around your dog’s neck before a walk.”

At home, up the amount of water you give your dog, especially if you are away from the house all day. A dog water fountain is even better, as it provides lots of fresh water all day long.

7. Shaving your dog could actually be harmful

A fur coat might look hot in the summer heat, but your dog’s fur actually keeps them cool. AKC executive secretary, Gina DiNardo, explains that while it might be tempting to give your pup a cool summer trim or shave, doing so might actually be harmful.

“People tend to think that doublecoated breeds suffer more in hot weather because of the massive amounts of coat,” she says. “However, this is not the case. Their coat traps the air closest to the skin and keeps it the same temperature as their ideal body temperature. Also, if you shave a dog down to the skin, you not only increase the risk of heatstroke, but sunburn, too.”

Gina also advises that dogs who have hair instead of fur such as Poodles and Bichons can be shaved in the summer, but to keep enough coat to protect the dog’s skin from the sun.

8. Sunburn

There are a variety of canine sunscreens on the market that can help to protect your dog’s sensitive skin from sun damage. Don’t use human sunscreens on dogs, as they usually include zinc or other ingredients not safe for dogs to ingest (since dogs lick everything!).

Sunscreen is important for areas of your dog’s body that are more exposed, such as right above the nose, the belly, abdomen and groin area. Short-coated and light-colored dogs are especially at risk of sunburns. Hairless dogs should always wear sunscreen when out in the summer.

9. Ticks

Beyond being a painful nuisance, ticks can transmit serious disease to your dog including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on flea/tick prevention, and know what diseases ticks in your area of the country spread. Carry a tick remover, and check your dog for ticks after walks.

10. Swimming concerns

Yes, dogs can drown. No, not all dogs know how to swim. Even if your dog does know how to swim, he can get tired and, unlike humans, he doesn’t know how to do the dead man’s float to rest. Always fit your pup with a canine life vest to support his mid-section and hindquarters to keep him safe. The handle at the top also makes it easy to pull your dog out of the water if you are on a boat or paddleboard.

If you have a pool, teach your dog how to safely get in and out, so he doesn’t drown trying to get out. Dogs in pools should also be wearing a canine life vest. Brachycephalic dogs, puppies, seniors, dogs with short legs and long backs and barrel-chested dogs, in particular, should always wear a canine life vest.

Source: Dogster 

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Ticks

Ticks and Everything to go With Them

Ticks. Yep, those creepy, crawly, disease ridden little nasties. That's what we're gonna be talking about today. At some point you've had one or your dog has had one or you know someone who's had one. So what do you REALLY need to worry about when it comes to ticks? We know they carry diseases but what diseases do they carry? And most importantly, how do I keep them away from me and my pet?!

Ticks

We, know, no one wants to think about ticks. Well, I'm here to tell you that you NEED to because these little babies are some nasty little buggers. You've heard the saying "ignorance is bliss" right? Well, when has that ever been a good thing? Think about it. I'll wait. .... Yeah, couldn't come up with anything, huh? Alright, back to ticks. You need to know about them because not all ticks are created equal. There's thousands of species worldwide and not all of them carry the same diseases. Ticks are arachnids. Bet ya didn't know that. And they don't fly or jump. They just camp out, waiting. When a host, like you or your pet or some other unsuspecting animal, walks by, they crawl from their little perch on the grass, bushes, or tree and make their way until they find some thin skin with close surface blood vessels to attach to.

Diseases

Ticks aren't born with the diseases they carry. They pick them up from their hosts and transmit them to other hosts. Wonderful, huh? While there are thousands of tick species worldwide, there's only a handful here in the US we need to worry about that spread disease. The Black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, is the one you need to know about because it carries Lyme disease. This tick is usually found in the Northeast and throughout the Midwest. The other ones you should know about are the American and Brown Dog ticks and the Rocky Mountain woodtick. All three of these carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The dog ticks are found across the country and the Rocky Mountain woodtick is found in the Rocky Mountains. Oh, and they don't start transmitting diseases immediately. According to the CDC, if you remove a tick within 24 hours, the chances of contracting Lyme disease is fairly low. It can take up to 36-48 hours for the bacteria to infect you. Since we're talking about diseases, let's talk about how they can carry multiple diseases at once. Ticks don't normally feed on people. They feed on everything else, then they just happen to come across a human that makes a tasty meal. Every disease they've picked up from all those other critters can now be transmitted to a human host, or your pet. 

Signs and Symptoms of Illness

The signs and symptoms from a tick born illness or disease can take days to weeks to show up and not everyone has the same reactions. If you're bitten by a tick and have a small (less than 5 cm) rash that doesn't get bigger and disappears in a few days, that's probably just an allergic reaction to the bite and not an actual disease reaction. Also, not everyone with Lyme disease will develop that tell-tale red bulls-eye rash. If you start getting flu-like symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, sore muscles, and a rash, visit your doctor right away. If your pet starts acting like they may have any of these symptoms, get them to the vet. There's no vaccine for humans against Lyme disease, but there is one for your dog. Protect yourself against ticks. If you're going to be hiking or camping out where the ticks are, wear jeans and long sleeves. Tuck your jeans into your boots. There are so many kinds of sprays with DEET and permethrin out there. Use them. Spray your clothes. Use the little wrist and belt attachment insect repellents. They even make some that are safe for your dog. 

Is Your Pet Overheated?

Is Your Pet Overheated?

Dehydration and overheating can be extremely dangerous for pets. And if you don't know what to look for when your pet is overheating, it can lead to heatstroke, which can be deadly. All too often we see this from pets, usually dogs, left in hot cars while someone runs into a store "for just a quick minute". I don't know if any of you have seen the video on Facebook of the vet in the hot car showing you how fast the temperature can climb in "just a quick minute", but those "quick minutes" usually aren't quick minutes and no animal, or human, should be left in a car for any amount of time. It's just too risky. 

Signs and Symptoms of Overheating

Heavy panting or rapid breathing

Excessive thirst

Glazed eyes

Vomiting or bloody diarrhea

Bright or dark red tongue or gums       

Staggering 

Elevated body temperature

Weakness or collapsing

Increased pulse or heartbeat

Seizures

Excessive drooling

Unconsciousness

How to Keep Your Pet Safe

1. Never leave your pet in your car. EVER.

2. Don't walk your pet on hot pavement or during the hot part of the day. Not only can the pavement burn their paws, but the heat rising from the hot surface can make your pet quickly overheat. It's best to go in the morning before the pavement heats up or in the evening and stick to the shaded areas and grass. 

3. Don't exercise your pet during the hot parts of the day. If you take your dog to the dog park, go during the cooler hours, like when you would walk them. And don't overdo it. Our pets tend to get a little excitable when it comes to playing and don't realize how hot they are getting when they are running and chasing a ball. We have to keep their best interest in mind.

4. Make sure there is always fresh water available to your pets. Outdoors and indoors there should be a bowl of fresh water for your pet. And if your pet gets too hot, you can always hose them down or turn the sprinkler on for them. 

Help Your Pet Beat the Heat

Help Your Pet Beat the Heat

We've been talking a lot about beating the heat and the dangers that come with the heat for your pets. As long as there are people who are still thinking it's okay to leave their pets in the hot car while they got into the store for "just a minute", we're going to keep preaching about the dangers and how to "beat the heat". 

1. Keep fresh water available at all times for your pet. 

2. Your pet needs 1 ounce of water per 1 pound of their body weight. If you have an 80 pound dog, he needs 80 ounces of water available to him. If your cat weighs 12 pounds, she needs 12 ounces of water.

3. Dogs sweat and keep themselves cool by panting. 

4. Cats sweat through their paws.

5. Make sure shade is available when outside.

6. Bring your pets inside to the air conditioning.

7. Rub them with damp towels. Dogs would probably appreciate a run through a hose or dog pool. We can't say the same thing for cats, though. 

8. Make them some frozen treats. 

9. Get them a cooling pad to lay on. 

10. Brush them daily to get rid of all that shedding undercoat. 

11. Don't laugh - freeze your dogs toys. Put them in some water and chicken broth and freeze them. It will also stimulate their mind while giving them a nice frozen treat to help them cool off.

Too Hot to Walk!

How Hot is Too Hot?

Fido wants to go out for a walk. He has his leash in his mouth and brought it to you. Now he's impatiently waiting by the door. "Let's go, mom", he barks. He doesn't understand that it's 95 degrees out there and you're concerned about his little feet. And at this point, he doesn't care. So how hot is too hot for you to take him on his walk? If you're able to go outside and place the BACK of your hand, not the palm, on the pavement and keep it there for 5 seconds, then it's okay to take him on his walk. Now, if you go out and place your hand on the pavement and the back of your hand starts to burn after 3 seconds and you can't keep your hand there, Fido is going to have to wait for that walk unless there is a nice grassy area for you to take him. If your pet is high-stepping, it's too hot for them, even if you did the 5 second back of the hand test. 

Tips for Walking Your Dog in Hot Weather

Take your pet for walks in the morning or in the evening when the pavement is cooler. Not only will this help prevent burns on their paws, it will make them less susceptible to overheating as the day gets warmer. Take a collapsible water bowl with you on your walk. If you notice your dog getting too hot, take a break and give him a drink. You'll already have the bowl with you. Take your dog on walks in the grass. No asphalt to walk on means no burns. Live in the city or don't have any grass for your dog to walk in? Check your local pet store for dog boots. There are many styles and sizes available in several price ranges to keep your pooch protected. If your dog can't do the boots, look for protective salve. If you suspect your pet has burns on their paws, take them to the vet. 

Summer Safety Tips

Summer Safety Tips

It's starting to get hot out. Okay, okay, it is hot out. It's only going to get hotter as we head into summer. We all know that as it warms up, our pets need to have fresh water at all times and a shady area to go to so they can cool off. But there are so many other things to take into consideration for your fur-babies when the weather starts to heat up. For instance, if your pets don't have that fresh water and shade, they can actually have a heat stroke. Which leads me to the next thing. Pets in cars. It happens every year. Animals, and kids, die in locked cars every year. "But I left the windows cracked!" Yeah...have you sat in a car with the windows cracked for 10 minutes? In the sun? When it's "just" 80 degrees out? You start to get miserable after just 10 minutes! Imagine how you'd feel after 30! So, with these things in mind, we're gonna move on to this list of do's and don'ts for your furbaby in this heat.

1. Access to fresh water everywhere. One bowl on the porch isn't gonna cut it. Put it in the shade and then add a couple more around the yard. 

2. No pets left in hot cars. Period.

3. Make sure your playful pet doesn't overexert themselves. This means you may have to limit their exercise if you have a super playful pup.

4. Walk your pets in the morning or later in the evening. If that asphalt is too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for their little feet!

5. Protect your pet from sunburn. Yes, you read that right, sunburn. If your furbaby is a hairless breed or has lighter hair, it's easier for them to burn. Take precautions to protect their skin. And don't shave your pet.

6. All pets are susceptible to heat stroke, but those with flat faces are more susceptible since they can't pant as effectively. 

7. Keep your pets away from fireworks. Most pets don't like the noise anyway, but fireworks are toxic to your pets.

8. Pets and BBQ grills and food don't mix. Grills can get knocked over and most of the foods and drinks found at BBQ's are toxic to pets. 

9. Keep all lawn, garden, insecticides and rodent killers away from pets. 

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Overheating and Heat Stroke

Excessive panting and trouble breathing, excessive drooling, discolored gums, mild weakness and mobility problems, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, and high temperatures. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, please get them to a vet immediately.