Summertime Pet Safety Tips

Though Memorial Day has come and gone, we pet owners must always be prepared for the numerous hazards and stressors associated with summertime. Sun exposure, seasonal temperature changes, commemorative foods and holiday festivities all create potential dangers for our companion canines and felines.

As the person responsible for all aspects of your pet's day-to-day health, take steps to ensure that your pet does not experience negative health effects during the dog days of summer.

1. Maintain a Climate Controlled Environment for Your Pet

Increased temperatures associated with summer create many pet-health risks. Dogs and cats primarily rid their bodies of heat through their respiratory tracts (trachea and lungs) and skin, as they lack the ability to sweat like we humans. Therefore, most pets can't acclimate as well to hot or humid environments.

Juvenile, geriatric, sick, overweight or obese and brachycephalic (short-faced, like the English Bulldog or Pug) pets have an especially challenging time acclimat- ing to heat and humidity.

Summertime climates increase pets' risk for hyperthermia (elevation in body temperature). Dogs and cats have a higher resting temperature (100-102.5 +/- 0.5F) than humans. Mild to serious health issues occur when the body temperature increases above normal range within minutes to hours depending on a pet's ability to adjust to heat. Prolonged hyperthermia can cause lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, organ failure and prolonged blood clotting times, seizures, coma and even death.

During warmer seasons, provide air conditioning and well-circulated air to keep your pet cool while indoors and during vehicular travel.

2. Ready Your Pet's Coat and Skin for Summer

Caring for your pet's coat is essential to maintaining normal body temperature year-round. A well-groomed coat permits circulation of air at the skin surface and transfer of heat out of the body.

Although most dogs and cats have a thick coat of hair, sunburn is a realistic risk during summertime months, or for pets living in perpetually balmy climates. Pink-skinned, light-colored and thin-haired pets should wear sun protection or be confined to the shade.

The ears, nose and other exposed skin can be covered with pet-appropriate clothing or a pet-safe sunscreen free from salicylates and zinc oxide. However, both are toxic if ingested. Epi-Pet Sun Protector Sunscreen is the only product currently on the market that meets the Food and Drug Administration's safety standards for dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends sunscreen application at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.

3. Exercise Your Pet During Cooler Hours of the Day

Pets should never be exercised in excessively hot or humid environments. Temperatures are coolest during dawn, dusk and evening hours, though such times should be avoided in areas where mosquitoes or biting insects thrive.

Providing rest, shade and hydration at least every 15 minutes during exercise helps ward off hyperthermia and dehydration. If your pooch refuses to run or walk, never force continued activity and make sure to schedule an examination with your veterinarian.

4. Keep the Festive Foods and Drinks Away from Your Pet

Although barbecues provide festive fun for people, they can be dangerous for our pets.

Only grill from a height above what is reachable by your pet. Ground-dwelling hibachi grills place your pet in the direct line of danger. Depending on the duration of and type of heat exposure, pets can suffer first, second or third degree burns.

The delectable aroma of barbecued foods creates a strong instinctual attraction for curious canine noses and mouths ready for a smell or taste. Additionally, foods left out in preparation for cooking or in preparation to serve are easy targets. Always keep food out of reach of your canine or feline companion and use sealed containers to prevent "counter surfing" and episodes of dietary indiscretion.

Consumption of food and beverages typically found at summertime gatherings can cause serious digestive upset for pets. Bones, fat (cheese, animal skin, desserts, nuts, etc.), fruit (grapes, raisins, etc.), meat, vegetables (onion, chives, etc.), salt, sugar, spices, chocolate, alcohol and other ingredients all have potential health risks.

Clinical signs of digestive tract upset include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy and more. Metabolic diseases like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney or liver damage, electrolyte imbalances, anemia and other ailments can happen after ingestion of foods served at barbecues.

Always make sure your guests are well-informed about and adhere to established pet-safety party guidelines.

5. Never Take Your Pet to View Fireworks

Never allow your pet access to an area where fireworks are being set off. Quiet, cool, isolated rooms inside your home are most suitable spaces for pets during firework displays. If needed, confine your pet to a comfortable crate to prevent escape attempts through open doors or windows and to avoid anxiety behaviors such as the ingestion of inappropriate household materials (carpet, drapes, etc.). Television programs or music act as a distraction and can also mask loud sounds from fireworks.

Exercising your pet in the hours leading up to a fireworks display can also help relieve stress. Appropriately fatigued pets have a greater need for rest and are less prone to exhibit anxious behaviors (vocalizing, panting, pacing, hiding, salivating, inappropriately defecating or urinating, etc.).

If needed, use veterinary prescribed anxiety-relieving drugs (Alprazolam, etc.), over the counter medications (Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride= Benadryl), or natural products (Rescue Remedy Pet, etc.) to relieve stress associated with fireworks and confinement. Always consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate use of such products for your pet.

Have a safe, fun, and memorable summer with your pet.

Patrick Mahaney VMD, CVA, CVJ is a veterinarian, certified veterinary acupuncturist and founder of his own Los Angeles-based house call practice, California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW). He also works on an in-facility basis at the Veterinary Cancer Group (Culver City, CA) vetcancergroup.com.