Many individuals are lounging by the pools or having barbeques with family and friends. But, as you enjoy your summer activities, have you thought about how your animals are surviving what are often termed the dog days of summer?
Summertime can be very miserable for animals, said Dr. McCoy, DVM, of the Walden Pond Animal Hospital, especially if your pet is an outside pet. Just take a moment to realize, if you have a long-haired animal and they are constantly outside, just how miserable you would be. Long-haired animals should receive a proper cutting during the summer months, especially if they are outside pets. This just helps keep the animal more comfortable. But short-haired animals that will be in the sun also need sunscreen. An animal that has a very thin coat of fur will tend to burn, if they do not have sunscreen on.
Keeping an animal cool and keeping an animal from suffering from sunburn is very important, but McCoy strongly reminds all animal owners of the importance of never leaving an animal in a vehicle.
Never leave an animal in an automobile, McCoy said. Even if the day seems a little cooler to you, the sun can raise the temperatures inside your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes. This is a disaster waiting to happen.
Although keeping an animal trimmed during the summer months helps keep the animal comfortable, always remember to give them fresh, cool water as often as possible. An animal can never have too much water during the hot summer months.
Actually, whether you have a pet indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to a lot of water, McCoy said. Check your animals water bowl several times a day. Remember, if you both decide to venture outdoors during the heat of the day, take plenty of water for the both of you.
Pet owners should also be very cautious of humid days. Humidity interferes with animals ability to rid themselves of excess body heat.
When we overheat, we sweat, and, when the sweat dries, it takes excess heat with it, McCoy said. Our animals only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Although it is a very efficient way to control their body heat, it is limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close corners. That is why it is very important, if you can to bring your pet inside to cool off throughout the day if possible. If not, always have a shaded area for your outside pets to get a little relief from the scorching temperatures.
Every animal loves to jump around and just have fun, which is a great form of exercise, but during the summertime, this can be a dangerous activity for some animals.
Make sure your pet does not overexert themselves, McCoy said. Yes, exercise is very important to animals in helping them maintain their appropriate weight. But overdoing it can cause your pet to overheat. Keep an eye out for your pet suffering from a heat stroke. A heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet has had a heatstroke, you must act quickly and calmly. Call your veterinarian immediately.
Staying on top of making sure your pet comfortable during the summer months is very important and is the proper thing to do as a responsible pet owner. But, one more factor should be mentioned and obeyed – having your pet vaccinated for rabies.
Having your pet vaccinated for rabies is a must, McCoy said. There are two forms of rabies – one form being known as the dumb form of rabies and the other the furious rabies. The dumb rabies mainly affects the spinal cord, causing the animal to be weak-limbed, lethargic, and unable to raise its head or make sounds, because neck and throat muscles are paralyzed. In the beginning phase of paralytic rabies, an animal may also appear to be choking. The furious rabies largely affects the brain and causes an infected animal to be aggressive or excitable (the very picture of the foaming-at-the-mouth, lsquo;mad dog image people have of rabies). All mammals can get rabies. I encourage every pet owner to get their animal vaccinated. It is an annual vaccination, but a new vaccination has been released which is good for three years. However, you must ask for that particular vaccination.
Every pet owner should do everything possible to making sure your pets life is a healthy life. Take your pet for regular visits to your veterinarian. This allows pet owners and veterinarians to stay on top of their pets health. A happy pet is a healthy pet.
For more information on services available at the Walden Pond Animal Hospital, call 693-5545.
Tags: Your Animals
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