Though Memorial Day has come and gone, we pet owners must
always be prepared for the numerous hazards and stressors as- sociated 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 +/- 0.5 F) 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. Tem-
peratures 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
“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. “- James Herriot
AUGUST 2014 | | RAGE monthly 43 AUGUST 2014 RAGE monthly
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