Summertime Pet Cautions

It’s official, summer is here!  As we head out into the warm weather with our furry friends there are some things to be aware of when comes to their safety.

Thunderstorms/ Fireworks
Many dogs and cats have anxiety around fireworks and thunder.  If your dog or cat is having anxiety around these events, avoid them when possible, and if they are unavoidable, be aware of when they are going to take place and make necessary preparations.  Make sure they are in a secure location, as comfortable as possible, and that they cannot run away.  Some pets need additional help to manage their anxiety such as Thundershirts, supplements or medication.  Talk to your veterinarian about strategies to manage your pets' thunderstorm or firework anxieties.

Swimming
As the weather heats up many of us and our dogs head to the closest body of water for a refreshing swim.  Be sure to monitor your dog closely for fatigue, swimming ability and swimming with small children as one can cause swimming distress to the other.  If your dog needs one, there are Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) that are widely available for just about every size dog.  A PFD is always recommended if you are taking your dog out on a boat.  Algae blooms are also a concern during the summer months as some can be toxic to dogs and they tend to swallow water when they swim.  Be aware of them and avoid letting your dog swim in areas that have algae or appear unclean.

Compost
Most of the year our pets pay little attention to the compost pile but as the temperature warms so does the compost.  As the compost starts to gain an attractive smell our pets can sometimes not resist a little snack.  Unfortunately, many of the organisms that make a great compost can cause severe toxicity in our pets.  Be sure your pets do not have access to your summer compost piles.

Barbeque
It's hard to think summer without thinking barbeque.  Our pets sometimes get to eat more than we do!  Be careful; we have seen problems arise from ingested wire-cleaning brushes to burns from that really delightful smelling food on the grill to severe stomach upset from that delicious grease trap or bone scraps.  However, nothing brings bigger fear to a veterinarian than the dreaded corn cob.  They are everywhere, delectable, non-digestible and just the perfect size to get stuck in the intestinal tract.  So, please, dispose of those corn cobs carefully and be sure to let your veterinarian know if your dog happens to eat one.

Heat
Hopefully, by now, we are all aware of the dangers of leaving your pet in the car during the summer months.  There are, however, less obvious problems from the heat that may arise.   Please acclimate your pet slowly to the warmer weather.  Sitting all week in the air conditioning and then going for a 5-mile hike on the weekend is not a good idea; start with short excursions and work your way up to those long hikes, and if it's excessively hot, avoid them altogether.  If your dog is a short-nosed breed such as a Pug or Bulldog, be extra cautious as these guys cannot dissipate body heat very well in warm and humid weather.  Monitor for signs of heat exhaustion which can include excessive panting or salivation.  Cool with a fan, A/C, or wet towels when needed.  Also please be aware of those poor feet.  Hot pavement or sand can cause significant damage to your best friend’s paws. Avoid hot pavement and sand, or use booties when needed.

UV Sun Exposure
Hair protects most of our pets from the harmful effects of UV sun exposure but there are some pets and some areas that are at risk. Dogs and cats with a thin coat, or that are white or light pigmented are most susceptible, and many pets have areas that are hairless.  Typical areas to be mindful of are tops of noses, tips of ears, and hairless bellies.  Keeping your pet in the shade or indoors during the sunniest part of the day, or using a sun-protective shirt or pet-safe sunscreen may be your best preventative.


Should you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone at 845-876-6008, or by e-mail at [email protected].

Thank you for choosing us to be part of your pet's healthcare team!

With warmest regards,
Your friends at Rhinebeck Animal Hospital

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Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Thursday:

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Friday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

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