Summer time is finally here! Dr. Melanie Wood and her staff love taking their pets outside to shake off the cobwebs from winter time. With the hot weather though, comes responsibility. Your pets do not have the same ability that we have to know when we are overheating and need a break to cool off indoors. We have put together a list of several tips and tricks to get your pets through the summer safe and sound.
#1 FRESH WATER- As with any person or animal, pets need access to water 24/7. If the bowl has been sitting in the sun for an extended period of time, make sure to dump it out and pour in some fresh or throw some ice cubes in it to cool it off!
#2 Check up at MSAH- Getting your pets checked out to make sure they are healthy enough to perform physical activity such as walks and days at the park, are definitely necessary. We can help make sure your pet is in tip, top shape to go everywhere with you this summer! We can also test your pets for heartworm disease, which they get from mosquitos. Once they test negative, we can get them on a monthly preventative so through the spring, summer and fall they are protected! We also will get them on a monthly flea and tick preventative so you don’t get those pesky bugs in your house! They are easy to acquire but a pain in the rear to get rid of!
#3 Watch out for overheating- Knowing what to watch for can be a good indicator your pet needs a break indoor to cool off. Panting excessively, drooling, mild weakness and high heartrate are all signs you want to watch out for to indicate your animal is getting too hot! Pets with flat faces, such as pugs, overheat twice as fast because they cannot pant as well. Elderly pets, overweight pets and those with heart disease all need to be inside as much as possible in the summer time. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, call us immediately and Dr. Wood will get your pet checked out as soon as possible.
#4 Don’t leave pets in an unattended vehicle- For the same reason kids can’t be left in a shut off car, our pets can’t either! Even with the windows down, it is too hot for our little friends. On an average 85 degree day, it only takes ten minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102 degrees!
#5 Be cautious on Pavement! – If the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for your pet! You can cause burns on the paw pads very easily if taking walks outside and not realizing how hot the pavement is. Try to stay in the grass or only walk in the mornings or late evenings.
#6 Be mindful at parties- Foods and drinks we have at BBQ’s and picnics can be potentially dangerous for the ever wandering nose of our four legged friends. Please call the staff at Main Street Animal Hospital if your pet eats something it shouldn’t so that we can get you the help your pet may need or put your mind at ease if it isn’t a big deal. Also don’t bring your pets with you to fireworks. They are fun for us, but not always for them. The loud noises cause anxiety and fear in animals and if they are within a close distance, they can cause burns to your pets.