Vets offer tips to keep pets cool in summer
June 11th, 2008 Posted in Pets GuideDogs, cats and other pets need to be provided for when the weather starts to warm up. And while the process is simple, vets are reminding pet owners it does not need to be neglected.
Dr. Greg Howell of the Animal Medical Center said keeping pets healthy and cool begins with simply having enough fresh water accessible for them to drink.
“Have plenty of fresh water, and monitor it more closely in the summertime,” he said. “The other issue, especially in animals that stay out all the time, is their water consumption goes up and their food consumption goes down.”
Dr. Bob Watson of Brookhaven Animal Hospital said one good idea for keeping dogs cool and hydrated at the same time is to get them a plastic kiddy pool to play and soak in, as well as to drink. Still, he said, fresh water that is changed daily is a must.
“Some dogs outside may spill their water bowls, so make sure they have access to water at all times,” he said. “A kiddy pool might make a big mess, but if they can get into a pool of water they can keep cool.”
Nursing puppies are especially at a risk since dogs do not sweat. They aerate their systems by panting, and nursing and panting are not exactly easy to do at the same time, Watson said.
Another problem pets face, ironically, is that of living in air-conditioned environments. While it makes their lives easier while they’re inside, owners should monitor their pets during walks or playtime on a hot day.
Even when playtime is commuted to the cooler parts of the day, owners must remember pets always have a fur coat on, and the only way they can cool themselves is by panting. Thus, even cooler temperatures in the summer can be too hot for a dog.
“Early morning joggers want to get out to run and their pet will run with them, but they need to be careful because even though it’s still early and cooler, it can be dangerous for them then as well,” Howell said.
Watson said the breed of dog can also make a difference in how much time they should spend outdoors. Some dogs that are now common household pets were actually bred to live in much colder temperatures.
“There are double-coated breeds, like chows and huskies animals that were never meant to be in this area they have a thick undercoat that’s there for insulation,” he said. “Most other breeds that aren’t double-coated, the coat actually helps a little in that it also keeps them from direct sunlight.”
If pets stay outdoors, the right kind of accommodations are a must, Howell said. Many dog owners are not aware that some dog houses are made to keep pets warm during cold weather.
And speaking of air flow, Howell said, cars are a serious issue for pets, especially with the cost of fuel as high as it is.
“Don’t leave your dog in your vehicle unless you leave it running,” Howell said. “I know with the price of gas, people are going to want to cut the air off, but if you’re going to leave the dog in there, you should leave the air on. They’ll overheat in a matter of minutes.”
Dog owners are warned to watch their pets for signs of heat stroke in the summer. Howell said if a dog is exhibiting excessive panting and salivation and seems listless or weak, he should be taken to the vet’s office immediately.
And with cars at more of a risk for overheating and boiling over, Watson said, it’s important to know where your dog is and what he could be getting into.
“Remember antifreeze is extremely toxic to them, that does occur in the hot temperatures,” he said. “It’s always worthwhile on hot days to remember if your car runs hot and boils over.”
Watson also warned against working hunting dogs too hard in the latter part of the summer.
“We tend to see a lot of dogs for overheating that have been out retrieving doves after labor day, when people are taking them hunting and working them out. Be very careful if you’re doing that,” he said.
Summer is also an important time to make sure your pets are protected against fleas and ticks. Veterinarians warn that many over-the-counter flea and tick treatments can be dangerous to animals if used incorrectly. Howell said the best bet is to contact a vet for flea control information.
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Tags: animal hospital, animal medical center, animals, bet, bob watson, cats, dog house, dog owners, dogs, dogs cats, dr bob, fleas, fleas and ticks, food consumption, fresh water, fur coat, greg howell, hot day, hot days, household pets, joggers, keeping dogs, kha, kiddy pool, Pet, pet owners, pets, playtime, problem pets, pup, puppies, signs, summertime, vet, veterinarian, vets, walks, water consumption
