Summer is a time of fun and adventure for people and their pets. Like every season there are certain risks that pet owners should be aware of in order to keep their four-legged friends protected. By being aware of the potential hazards it is much easier to keep all animals safe and make the summer as enjoyable as it should be.
The most common risk for all pets are pests like fleas, ticks and heart worms. Ticks spread Lyme disease and their bites can become infected. Many domestic pets are allergic to flea bites and the pain and itching for them is often severe. These pets will experience hair loss and skin redness and possibly secondary skin infections if they chew or scratch too aggressively. Heart worms are expensive to treat and even with treatment they can be deadly. Preventative medications are helpful, but pets should be regularly groomed to reduce the risks even further.
Heat stroke is a concern for all pets, but especially for dogs. They are more likely to play and run with their human companions and go for rides with them. Dogs should never be left in a vehicle during warm weather. Cracking a window will not cool the vehicle properly. Leaving the vehicle running with the AC on is still risky because cars can stall, AC systems can break and the vehicle is a target for thieves. Hot weather also means hot pavement and sand too. If these surfaces are too hot to be safe and comfortable for bare human feet, a dog should not be expected to walk on them either.
Many popular plants are poisonous to cats and should be avoided in yards where they frequent. The owners may wish to consider making their pets indoor-only animals if there are too many dangerous plants around. Some of the plants to watch out for include lilies, crocuses, azaleas and daffodils. There are many others, so always ask a vet for a complete list of plants to be wary of around cats.
Pets want to enjoy the summer just like their owners do. In order to make it as fun for them as possible, all owners must make certain they stay safe and healthy. Being a responsible pet owner takes only a few extra minutes to understand the risks and take the precautions necessary to avoid a problem.
