Whoo Hoo!! It’s the long weekend and we hope you spend it enjoying the company of two legged and four legged friends and family – not making a trip to the veterinarian providing Emergency Services!
Often, a little forethought and taking simple measures can help to prevent several problems for your pet.
Here are just a few ‘Summer Holiday Hazards’ to be aware of:
- Porcupines: Do not let your dog run free (especially with other dogs) anywhere porcupines might frequent – this includes most rural and waterfront areas. If your dog does show up with a face full of quills, please do not try to pull them out yourself – seek veterinary assistance immediately.
- Heat Stroke: Hot days can be a killer! Please make sure your pet has adequate protection from the heat on hot days – they will need shade and lots of water. If your pet is unattended during the day, it might be best to leave them indoors in air conditioning or a cool basement. A small wading pool partially filled with cool water can provide your dog some fun and welcome relief from the heat. Plan exercise and activities early morning or in the evening when the weather is coolest. NEVER leave your pet in a parked car unattended! #NoHotDogs
- Hot Spots: Frequent swimming, sand and insect bites can make some pets more prone to skin irritations and hot spots – limiting swimming, rinsing off sand and dirty water, towel drying and using a good parasite prevention product can help (especially fleas). Keeping your pet well groomed will help prevent mats and a summer haircut can allow your pet to dry off more quickly. Check your pet frequently for irritation. For longer term prevention, sometimes diet and supplements can help. Call us for more information.
- Ticks: Check your pet frequently for ticks and remove any you find. Make sure your pet is up to date on their tick preventive. Never use a tick product designed for a dog on a cat!
- Water safety: Do not leave pets unattended around a backyard pool and consider a life jacket if you take your pet out in a boat. Sadly, we have seen situations where dogs have jumped or fallen into a pool when no one was around and have not been able to climb back out. Be careful of dogs jumping off or climbing on to boats – they can catch and twist their legs on the ladders!
- Fishing: Make sure you don’t catch more than you bargained for – bait and fishhooks can be irresistible to dogs and cats as well as the fish! Also, be careful when casting – dogs (and kids!) can have a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and end up getting snagged.
- Accidental Poisoning: Watch out for potential hazards and toxins like rat poison and gardening/lawn products such as fertilizers or slug bait. Make sure these products are stored properly. If they are to be left out to control the likes of slugs or rodents – please make sure they are not in a location that a dog or cat could access!!
- ‘Garbage Gut’:‘ Avoid the temptation to feed your pet ‘special occasion’ treats like barbecue and picnic items or leftovers. Make sure they cannot access the garbage! Dealing with your pet’s digestive upsets caused by dietary indiscretions is no fun for either you or your pet! Some human foods are toxic to dogs especially chocolate and grapes!
- Bitewounds: All dog-to-dog introductions should be done in a calm controlled manner and interactions should be supervised. (same for dog-to-child interactions!) Watch for signs that one dog has had enough and remove them from the situation before they end up biting in frustration, fear or self preservation. Cats that go outdoors are at risk of getting into fights with other cats.
- THC and Prescription Medications: Dogs ae attracted to THC containing products whether in plant/bud form or in edibles and they end up giving themselves a toxic dose because they are smaller than us and will eat several doses at once (ie several joints or a whole candy bar that was meant to be taken in pieces). Take care to make sure any medications (human or pet) are secured well out of reach – purses, pack sacks and overnight bags should be hung up well out of reach.
In conclusion, long weekends often involve having your pet in a new or unfamiliar setting – simply keeping them on a leash can often prevent a multitude of problems and even avoid a scary (and expensive) trip to the emergency vet!
