Summer brings a lot ofy free time and beautiful weather to enjoy with your pet. But, there are a lot of health and safety topics to consider once the season gets underway. Here is Part II of the series “Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy This Summer.”
If you missed it the first time, read part one of our series at Part I: Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy This Summer.
Travel Safely with Your Friend in Tow
Summertime means vacation time for families,and many families like to travel with their pets. Following are some considerations when traveling with a pet:
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Never, ever leave your pet unsupervised in the car.
-
Always drive with your dog in the car or the cab of a truck – never in the flatbed. All it takes is one swerve or screeching halt to jolt your pet into oncoming traffic.
-
If you’re traveling by plane, consider your pet’s best interests. Traveling in the plane’s cargo is lonely, stressful and dangerous. It may be easier on your pet to stay at home.
-
If your pet is staying home, you have a few options to consider. Hiring a pet sitter will give your pet the best sense of security, as sitters usually stay the night and keep your pet company all day. Or, you can arrange for a friend or relative to check up on him. If your vet’s office includes a pet kennel, this is a good choice since the staff is already friendly and familiar with your pet.
-
Remember to have your pet vaccinated for kennel cough if you do decide to board.
If you’re traveling internationally and you can’t leave Fido at home, make sure you know in advance of any certification you’ll need to bring your pet to your destination. For example, most countries require an international pet health certificate to prove your pet is healthy and free of parasites. Talk to your vet and research online for pet travel requirements well before your trip.
The Dangers of Fertilizers, Pesticides and Flowers
Summer is great for gardening and sprucing up the lawn, but remember your pet when you’re landscaping. Pesticides and fertilizer are poisonous, so limit your pet’s access to the lawn or garden for a few days after application.
Some summertime flora is also dangerous for animals to ingest, so keep an eye out when your cat or dog is in the garden. Common flowers and plants can have deadly consequences:
-
Hydrangeas
-
Wisterias
-
Apple seeds
-
Potatoes
-
Buttercups
-
Daffodils
-
Irises
-
Lilies
Fireworks and Thunder
The 4th of July can pose a major problem for pet owners. Many pets, especially dogs, panic at the sound of fireworks. The same goes for the sounds of summer thunderstorms. Panic can lead to destruction and escape, so keep these tips in mind during the next storm or fireworks display:
-
Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
-
Do not leave them in the car at fireworks displays. They can somehow escape, destroy your interior in panic, or can easily be kidnapped.
-
Make sure your pet is wearing proper ID tags in the event of a frenzied escape.
-
Make sure there is a quiet, sheltered area for your pet if you are not around during fireworks or a thunderstorm. Keep the radio or TV on so your pet does not feel alone. Remember that your pet may scratch and bite the area in their fright, so prepare yourself on your return home.
-
If your pet gets especially distressed during fireworks or storms, talk to your veterinarian about medical methods used to alleviate stress, like sedatives.
Pet-Proof your Barbecues
Your pet should enjoy barbecues, too. Make sure your pet, especially dog, has its own food to chow down on. Feeding your pet barbecue scraps is not a good idea– no matter how badly they beg. The meat’s fat can cause severe abdominal pain. The same goes for corn on the cob, which can get stuck in a dog’s intestines and require surgery to fix.
If you plan on hosting your own firework display, remember the tips from Summer Pet Health Part I to keep your pet calm during the show. But, consider the best places to store the fireworks in between displays. Curious dogs may nose around and find a new “treat” to chomp on. Fireworks contain deadly chemicals like potassium nitrate and the fuse can get stuck in a throat or stomach.
You’ve Read the Literature. Now Enjoy the Season with Your Furry Friend
Now that you’re armed with the know-how and some critical pet health information, it’s time to enjoy the summer. Remember that if any emergencies occur, be sure to contact an expert and get your pet emergency care immediately. If you missed it the first time, read part one of our series at Part I: Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy This Summer.
About the Author
K. Paul Rumble D.V.M. is the owner of Pond Point Animal Hospital in Milford, Connecticut, specializing in the care of companion animals including cats and dogs. He is a 1969 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College and has been associated with Pond Point Animal Hospital since 1985. His special veterinary interests include animal dermatology, orthopedics and internal medicine.
For more information about the topic of pet health or their Milford, CT animal hospital, visit the website at www.pondpoint.com or contact Dr. Rumble and his staff at 1.800.671.7885.
Keep your Pet Healthy and Happy this Summer Part II
Summer brings a lot ofy free time and beautiful weather to enjoy with your pet. But, there are a lot of health and safety topics to consider once the season gets underway. Here is Part II of the series “Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy This Summer.”
If you missed it the first time, read part one of our series at Part I: Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy This Summer.
Travel Safely with Your Friend in Tow
Summertime means vacation time for families,and many families like to travel with their pets. Following are some considerations when traveling with a pet:
Never, ever leave your pet unsupervised in the car.
Always drive with your dog in the car or the cab of a truck – never in the flatbed. All it takes is one swerve or screeching halt to jolt your pet into oncoming traffic.
If you’re traveling by plane, consider your pet’s best interests. Traveling in the plane’s cargo is lonely, stressful and dangerous. It may be easier on your pet to stay at home.
If your pet is staying home, you have a few options to consider. Hiring a pet sitter will give your pet the best sense of security, as sitters usually stay the night and keep your pet company all day. Or, you can arrange for a friend or relative to check up on him. If your vet’s office includes a pet kennel, this is a good choice since the staff is already friendly and familiar with your pet.
Remember to have your pet vaccinated for kennel cough if you do decide to board.
If you’re traveling internationally and you can’t leave Fido at home, make sure you know in advance of any certification you’ll need to bring your pet to your destination. For example, most countries require an international pet health certificate to prove your pet is healthy and free of parasites. Talk to your vet and research online for pet travel requirements well before your trip.
The Dangers of Fertilizers, Pesticides and Flowers
Summer is great for gardening and sprucing up the lawn, but remember your pet when you’re landscaping. Pesticides and fertilizer are poisonous, so limit your pet’s access to the lawn or garden for a few days after application.
Some summertime flora is also dangerous for animals to ingest, so keep an eye out when your cat or dog is in the garden. Common flowers and plants can have deadly consequences:
Hydrangeas
Wisterias
Apple seeds
Potatoes
Buttercups
Daffodils
Irises
Lilies
Fireworks and Thunder
The 4th of July can pose a major problem for pet owners. Many pets, especially dogs, panic at the sound of fireworks. The same goes for the sounds of summer thunderstorms. Panic can lead to destruction and escape, so keep these tips in mind during the next storm or fireworks display:
Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
Do not leave them in the car at fireworks displays. They can somehow escape, destroy your interior in panic, or can easily be kidnapped.
Make sure your pet is wearing proper ID tags in the event of a frenzied escape.
Make sure there is a quiet, sheltered area for your pet if you are not around during fireworks or a thunderstorm. Keep the radio or TV on so your pet does not feel alone. Remember that your pet may scratch and bite the area in their fright, so prepare yourself on your return home.
If your pet gets especially distressed during fireworks or storms, talk to your veterinarian about medical methods used to alleviate stress, like sedatives.
Pet-Proof your Barbecues
Your pet should enjoy barbecues, too. Make sure your pet, especially dog, has its own food to chow down on. Feeding your pet barbecue scraps is not a good idea– no matter how badly they beg. The meat’s fat can cause severe abdominal pain. The same goes for corn on the cob, which can get stuck in a dog’s intestines and require surgery to fix.
If you plan on hosting your own firework display, remember the tips from Summer Pet Health Part I to keep your pet calm during the show. But, consider the best places to store the fireworks in between displays. Curious dogs may nose around and find a new “treat” to chomp on. Fireworks contain deadly chemicals like potassium nitrate and the fuse can get stuck in a throat or stomach.
You’ve Read the Literature. Now Enjoy the Season with Your Furry Friend
Now that you’re armed with the know-how and some critical pet health information, it’s time to enjoy the summer. Remember that if any emergencies occur, be sure to contact an expert and get your pet emergency care immediately. If you missed it the first time, read part one of our series at Part I: Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy This Summer.
About the Author
K. Paul Rumble D.V.M. is the owner of Pond Point Animal Hospital in Milford, Connecticut, specializing in the care of companion animals including cats and dogs. He is a 1969 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College and has been associated with Pond Point Animal Hospital since 1985. His special veterinary interests include animal dermatology, orthopedics and internal medicine.
For more information about the topic of pet health or their Milford, CT animal hospital, visit the website at www.pondpoint.com or contact Dr. Rumble and his staff at 1.800.671.7885.