Some
dangers that summer poses for dogs and cats are obvious - like heat
stroke - but many others are covert and can easily result in the
death of pets, an animal welfare agency warns.
Many
pet parents may be surprised to learn that dogs and cats are
susceptible to less obvious dangers like high-rise syndrome falls,
drowning and food poisoning, according to the American Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
"It’s
important to consider the hidden, and sometimes not-so-hidden
dangers, that can harm our furry companions,” ASPCA veterinarian
Steven Hansen states in a media release.
Food
and beverages served at backyard barbecues and parties - such as
raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener
xylitol - can be poisonous to pets, Dr. Hansen says.
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Story continues here
“Keep
alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication,
depression and comas,” Dr. Hansen states. “Similarly, remember
that the snacks you serve your human friends should not be a treat
for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your
dog or cat severe digestive ailments."
Swimming
areas also pose hazards for pets, Dr. Hansen warns. Pets should never
be left unsupervised around a pool because not all dogs are good
swimmers, and pets should wear flotation devices while on boats. Pool
water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals, can cause stomach
upset for a pet who drinks it.
During
the warmer months, the ASPCA also sees an increase in high-rise
syndrome, which occurs when pets fall out windows or doors and are
seriously or fatally injured, according to ASPCA veterinarian Lousie
Murray.
“Pet
owners need to know that this is completely preventable if they take
simple precautions,” Dr. Murray said. "Keep all unscreened
windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens
are tightly secured."
Heat
and humidity also can mean trouble for dogs and cats, because pets
can get dehydrated quickly, Dr. Murray said. Pets should be given
plenty of water, be kept in a shady place and stay indoors on hot
days.
“Never
leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle,” Dr. Murray states in
a media release. “On a hot day, even with the windows open, a
parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heat stroke
can develop, which is often fatal.”
According
to the ASPCA, other hazards that occur in the warmer months include:
Poisoning
from pest products. Commonly
used flea-and-tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and
lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful if ingested. Some flea
products can be used safely on dogs and cats, but products labeled as
“dog only” containing permethrin can be deadly to cats.
Poisoning
from citronella candles, insect coils and oil products. Ingestion
can produce stomach irritation and central nervous system depression,
and if inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia.
Temper
flareups. More
people take their dogs out during warmer weather and tempers may
flare over territory, so keep an eye on those around you. Make sure
your dog is safe and secure around strangers and other animals.
Fireworks.
Never
use fireworks around pets, because exposure can result in severe
burns or trauma to curious pets. Many fireworks contain toxic
substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and
other heavy metals.
The
Humane Society of the United States also has some tips to keep pets
safe in the warm months:
Keep
pets up-to-date on vaccinations and preventative medications.
Fleas and ticks stay busy in warm weather and summer is also the
prime time for heartworms.
Beware
of cocoa mulch and other gardening products. Cocoa mulch can be
deadly if ingested and has an appetizing scent to some animals.
Pesticides, fertilizers and other harsh chemicals also can be fatal
if ingested.
Plan
dog walks. On a hot day, take a shorter walk at midday, when the
temperature peaks, and longer walks in the morning and evening, when
it is cooler. Hot sidewalks can burn the pads on your dog's paws, so
walk on the grass when possible.
Never
leave a dog outdoors unattended on a chain or tether. Long-term
chaining during the hot months can result in countless insect bites,
dehydration and heat stroke. Even short-term unattended tethering can
pose risks such as theft or attacks by people or animals.
Keep
pets properly restrained in a vehicle. Special seatbelts and
secured carriers can protect pets during accidents and prevent them
from distracting the driver. The back of a pickup truck is never a
safe place for a pet to ride.
Bark
Busters USA, a Colorado-based dog training service, also has some
advice to keep pets safe in the warm months:
Protect
dogs from sunburn and skin cancer. Ask your veterinarian about
sun block, preferably in a formula that your dog cannot lick off.
Light-colored dogs - especially those that lack black pigment around
the eyes, ears and nose - are susceptible to the sun's ultraviolet
rays and should be kept out of the bright sun.
Related
reports about dogs and warm weather:
Ease
trauma from thunderstorms. Many dogs can sense a thunderstorm
coming from the rapidly falling barometric pressure, and they will
become anxious in advance of the storm. Keep windows and curtains
closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio at
normal volume as a distraction and to help your dog relax. Let your
dog stay close, and try to distract him with play. Do not try to
comfort him in a sympathetic voice; this will sound like praise and
may increase his nervousness and confusion.
------
The Ruff Report is a column that appears on MySetterSam.com,
a blog written by Joseph A. Reppucci, a retired editor from The Patriot
Ledger in Quincy, Massachusetts. Mr. Reppucci worked as a reporter and editor on major daily
newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years. He is the author
of the book, The Hunt of Her Life,
a heartwarming story about his once-in-a-lifetime rescue dog. Find it on Amazon.com.
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