Keeping Our Furry Companions Safe in Holmdel
Summer is the perfect time of year to bond with your pet in the great outdoors. Yet, while we’re enjoying that wooded trail, a day out at the beach, or simply a lazy day in the backyard, it’s important to be aware of the dangers our pets face. Summer brings about some extreme weather, parasite problems, and increased dangers by the water, too. To help you keep your best four-legged friend safe this season, our veterinarian has come up with several summer pet tips to help them have a safe summer. Read through them, and if you still have questions, call us at (732) 671-3110.
Heat & Storm Safety
The summers here can get pretty toasty for us, which means our pets are at an even greater risk. They can’t sweat like we can—instead, they release heat through panting, which is much less efficient. On humid days, panting can be entirely ineffective, putting pets in danger of heatstroke. Additionally, storms can rage in and cause problems of their own! Take these tips to keep your companion safe in extreme weather:
- Always make sure your dog or cat has cool water and a shady place to rest when they’re outdoors for any length of time.
- Stick to the sidewalk or footpath when out for your daily walks. Hot pavement can burn paws and cause a dog’s temperature to rise to dangerous levels due to the heat radiating off the asphalt.
- Take your walks earlier in the day or later in the evening to avoid the hottest times of the day.
- Never leave your cat or dog in a parked car. The temperature inside can rise dramatically in a short period of time putting your pet at risk of heatstroke and even death.
- If storms are in the forecast for Holmdel, bring your pet inside well before it hits. Pets can sometimes sense weather changes long before we do and become anxious, possibly driving them to escape from your backyard to find shelter.
- Some pets can be more anxious than others about storms. If your pet is particularly anxious, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication or Thundershirts to help them better cope.
Parasite Prevention
Unfortunately, parasites enjoy the warmer weather just as much as we do—if not more! Ticks, in particular, are becoming a more serious problem in our area. These little critters transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichia, and other tickborne illnesses to both our pets and us.
To prevent them from biting and transmitting disease, parasite preventatives are imperative. Also, take care to avoid tall grass and wooded areas and always check yourself and your pet for ticks after being outdoors. If you do find one on your pet, be sure to remove it carefully with tweezers, or bring them to your veterinarian, and we’ll take care of it. In addition, you can protect your dog further from Lyme disease with the Lyme vaccine. Ask us about it at your next visit!
Water Safety
When enjoying a day at the beach, there are a few things to consider for your pet’s safety.
- Even with all their fur, pets can get sunburned, too. Those with white, short coats are at the most risk. Be sure to apply pet-safe sunscreen when you’ll be outdoors for more than an hour!
- Not all dogs are great swimmers. Barrel-chested breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, and Pugs are simply not built for swimming. Be sure to protect your pet with a lifejacket to ensure their safety in the water. Even good swimmers can get tired and not be able to make it back to shore. Keep an eye on them and keep them close!
- Don’t allow your pet to go sniffing or nibbling on any dead fish or debris that have washed ashore. If ingested, they can cause serious stomach upset.
Have any other questions about summer pet safety tips in Holmdel? Contact our animal hospital at (732) 671-3110 and our veterinarians and staff will be happy to answer your questions!