PROTECT YOUR PET AGAINST SUMMERTIME HAZARDS

Be sure your pets have a safe and fun summer

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Jellyfish

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Stinging jellyfish cause inflammation and pain if stepped on or eaten. Keep your dog from snacking on these during a walk on the beach.

Baking soda, rubbing alcohol and meat tenderizer may help alleviate pain from a jellyfish sting.

SandMany dogs love a day at the beach, but snacking on sand or drinking

sandy water can result in sand impaction of the intestines.

This x-ray shows a dog who ate sand at the beach and has an impacted intestine.

Fortunately, the sand passed without the need for surgery.

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Heatstroke Hot and humid days put dogs and cats at risk for heatstroke or heat

exhaustion. Be sure to provide adequate shade, fresh water and a cool environment for your pets during the hot summer days. Exercise should be limited to early in the morning or evening when it is coolest,

to avoid overheating.

Short nosed dogs, like this Frenchie, and black coated dogs are more prone to heatstroke.

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Pools, lakes, rivers and the oceanKeeping cool is important, but dogs do not understand the risks of falling into a pool or other body of water. Don’t let your dog swim

unattended.

This dog is cool AND safe in his shallow backyard pool. On boats, put a lifejacket on your dog.

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The carEvery year, hundreds of dogs perish when left in a car for “just a

minute.” Temperatures rapidly soar inside a hot car.

Never leave your pets in a parked car.

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WildlifeAs the interface between urban and rural areas widens, wild animals

are more likely to enter our yards and gardens. The presence of coyotes, raccoons and other wildlife puts our pets at risk for injury from attacks or diseases, such as rabies from contact with infected wildlife.

Make sure your pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date and don’t leave your pet outdoors unattended.

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Hot pavementAsphalt and concrete can get hot enough to fry an egg and will also fry

your pets delicate paw pads. If the pavement is too hot for you to walk on, then it is too hot for your dog’s paws too.

Always walk your dog on the shady side of the street.

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Fireworks and thunderstorms Pets frightened by loud noises have a very difficult time during the

summer because of fireworks and thunderstorms. These loud noises can cause your pet to bolt out the front door and get lost or injured.

Give your pet a quiet, safe place to be during storms and Fourth of July celebrations. Keep doors and windows closed. Draw the shades.

Falling from windows without screensOpen windows are a hazard for both cats and dogs. Every summer, The AMC ER treats many pets for broken bones, fractured teeth and

lung bruising after falls from apartment windows.

Be sure your windows have screens or window guards strong enough to keep your pet from falling. If not, keep the windows closed.

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Most important of all!

REMEMBER: If you are concerned about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to seek out your veterinarian’s advice. Early treatment can save your dog or cat’s

life!

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