HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- With the days of popsicle-stained lips and poolside expeditions fast approaching, Holloman pet owners may find themselves wondering how to protect their furry friend’s health during the summer months.
From dehydration to heat stroke, summer conditions pose a variety of health-related threats to animals, especially those that may spend an adequate amount of time outdoors, like dogs.
To better prepare dog owners for the upcoming season, Dr. Carolyn Fletcher, a veterinarian with the 49th Medical Group veterinary clinic, provided information on summer pet safety.
“Warm weather tips: make sure your dogs have fresh water available at all times, have adequate shade, if outdoors. If it is too hot outside, keep them indoors,” Fletcher said. “Also, make sure that your pet is never left in the car--even with the windows open, it just gets too hot in the summer.”
Heat exhaustion is a common concern for dogs, and should be considered before taking your dog on a jog or any other strenuous activity.
“People jogging with their dogs is great, but, I think that pet owners need to be cognizant of the fact that they have a fur coat on,” Fletcher said. “A Chihuahua versus a dog with a lot of hair, like a Husky or an arctic breed, may have different tolerances to temperature. With long-haired dogs you have to be especially careful, because boy, those coats are going to trap heat—for sure. I always tell people to be sensitive to running them in the heat, especially in the heat of day. I do not think it is a good idea.”
Worse than heat exhaustion is heat stroke, which poses a serious health-risk.
”If your dog is having a heat stroke, they are usually very sick. They can be panting a lot, lethargic, unresponsive or having seizures. The bottom line is, if you are concerned about it, then you should get your dog in to be seen right away. Heat stroke is always an emergency, even with intervention, it can be fatal.”
Along with the physiological side-effects of heat, another cause for concern are hot surfaces, as dogs tend to have sensitive paws.
“Be wary of taking them hiking, as the rocks will hurt their feet, just like ours—dogs have baby feet,” said Michelle Walters, a veterinary technician with the 49th MDG veterinary clinic. “If it is hot outside, you would not walk barefoot across the gravel or pavement, because it burns!”
Skin care is particularly important and can even prevent illnesses such as cancer.
“White dogs, for the most part, should be kept indoors, especially during the summer months when the sun is super strong,” Fletcher said. “Dogs that have white fur on their belly, face, ears, nose and around their eyes, are much more susceptible to sun-induced cancers. Do not be afraid to use sunscreen, especially for the face. They make doggy sunscreen, but you can also use children’s sunscreen. Do not be afraid to use doggy goggles or visors to shield their faces away from the sun, or T-shirts to keep the sun off their belly. A lot of dogs like to lay on their back with their belly exposed, and that is one of the areas we tend to see cancers in the most. Some dogs will lay in the sun even if there is shade provided to them, and for those dogs I think it is super important to just get them in the house.”
Whether inside or outside of your home, some dogs may experience anxiety and fear associated with loud noises.
“If you have a dog that is afraid of lightning, do not leave them outside during monsoon season,” Walters said. “They can run off and get lost or hit by a car, when trying to get away from it. Also, during the Fourth of July, make sure that you have somewhere safe to keep your dogs. Oftentimes, people’s dogs run off because they are scared of the fireworks.”
The summer months often entail a lot of running around, which may be due to summer vacations or holiday travels. Prior to traveling, dog owners should ensure they have their pet’s domestic health certificates on hand and that their dog is updated on their vaccines.
“For people who travel a lot and go to Florida or warmer, more humid places, fleas and ticks are a problem,” Walters said. “Pet owners should make sure they treat their pets with a flea and tick preventative before traveling. Mosquitos are another problem to consider, because mosquitos spread heartworm disease. Heart disease is not uncommon and it is super easy to prevent.”
Whether protecting against infection or heat-related illnesses, it is vital that pet owners stay informed to keep their doggies healthy and safe.