Keeping Your Pets Safe as the Days Get Hotter

As the weather warms up, pet owners need to be aware of the potential hazards to their pets, both as a result of poisoning and the weather itself.

The following tips are taken from the ASPCA and American Red Cross websites, as well as my own experience.

Most of us are aware of the dangers of leaving our pets in the car in hot weather, but it is worth repeating here. The inside of a closed car can quickly reach 120 degrees, even leaving the windows cracked may still present a hazard.

Make sure your outside pet has access to lots of drinking water and some shade.

Heat stroke is a common problem for pets as the temperature rises. This is especially true for dogs with shorter snouts, such as a Boxer. Obese pets, those with thick coats, or pets with an upper respiratory problem also are at risk.

If your pet displays heavy panting, agitation even when lying down, dark red gums, high pulse rate, or is unable to get up they may be suffering from heat stroke. You may want to take their temperature using a rectal thermometer. If it is above 106 degrees F cool your dog down. A garden hose works well. You want to get their temperature down to 103. A dog suffering from heat stroke should be seen by a vet, as soon as possible, as it can damage internal organs.

Warm spring and hot summer days also present addition hazards to your pets. Plants, both houseplants and garden plants can pose dangers. Please see the ASPA list of poisonous plants that they may encounter either in your home or garden.

ASPCA

Here is a link to the Thriftyfun page on this topic: Garden Plants That Can Be Toxic to Pets

Additionally, your yard and garden harbor other potential hazards including, but not limited to:

• toxins derived from animals such as toads, insects, snakes, and scorpions, depending on where you live
• blue-green algae in ponds
• citronella candles
• cocoa mulch used in your garden
• diatomaceous earth, while used to treat internal parasites (food grade) can cause digestive tract bleeding when ingested in the garden (generally not food grade), according to my vet who treated two dogs that liked to eat it
• compost piles
• garden/lawn fertilizers
• flea products, some dogs and cats can have adverse reactions to certain products
• swimming-pool treatment supplies
• fly baits containing methomyl
• slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

Be vigilant, do your research so that you can identify potential hazards before your pet does. Keep your pets safe and enjoy the sunny days.