HEALTH CARE - SUMMER TIPS

Australians love the great outdoors - and no more than during our summer which combines with the holiday/festive season. The warm summer maonths also means some extra caution for our pets who rely on us for their welfare. Here's some tips....

• During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even parked in the shade. Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and even death.
• It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the back of the truck.
• Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home.
• Check with your vet if your pets should be taking heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats.
• Provide plenty of fresh cool water and shade AT ALL TIMES for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors.
• During very hot days, exercise only at early morning or evening hours.
• When walking your dog remeber asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Fleas and ticks are prevalent in the warmer months. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your vet.
• Dogs can get sunburned too, and yours may require sunscreen on his/her nose, underbelly and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
• Refrain from taking your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises, fireworks and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for dogs. For your dog's well being, leave them at home.
• In summer heat your dog can suffer from heat exhaustion and or heat stroke. Both of these conditions are very serious and could cause death. You should be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get him to a vet immediately.