Ask the Vet: summer weather health ideas for your pet dog or cat

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As we take pleasure in the summer season, there are lots of health ideas to keep in mind to keep your pet healthy and well during this terrific time of year. Because family pets and people spend boosting amounts of time outside, it is crucial to be aware of the risk of heat stroke as the temperature and humidity increase. Fresh, cold water must be available for any family pets spending any significant time outside. Pet guardians must be aware of any high humidity or heat index warnings, which is a signal to owners that their family pets must be kept inside in a cool environment as much as possible, especially during these weather advisories.

When traveling with family pets during the hot days of summer, extra caution must be taken not to leave family pets in parked cars for any length of time. even with the windows open, temperatures can rise swiftly to 120 to 130 degrees inside non-air conditioned cars. Older family pets are a lot more sensitive to the effects of the heat as well as brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers to name just a few.

Symptoms of heat stroke in family pets can include excessive panting, drooling, neurologic signs such as wobbliness and disorientation, as well as even seizures and coma. If heat stroke is suspected, an animal must be immediately taken to the nearest veterinarian, and the temperature of the pet must be lowered gradually through frequent cool shower baths, and rubbing alcohol compresses applied to the extremities and ears to promote heat loss.

With the boosting amount of time spent outdoors, insect bites, bee stings and other allergic reactions are frequently seen. lots of family pets will present with facial swelling, hives, and/or painful puncture wounds. having a good supply of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) on hand at home is essential during the summer season. If the allergic reaction is severe, then a veterinary exam is recommended, where injectable corticosteroids often supply rapid relief in those a lot more severe situations.

Of course with the warmer temperatures come boosted exposure to fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other external parasites, so it is crucial to make sure that family pets are on heartworm preventative medication such as Heartgard as well as flea and tick control, whether by natural methods, or a lot more conventional spot on treatments such as Frontline plus or K9 Advantix II. and finally, boosted time spent outside also brings with it the boosted probability of encounters with wild animals such as skunks, raccoons and bats. These three mammals are the greatest carriers of rabies in a lot of states, so it is crucial to make sure that rabies vaccinations are current and up to date.

Pet Health

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