This Issue's Healthful Hints

Summer is upon us but it’s never too late to take care of your companion animals during the hot summer months. Here are a few tips that will help in your endeavors to keep your pet healthy.

1. Heatstroke in Pets – Always carry a water bottle for your pet. It can only take 15 minutes for animals in a car to sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke.
2. Cookouts and Food – When our pets eat something they aren’t normally accustomed to, such as burgers or hot dogs, pets can develop severe inflammation with vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to more serious conditions.
3. Hot Sidewalks and Pet Paws – Asphalt can get very hot and harm our pets’ paws. Avoid these areas during the hottest time of the day or just walk on the grass.
4. Pools – Remember not all dogs can swim. 
5. Parasites, Bee Stings and Snakes – Ticks, fleas, bees and snakes come out in the summer, so watch out.
6. Fireworks – Many dogs are terrified of the loud sounds of fireworks. If they are, prepare as best you can. Take them to a place where the fireworks cannot be heard. If that’s not an option, check with your veterinarian for prescribed medications for anxiety and fear.