Summer Pet Safety

by Noble Sprayberry

Your pets needn’t suffer through summer nuisances such as heat and fleas. A few sensible tips can mean the difference between an unbearable few months and a welcome respite.

Fur care: Grooming remains a key, says Dr. John Smith, a Payson, Ariz., veterinarian. He recommends shaving a dog’s coat, leaving about an inch to provide some protection, because even animals can get sunburned.

Exercise: Allow an animal to be active, but don’t overdo. “If a human can put up with it, a dog probably can, too,” Smith says. “Just make sure they get plenty of water when they get home.” Typically, a dog will slow down or stop when overheated, although owners should look for the warning signs of drooping heads and dangling tongues, Smith says.

Accommodations: Make sure outdoor pets have plenty of water, as well as a cool, shady spot to escape the sun. Pets need shelter, such as a dog house, to provide cover from summer storms, says Dr. Gail Golab, a veterinarian with The American Veterinary Medical Association.

Traveling: Just 10 minutes inside a parked car can be fatal to a pet, Golab says. “No matter how many warnings there are, people don’t realize how hot it can get in a car,” she says. Travelers planning to take a pet along should confirm that their accommodations accept animals, because leaving Rover in the car isn’t an option.

Disease: Dog owners have long guarded pets against potentially deadly heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Cat owners increasingly face the same responsibility. Relatively new tests allow veterinarians to identify the disease in cats.

Don’t assume an indoor pet is safe. Disease-carrying mosquitoes can slip inside a house or bite during an occasional trip outside. Vaccinate your pet against rabies, Smith says, because pets that are outside more during the summer run a greater risk of tangling with rabid animals.

Fleas: Scratching is a sign of one of summer’s most aggravating pests—fleas—and getting rid of them can be a nagging problem. Usually, only adult fleas live on pets and remain just long enough to feed. While eggs may be laid on an animal, they often fall off and can grow in carpet, bedding, or the yard.

A variety of products promises to treat the problem, but check with a veterinarian to determine the best for your dog or cat. For example, some products work best on older animals while others are more appropriate for younger pets.

Noble Sprayberry is a freelance writer in Brentwood, Tenn.

first appeared: 7/21/2002