Summer Dangers for Pets

As we get ever closer to the first official day of summer, it's important to know the dangers that this season can bring to your pet so you can prevent illness or injury.

Dangerous Insects

Some of the biggest dangers for summer for pets are fleas, ticks and mosquitos. These insects can cause serious and even fatal illnesses in your pets.

Fleas

Fleas aren't just annoying for your pet, they can cause anemia (in serious cases), Bartonellosis (fever, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, and even altered brain function), tapeworms (fleas can be infected and a pet can ingest the flea when grooming), and of course, allergic dermatitis (itchy skin).

Ticks

Ticks can cause the same serious illnesses in pets as in humans including Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Lyme disease in dogs is diagnosed through blood tests and pets don't develop the same "bulls eye" rash that humans do. Dogs with Lyme disease may experience fever, lameness, joint pain, limping, and lethargy. Left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys and cause death. Rocky Mountain Spotted fever has similar symptoms as Lyme disease. Other tick-borne illnesses for dogs include Canine Ehrlichiosis which can cause bleeding disorders exhibited by bloody noses and easy bruising.

Mosquitos

Mosquitos can cause a variety of illnesses in dogs including heartworm, West Nile Virus, and Equine Encephalitis Virus. Heartworm is the most commonly known of these illnesses and causes an infestation of worms that block the flow of blood to essential organs. Often by the time the symptoms are showing, the disease is highly progressed. West Nile Virus can affect young, old and immune-compromised dogs and cause neurological problems. Equine Encephalitis Virus is lesser known and is hard to diagnose. Fever, diarrhea, uncontrolled eye movements, seizures and death can come within one to two days.

Dangerous Heat

The summer heat will continue to rise and with that comes issues such as dehydration, heatstroke, and even burns.

Hydration

Your pet needs hydration and should always have fresh, clean water they can easily access: especially outdoors. If you take your dog on a walk, bring a bottle of water and portable bowl to make sure they can cool down and stay hydrated.

Avoid Heatstroke

Heatstroke can affect any pet but those with short noses (pugs, bulldogs) and overweight pets are at a greater risk. Pets with thick fur are also at a greater risk for heatstroke. Be sure to groom more often in the summer to keep the excess fur off your pet.

Sunburn

Pets can get sunburned just like humans. They can also experience burns on their paws from walking on hot surfaces. Don't walk your dog in the heat of the day or when the asphalt is hot. If you can't hold your hand on a surface for a prolonged period of time, then it's too hot for your pet to walk on it. Walk in the shade or on the grass if you can.

Need Help?

Hopefully your pet will stay safe this summer, with these tips on summer dangers for pets, but if you need help, Cimarron Animal Hospital is here for you. Contact us if your pet is experiencing an issue or if you need to get them on preventative medication for fleas, ticks and heartworm.

Spring Dangers for Pets

Spring is a fun time for pets as the weather warms up and more time is spent outside playing with family and taking walks. However, like every season, there are some dangers for pets. Spring dangers for pets may catch some pet owners off guard. Learn what you need to watch for to keep your pet safe.

Common Spring Dangers for Pets

As Easter approaches, it's important to remember that many of the items placed in Easter baskets can be dangerous to pets. This includes the artificial grass that many people love to use as filler in baskets. This material is especially tempting for cats but can cause intestinal blockages which can lead to vomiting, dehydration, and even death. Another danger during Easter is chocolate which is often included in Easter baskets. Chocolate is toxic for both dogs and cats and can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting and excessive thirst, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and death. As far as sugar-free treats go, keep them far away from your pets. Even a small amount of sugar-free candy that contains Xylitol can be deadly to dogs and cats.

As pet owners prepare their lawn and landscape beds for spring planting, be sure to keep pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizer out of reach for your pets. Follow directions on these products and be sure not to allow your pets to walk on areas that have been recently treated for weeds or fertilized. The pads on your dog or cat's paws can allow toxins to be absorbed into their systems. Additionally, pets often lick their paws which can also lead to ingestion. Chemicals such as these are common spring dangers for pets.

Spring plants can be beautiful additions to your yard, but there are some you should avoid planting or bringing into your home, including Lillies. Easter is another time in which Lillies are popular, however, they are highly toxic to cats and can be toxic to dogs. Crocus, Azalea, and Butterfly Iris are common spring plants that are toxic to both dogs and cats. Be sure to research plants before investing in them for your yard.

Fleas, ticks, and even mosquitos can start to appear in the spring as well. Make sure your pet has updated flea and tick medications and receives monthly heartworm medication. After your pet spends time outdoors be sure to check their paws and in-between their toes for ticks, in addition to around their ears and neck.

We Can Help

Cimarron Animal Hospital is here for you for all pet care needs. From allergy and preventative medications and annual exams to dentistry, laser therapy, vaccinations, and spay and neutering, our team of caring professional veterinarians and staff will treat your pet like family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.