Dog days of summer not so fun for pets

SUSSEX COUNTY - The heat and high humidity that summer brings can affect not only humans, but dogs, cats and other four-legged friends we know as pets. In short, raising and caring for a pet is much like raising and caring for a child, so say many in the field of veterinary medicine. And in summer, the need for proper care is especially important. Exposure to insecticides, busy town or city streets and even insect bites are issues for pets. But heat can pose the biggest problem for a dog or cat. “We see a lot of heat stroke, even when you’re just walking your dog,” said Dr. Karen Bullock, the owner of the recently opened Wantage Veterinary Hospital. “A lot of times, people walk their dogs, and the dogs want to please their owners by just going further. When you take them for walks, you should do it early in the morning or later in the day when it’s cooler. And you should bring water with you.” “Absolutely,” agreed Michelle Halke, a veterinary technician at the Jefferson-based Lake Hopatcong Animal Clinic. “You just shouldn’t be doing anything that’s too much for them, like hiking or running, if it’s hotter than normal. Make sure they have enough fresh water. And sometimes dogs don’t eat as much when it’s hot outside, so don’t switch their food or anything. People don’t eat as much in the hot weather, either.” Tough as it can be for dogs and cats outdoors, the danger becomes exponentially greater for pets left in parked cars, even for a short period of time. According to the Humane Society of the United States, during warm weather months, the inside of your car “can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade.” And because dogs and cats can’t perspire like their owners do, the situation can quickly become life threatening, veterinarians and the humane society warn. “You have to use common sense,” Halke explained. “If it’s too hot for you to be sitting in your car, then it’s too hot for your dog or cat, too. If you have to go to the grocery store for a while, and you have to leave your dog or cat in the car, don’t do it.” “Never, ever leave a pet in a parked car without the air conditioning running,” agreed Dr. Don Costlow, owner of Newton Veterinary Hospital. “The heat index rises in a matter of minutes. This is one of the most common events leading to heatstroke and possible death. And provide shade and water at all times if your pet is outdoors. On high heat and humidity days, your pet should be kept indoors.” The humane society says it is always better to “play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you’re on the road. If you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.” Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, glazed eyes and abnormal excitement or irritation, vets say. But what should you do if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke? “The first thing you should do is either hose them down or pour water on them,” Bullock replied. “Cats normally don’t breath with their mouths open, and a dog pants. Open-mouthed breathing by your cat should be a sign that something is wrong with your cat. And you should bring them in immediately to your vet. It’s not normal for a cat to pant.” “Immediately cool them down,” added Dori Russo, another veterinary technician at the Lake Hopatcong Animal Clinic. “Bring them into a cool area and get wet towels. You can also put them in a tub, unless your dog is too heavy.” Veterinary personnel agree that cats are better able than dogs to protect themselves. “Cats are less likely to get heat stroke due to their ability to find shade and water, and they are less likely to be confined to an exposed area — for example, on a chain or in a kennel,” Costlow stated. “The mortality rate for heatstroke doubles if the dog is overweight. And brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, are twice as likely to develop heatstroke. Their facial structure makes it more difficult for them to cool themselves. “A recent study showed the most important factor in a pet surviving heatstroke is the speed at which the pet is brought to the veterinarian,” Costlow added. Heat not the only danger There are also lesser-known, but equally dangerous, factors facing pets when they’re outdoors, the humane society says. “Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens,” the humane society says on its Web site. “But beware: plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. (And) pets or pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool.” Bullock noted that cats and dogs walking across chemically-treated lawns can later ingest hazardous materials by grooming themselves, as felines do. Dogs may also lick their feet, she said. Another summertime threat, everyone notes, includes fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Vets stress that over-the counter products should be avoided. “I have seen cats die from those over-the-counter ones,” Bullock said. “They’re cheaper, but they’re not safe. And there are some very safe topical flea and tick products that you can get from your veterinarian.” Finally, is there anything prospective pet owners should consider before bringing a furry friend home? “They should consider the type of pet and the size of their homes and their yards,” Bullock concluded. “It’s always a good idea to talk to your vet ahead of time to see what’s best. And if you care for your pet, well, make sure that financially, it can fit into your budget. Pet ownership is a big responsibility.”