Love your pet ... love your vet - June 2010
Beat the heat this summer!
Late, lighter evenings and warm weather make summer particularly fun for all of us including our pets, but we should remember there are a number of potential hazards associated with the season that should be borne in mind:
- Visibility in the evenings can fade rapidly, so don’t forget to use reflective collars to stay safe.
During the day it is important to remember that the sun itself can cause damage. Cats are natural sun bathers and those with white noses and ear tips are particularly vulnerable to sunburn which often leads to localised skin cancer of these areas. This risk can be reduced by applying high factor waterproof sunblock each day.- Make sure fresh clean water is always available to all pets – try to avoid dog walking and exercise during the heat of the day and stick to early mornings and evenings. Always take water with you when out on a walk.
- When out on walks it is important to avoid ponds that may contain dangerous algae and remember that throwing sticks for dogs can be dangerous – every year vets see pets that have potentially fatal throat injuries from trying to catch sticks that have been thrown for them!
- After cats have been out for the day, or dogs have been walking through long grass you should check and remove any grass seeds and ticks that have found their way into the coat before they penetrate the skin and cause problems. Grass seeds can work their way into the feet or become trapped in dogs’ ears. This can cause severe head shaking and be very uncomfortable for them.
- Rabbits, in particular, need to be checked carefully for fly strike through the summer months. Rabbits’ rear ends often become damp and can attract flies which then lay eggs and in turn develop into flesh eating maggots. Fly strike is very painful for a rabbit and often results in death.
- Ensure that your pets’ flea, tick and worm treatments are kept up-to-date throughout the summer months.
- If your pet is going into kennels this summer whilst you are away, don’t forget to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
- Bee and wasp stings are another seasonal problem. Some pets are allergic to their stings and may need prompt veterinary attention.
- Finally, remember that the temperature in a car can rise rapidly and death from heat stroke can follow in a matter of minutes – pets should never be left unattended in cars.
Keith Moore BVSc MRCVS is a Veterinary Surgeon at Hillside Veterinary Centre in Corfe Mullen. For more information visit www.hillsidevets.co.uk.
Archived Articles :
- May 2013 - Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) and caring for your bunny!
- April 2013 - New pet in the family
- March 2013 - Itchy skin – could it be an allergy?
- February 2013 - Thyroid problems in pets
- January 2013 - Arthtritis - is your pet affected?
- December 2012 - love your vet this Christmas
- November 2012 - Combat firework fear!
- October 2012 - Troublesome ticks!
- September 2012 - Thirsty work…
- August 2012 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2012 - Don't get the summertime blues!
- June 2012 - Rabbit dental problems & a growing issue
- May 2012 - Fact file: Heart Disease
- April 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- March 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- February 2012 - Drinking like a fish?
- January 2012 - New Rules for the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
- December 2011 - Top ten tips for Christmas
- November 2011 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- October 2011 - Autumn aches: is your pet affected?
- September 2011 - Worms: a wriggly problem!
- August 2011 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2011 - Summertime: The heat is on!
- June 2011 - Pet passengers - are fleas and ticks an issue?
- May 2011 - Rabbit Awareness Week
- April 2011 - Eyes: taking the long view!
- March 2011 - Spring has sprung!
- February 2011 - Getting to the root of the problem!
- January 2011 - Pet Insurance - a really good idea!
- December 2010 - The big chill – a seasonal survival guide!
- November 2010 - Ticker trouble! Is my pet affected?
- October 2010 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- September 2010 - Autumn Alert!
- August 2010 - Thyroid disease – is your pet affected?
- July 2010 - It's official: Chips are good for pets!
- June 2010 - Beat the heat this summer!
- May 2010 - Wriggle your way out of this one!
- April 2010 - Parasites… spring into action and pollen problems
- March 2010 - Planning your trip abroad this summer?
- February 2010 - Meal deal – choosing the ideal diet!
- January 2010 - Winter Worries!
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