Keeping four-legged friends safe, cool

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Summer - the months of the year people tend to spend outside enjoying the warm weather. For some, this is the perfect opportunity to take their four-legged friends along for the ride; however, there is one conundrum they face: how to keep their furry friends safe.

Even the healthiest animals can suffer from summer ailments, including fleas and ticks.

There are many products available that can help prevent a flea or tick infestation on pets, but it is important to speak with a veterinarian to find out which product works best on your pet.

"A flea and tick infestation is easily prevented if proper precautions are taken," said Carrie Richey, 436th Force Support Squadron veterinary technician. "Starting a topical or oral flea and tick preventative helps protect the pet itself, while sprays and yard treatments protect the environment. It's important to treat the pet, the home and the yard."

The summer heat also poses a risk to an animal's health, as pets get dehydrated quickly. Ensuring pets have proper shade, water and a cool place to relax is essential to proper summer care. Pet breeds with flat faces have a harder time panting and are much more susceptible to heatstroke, so they should be kept inside in air-conditioned environments.

Heatstroke can be very dangerous in pets if left untreated, signs of heatstroke are: heavy panting or rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue, unable to maintain balance, mild weakness and stupor. If a pet is showing these symptoms, try to cool them down as much as possible and ensure they have plenty to drink. If symptoms worsen take the pet to a veterinarian or animal hospital.

"Shade in the summer allows a pet to remove itself from direct sunlight," said Ms. Richey. "This will prevent the animal from becoming overheated, which can potentially lead to a heat stroke. An animal should always have somewhere to escape to when the temperatures begin to climb, when the sun is out and even in other types of inclement weather."

Another heat related danger to pets is being left in parked vehicles. Vehicles heat up quickly in the summer sun, even with the windows rolled down. This can lead to fatal heatstroke in pets. Leaving an animal unattended in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

"It's important to provide animals with plenty of water," said Ms. Richey. "It's important to engage in physical activities outside during the coolest hours of the day, and pets should not be taken to areas where shade and water are not provided."

It is important to remember not all animals are swimmers or enjoy the water. Keep an eye on pets when out by the water to gauge their reaction. Always make sure when out on the water they are wearing the proper flotation device.

Another danger of the season is the increased chance of falls from open windows, which can lead to serious or fatal injuries. This can be prevented by ensuring unscreened windows are shut and screens are tightly secured in those that have them.

One good option for owners of pets with long coats is to trim down their fur to about an inch-long, allowing their skin to breath but still providing ample protection from the sun. Brush pets often and avoid walking during the hottest times of the day to prevent burns to their sensitive paw pads.

"It's important to remember that the pets should only be outdoors for a short time when temperatures are high," said Ms. Richey. "If the heat outdoors is causing a human to sweat and feel miserable, then it's going to be even worse for their pets."