Summer Pet Care

  • Published
  • By Capt. Amy Thalacker
  • 436th Force Support Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  As warmer weather approaches, there are a number of things to keep in mind for your pets. As the temperature rises we want to get outside and exercise - walk, bike, run and travel to the beach. Of course, we take our four legged friends with us.

Unfortunately, like many of us, our pets have spent the winter curled up on the couch. They need to gradually begin an exercise program with you, particularly if they are overweight or older. This is critical once the temperature gets above 85 degrees. Dogs do not sweat to cool off, they pant. Tragically, a few dogs are lost to heat stroke each year. When you do go on a long run with your pooch, be sure to bring water for them. In addition, you can wet them down with cool water before and after your run to help with evaporative cooling.

Mosquito and tick season is in full swing this time of year. Don't forget to use your monthly heartworm, and flea and tick preventative. This will protect your dog or cat from deadly heartworms or painful Lyme disease. However, these products won't keep all ticks off of your pet. Check them daily and remove any ticks by grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers and gently pull until the tick comes off. Sometimes ticks burrow under the skin and when you try to remove them the head gets left behind. If that happens, scrub the area thoroughly with warm soapy water. The body usually takes care of the left over tick parts, but if it gets infected apply a warm rag to it three to four times a day to help with drainage. You should monitor the bite site for signs of a target rash. If one appears, take your pet to your local veterinarian. He or she can test for Lyme disease and treat for it if necessary.

Summer is a time to socialize outdoors. We often take our dogs to the beach or park where they play with other dogs. Our cats enjoy the sunny weather as well and often wander outdoors. These activities increase the risk of exposure to diseases. Cats that go outside are at particular risk for Feline Leukemia Virus which is spread between cats through biting, scratching and licking. Make sure your pet is current on their vaccines. Also, remember the state of Delaware requires your pets to be registered and have a current rabies vaccine. State law also states that dogs must be on a leash when outside.
Unfortunately, the influenza virus has moved into the canine population. Canine flu is highly contagious and 80 percent of all dogs that are exposed become ill. Symptoms include: coughing, sneezing and runny nose. Some dogs that contract the disease progress to more serious respiratory problems and 5 percent of the dogs who contract canine influenza die.

Greyhounds are particularly susceptible and have a more complicated form of the disease. Canine influenza is endemic in Delaware and places your dog at increased risk. A new vaccine for canine influenza is now available through your local veterinarian. It is highly recommended for dogs that go to dog shows, dog parks, kennels, grooming salons, dog day care centers and anywhere else that dogs gather.

Water activities are great fun in the summer for you and your pets. If you and your dog enjoy water activities you should add the leptospirosis vaccine to their immunizations. Leptospirosis is spread through water contaminated with the bacteria. It is a serious disease that can destroy the liver and kidneys. The number of cases of dogs with leptospirosis has risen in the last five years. If your dog is not currently vaccinated for this disease it is highly recommended. Cats are susceptible to leptospirosis, but they rarely contract the disease. Talk to your veterinarian regarding vaccination.

Dover Family Air Force Base Properties, LLC accepts two pets (dog, cat, bird or fish aquarium) per household. Pets that weigh more than 100 pounds will not be accepted and certain breeds of dogs are not allowed, including Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers. For more details about pet rules in Family Housing, call 678-3603.