Summer Dangers for Pets

Summertime is all about games and fun until someone ends up backed in a corner. We all have so many opportunities to enjoy our lives indoors and outdoors during the summer months. Talk about those pool parties, graduations, strolling on the beach, yard gardening, walks in the park, and several other activities.  As we enjoy ourselves, it’s hard to leave our best friends out. Dogs and cats are the most common pets that people carry to the pools, for their walks in the park, and to spend some time with them laying on the sunshine. 

As we head into summertime, there are some summer dangers for pets that you should familiarize yourself with. These risks range from mild sunburns, vomiting and diarrhea to grave perils such as heart stroke and organ failure.

Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitos

Although it’s hard to spend our summertime beyond our yards this year because of coronavirus, there are chances that we will have some fun activities during the day and night in our backyard. Mosquitos, fleas, and ticks will also be out en mass, which can cause severe health issues to your pet.  Consequently, you have to make sure your pets are appropriately cared for. Buy the best protective products but avoid buying some toxic products that can cause more trouble than solutions.

Organ Failure

When exposed to the direct sunlight, there are chances that your Dog’s temperatures will rise above the normal ranges. This condition is known as Hyperthermia and can cause some serious conditions such as Heart stroke or organ failure. The pet can lose consciousness and experience high fevers.  When in the direct sunlight with your pets, carefully observe to detect any sign or symptoms of heat exhaustion. Dogs, for example, are more sensitive to heat and hence more likely to pant than sweat. Any other sign or symptom can also indicate a severe situation. For that reason, ask vet online any time of the day for guidance, recommendations, and advice. 

Plants

You’re likely to spend a lot of your time outdoors with your pet. People will also hold more parties and indoor and outdoor dinners with their friends, which increases the chances of plant poisoning. For dogs that spend most of their time in the sun, they are exposed to poisonous plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and tulips.  Be wary of household plants such as Marijuana, elephant ear, jade, Aloe Vera, Ivy, and ZZ plant. Carefully observe the pet for any abstruse signs and symptoms of plant poisoning. It’s essential to get in touch with your vet immediately this incident occurs. 

Sun

The sun itself is dangerous to pets and can cause serious issues such as sunburns, dehydration, and organ failure and heart stroke. Humans know the importance of wearing SPF to prevent their skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But how many people consider the risks of skin cancer and skin burns in their pets? During this summer, it’s obviously important to make sure your pet is not spending a lot of time in the sun. 

It’s also important to consider sunblock for pets. Just ensure you’re using a perfect product specifically designed for animals. The sunblock for your pet should also be safe for pets to ingest. This is specifically because pets can leak their fur. 

Pollen Dangers

Humans are not the only ones suffering from seasonal allergies. Pets can be affected significantly by the different types of mold and pollen. As you will be spending more time on your garden with the pet, be careful with pollen and some types of molds. They can cause respiratory problems in animals, just like they can do in humans. 

Drowning: Pools and Boats

Pets run the risk of drowning, just like humans and other animals. Although some puppies and other pets like to spend some time in the water, some of them have no Business in the pool. One mistake we all make is assuming our pets can swim. For that reason, we always coerce a hesitant dog to enter the pool. Remember the Dog is already in panic and can drink a lot of water which is very dangerous. 

Theft

The number of crimes increases during the summer months. These criminals don’t spare pets. This means that there are chances of pet kidnapping and other crimes towards these animals. This is an indication that it’s better to leave the pets at home or just ensure you don’t leave them alone outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature is too hot for pets?

Any temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheight are hazardous to dogs. Though, if they have enough water, shade, and air circulation, they can do well on temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheight. This indicates that there’s no hard and fast rule about a temperature limit that is fine for dogs and other pets. 

Can a dog survive heatstroke?

Dogs can survive Heatstroke, but the chances of death are very high. The prognosis depends on the damages caused by the Heatstroke. The cause of death, in this case, is known as global thermal injury and may have damaged several tissues in the Dog’s body. Even when your Dog seems okay after such an incident, it can die the following few days because of the damages caused.

How long does heatstroke last in dogs?

Heatstroke in dogs can last for more than 48 hours. Even when your Dog seems okay, the vet should still check to rule out any dangers because there are some chances that the Heatstroke has caused some damages to the Dog’s kidney and liver. The effects of this condition and its treatment can go for more than 72 hours. 

Can pets get sick from too much sun?

Yes, there are chances that too much exposure to direct sunlight will cause Heatstroke, which can be dangerous to all types of pets. The risks of direct sun exposure to pets can vary from loss of consciousness, high fever, and heat exhaustion to organ failure. 

Pets are exposed to several dangers during the summer, just like humans. Although humans understand these risks and take actionable measures to protect themselves, dogs and cats don’t have a way of protecting their skin from direct sunlight. It’s your responsibility as a pet owner to take care of your pet and help them enjoy their summertime in good health.