The Dog Days of Summer
While summer breaks may be enjoyable, relaxing and fun for most of us, they can bring on added stress to the furry members of our families. Concerns about tick bites, family travels and hot, sunny weather can take a toll on everyone. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid problems and ensure a memorable time for all.
“We absolutely do see an increase in visits during the summer months, and there are several reasons why,” says Dimitri Brown, DVM, chief veterinary medical officer at University Veterinary Specialists in Peters Township. “For starters, pets are outside and more prone to trauma, which can include dog fights, encounters with wildlife, or getting out and being hit by cars. Next, we see an uptick in infectious diseases, such as those that are carried by ticks. Also, when people are spending more time outside barbecuing and having family gatherings, pets may be fed things that they normally are not, which can lead to gastroenteritis or even bowel obstructions.”
Dr. Brown also says that the summer months are when he typically sees the most problems with pets and parasites and, of course, issues with the heat.
“Just like people, our pets can get overheated in the hot summer months and need to have protection from the elements,” Dr. Brown notes. “Pets should always have access to clean water as well as access indoors or to shaded areas with a fan at an absolute minimum. If appropriate precautions aren’t taken, pets can get heat stroke, which can be life threatening.”
Ticks typically make a comeback in the summer months, and they can transmit diseases that can be devastating.
“Ticks are a huge concern for pets, particularly in the warmer months, because they can carry a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichia,” Dr. Brown says. “These diseases can cause life-threatening illness. Some are relatively easily treated, while others are very challenging to treat and can cause life-long problems.”
Dr. Brown advises that the best way to avoid tick bites is by using tick preventatives religiously.
“Talk to your primary care veterinarian to find out which tick preventative works best in your area,” he suggests. “There are both topical and oral medications that can be used. Tick collars also can be used, but talk to your veterinarian about which specific brands are more effective than others. Poor quality tick collars can cause terrible local reactions.”
If you see a tick on your pet, Dr. Brown advises to remove it as soon as possible with a pair of tweezers and grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible. He says to apply constant gentle pressure and pull away from the skin. Do not twist or pull to the side, as this can squeeze the tick’s body and increase the chances of disease transmission. Also, if you don’t grab right by the skin, you may not remove the entire tick.
“If you can’t remove the tick, your veterinarian may be able to help,” he says. “If you do remove a tick from your pet, contact your veterinarian to find out if any treatment is needed, or if any testing for infectious diseases should be performed.”
Summer is also a time when many families travel. Although these trips might be relaxing and fun for humans, they can be a time of added stress for pets.
“First, remember that your pet is in an unfamiliar environment and may be easily scared,” Dr. Brown says. “Ensure your pet has a microchip that is registered with your current contact information. In addition, make sure your dog has a collar with a tag with your current information. It also is important that your pet is current on vaccines prior to travelling, as they may be exposed to different diseases than what they normally experience at home.”
Dr. Brown advises to have access to your pet’s medical records, including any medications that they are currently taking. “If your pet gets sick while you are travelling, you can provide the medical records to the veterinarian who is treating your pet. If you are boarding your pet, the boarding facility will likely require vaccine records. And finally, it is important to find out if you need a health certificate from your veterinarian for the area you are travelling to.”