Caring for Your Monster During the Summer Months.

Dogs and cats weren't domesticated so they could be left to roam town all day or so they could be tied up outside, alone and forgotten about. They were domesticated, mostly, to be companion animals and there are many dangers to leaving an animal unattended outside for long periods of time, free to roam or not. For example, what most people don't realize is that dogs and cats can suffer from many of the same illnesses brought on by sun exposure and high temperatures as people, like dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn. Actually, animals are at a much higher risk of developing these problems with less exposure to the elements than people due to the way their bodies are designed, especially with their bare paw pads and inability to sweat.
Another thing that puts animals at a higher risk is that they lack the human's arsenal of protective gear, like clothing and sunscreen.

In 2005, while working at a veterinary clinic I witnessed the effects of sun exposure and high heat on a Brittany Spaniel that was left to roam free during one of the hottest days of the summer. He was brought in by a family who had no idea where he came from or who he belonged to. All the family knew was that their son found the dog panting uncontrollably under a tree in their front yard and that he was unresponsive. The family realized that this dog needed help immediately and rushed him into the clinic. When the dog's limp body was lifted onto the examination table the first action the veterinarian took was to take his temperature. It was 106 degrees; about five to six degrees higher than what is normal for the species. Because no one knew the owner or and the dog was not wearing a collar, it was impossible to know how long he had been in this condition or if he was able to be saved. Regardless, the staff went to work immediately to try to lower his temperature with a cold bath, but it was too late and as the doctor put it, his brain was fried. I don't remember how, but the owner was eventually located and the young dog of about five or six was euthanized.

I witnessed this tragedy almost five years ago and can still envision the dog lying limp on the table with his chest violently heaving as his lungs try to pant the heat out of his body and it frustrates me to know that this dog's death and many other animal's deaths can be prevented by something that seems as common sense as not leaving a pet outside on scorching hot days. As a general rule, if it's too hot for you to be outside, it's too hot for your pet to be outside for extended periods of time. This advice goes for all dogs and cats, but there are some breeds with flat faces (Persian cats and Pugs) that owners should be particularly careful with on hot days because they're unable to pant normally like other animals with protruding noses. Panting is particularly important as it's an animal's only self cooling mechanism because of their inability to sweat. Other animals that are of higher risk include those with heart or lung problems and ones that are elderly or overweight. Besides the advice on animal care I gave above, I have also gathered a few tips for caring for pets during the warmer moths and listed them below.

Do's and Don'ts of summer pet care:

• Don't leave your pet alone in a vehicle. Even with windows open, on extremely hot or sunny days the car can quickly heat up like an oven.
• Do make sure your pet has plenty of clean, cool drinking water. Avoid giving them ice cubes as they're choking hazards.
• Do make sure they have a cool, shady place to lay in if outside.
  
• Do bring extra water for your pet and make frequent drink stops when walking or jogging with them on hot days.
• Don't travel with your dog in the bed of the truck. If, for some reason you have to travel with them in the bed be sure the surface they are standing on is slide resistant and not too hot by testing it with your feet.
• Don't bring your pets to festivities that include fireworks as they may become nervous and agitated bu the loud bangs.
• Don't feed your pets human food or drinks at parties as they may become sick. Some things might actually even be harmful to their health such as raisins, onions, and chocolate.

A couple of other tips and things to look out for:

• Some symptoms of an overheating pet include; excessive panting or difficulty breathing, a high fever accompanied by vomiting or bloody diarrhea, increased heart rate, weakness, lethargy, confusion or even collapse. If a pet shows these symptons after being in the sun or heat, call a veterinarian immediately for advice on bringing them in to be examined or treating them at home.
• Another common injury in the summer months involves safety indoors. Treat your pet almost as you would a child when it comes to "proofing" your house and be sure to secure the window screens tightly. This advice is especially for cats or small dog owners as these types of animals generally like to sit in the window sill and look outside as my Monster does.

Remember that your pet's health depends on you and they're not able to tell us if something is wrong with them. Always pay close attention to changes in your pet's eating or bathroom habits because those are usually the first to change if they are sick. Your love and care combined with the tips above should help your pet enjoy a happy summer vacation with you.

*Next week I will shed some light on caring for your monsters during the winter months. A blog that those who live near me in the frozen tundra of Upper Michigan should know a little something about.