Love your pet ... love your vet - July 2011
Summertime: The heat is on!
The onset of summer weather brings with it the prospect of warm lazy days and longer evenings, but it's worth sparing a thought for all of our pets. There are numerous hazards associated with the season that should be borne in mind – here are a few tips:
Heat can be a real killer for many pets! It's a good idea to avoid exercising pets in the heat of the day, particularly old overweight dogs with heart problems; stick to early mornings and later on in the evenings. You may also want to consider trimming dogs' coats, as this will keep them cooler during the summer months. It is also advisable to take water out with you whilst on walks.
Heat can also be a big problem for guinea pigs and rabbits. Unfortunately, every summer guinea pigs and rabbits die of heatstroke. Ensure plenty of water is provided daily and position any runs and/or hutches in a shady spot.
Flies also pose a huge problem for rabbits in the warmer months. Rabbit rear ends often become damp and this moist area attracts flies which can lay their eggs there. These in turn hatch out into maggots, which burrow through the rabbit's skin and into the underlying flesh. During the summer months, rabbit rear ends should be inspected on a daily basis for fly eggs and maggots. If you are in any way concerned about this you should contact your vet immediately.
Grass seeds are another summer-time problem – the grass awns of the meadow grasses are easily trapped in the coats of pets – especially dogs. They then migrate and become lodged in a variety of places including the ears and between the toes. It is always a good idea to groom your pets regularly and especially after walks to keep a close eye out for grass seeds. You should also be on the lookout for ticks as these can also attach themselves to passing pets and can pass on infections such as Lyme disease and Babesiosis.
The sun itself can also pose a hazard. Pets, especially cats, with white ear tips and noses are particularly at risk from sunburn which can lead to cancerous changes in the sunburnt areas. You should apply high factor sunblock to the at risk (white) areas to help minimise this risk.
Also watch out for bee and wasp stings that may require prompt veterinary attention since some dogs are allergic to their stings.
Always remember that the temperature in cars can rise very rapidly and death from heat stroke can follow in a matter of minutes – NEVER leave pets unattended in cars during the warmer months.
Keith Moore BVSc MRCVS is a Veterinary Surgeon at Hillside Veterinary Centre in Corfe Mullen. For more information visit www.hillsidevets.co.uk. Follow us on Facebook.
Archived Articles :
- May 2013 - Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) and caring for your bunny!
- April 2013 - New pet in the family
- March 2013 - Itchy skin – could it be an allergy?
- February 2013 - Thyroid problems in pets
- January 2013 - Arthtritis - is your pet affected?
- December 2012 - love your vet this Christmas
- November 2012 - Combat firework fear!
- October 2012 - Troublesome ticks!
- September 2012 - Thirsty work…
- August 2012 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2012 - Don't get the summertime blues!
- June 2012 - Rabbit dental problems & a growing issue
- May 2012 - Fact file: Heart Disease
- April 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- March 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- February 2012 - Drinking like a fish?
- January 2012 - New Rules for the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
- December 2011 - Top ten tips for Christmas
- November 2011 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- October 2011 - Autumn aches: is your pet affected?
- September 2011 - Worms: a wriggly problem!
- August 2011 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2011 - Summertime: The heat is on!
- June 2011 - Pet passengers - are fleas and ticks an issue?
- May 2011 - Rabbit Awareness Week
- April 2011 - Eyes: taking the long view!
- March 2011 - Spring has sprung!
- February 2011 - Getting to the root of the problem!
- January 2011 - Pet Insurance - a really good idea!
- December 2010 - The big chill – a seasonal survival guide!
- November 2010 - Ticker trouble! Is my pet affected?
- October 2010 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- September 2010 - Autumn Alert!
- August 2010 - Thyroid disease – is your pet affected?
- July 2010 - It's official: Chips are good for pets!
- June 2010 - Beat the heat this summer!
- May 2010 - Wriggle your way out of this one!
- April 2010 - Parasites… spring into action and pollen problems
- March 2010 - Planning your trip abroad this summer?
- February 2010 - Meal deal – choosing the ideal diet!
- January 2010 - Winter Worries!
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