Summer Health Tips

[F, Calla & Luca]

I just got this summer newsletter from my vet's office. I thought it might be helpful to some of us.

Hi there everyone! It's the heat of the summer . . . and we just want you to keep your animals as cool as a cucumber in this weather.

Heat stroke is a major problem this time of the year! When it is hot and humid, please walk your dogs early in the morning or later in the evening. Also, remember to always have fresh water available for your 4-legged friends.  If your pet gets overheated please take them in for quick veterinary care as it could be a life or death situation!

 A great way for your dog to exercise and stay cool is to go swimming!  Just remember that dogs running around a pool on hot concrete can burn their paw pads. And dogs with floppy ears can be prone to developing ear infections.  Make sure to dry their ears afterward. Also, remove any wet collars, as those left on can lead to "hot spots" (moist skin infections) on their neck.

Flea and Tick season is also at a peak right now! We are always worried about Lyme's disease in this area of New Jersey. Please practice good flea and tick control this time of year and consider vaccination in high risk animals.... Also ask us about the newly available generic Frontline called Parastar.

 

Sunscreen for pets? YES. Sunscreen can be used on dogs and cats. Animals that have light colored nose or thin or short hair are in need of protective sunscreen or sunblock.

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends use of sunscreen in at risk animals.

Sunscreen should be fragrance free, non staining and contain UVA and UVB barriers similar to SPF 15 or SPF 30 for humans.

There are sunscreens designed for pets but baby sunscreen is also an option. If your pet is likely to lick it look for a pet specific sunscreen.

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Thanks for posting this! Something I never even THOUGHT of is the wet collar. Having a "duh" moment here. I don't leave Lach's collar on around the house, but maybe not a bad idea to carry a spare when we're out for the day.

[F.J. ~ Spud's Buddy]

All great tips but lets not forget about not leaving dogs in cars , they heat up a lot faster than we realize

[F, Calla & Luca]

Absolutely, just yesterday, when it reached 108 in Newark, the hottest day on record in NJ, a woman was arrested in the tristate area for leaving her child in a car with the windows barely cracked.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

So where do you find pet safe sunscreen? Mine are lickers so it has to be safe. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I purchase baby sunscreen for our home too. Let me go read the ingredients and warnings.   I never thought of licking.  BRB with an answer.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen

WARNINGS:

• For external use only
• Use as directed
• do not abuse by inhaling 

But no warnings on ingestion.  So I don't know. 

Do they lick each other?  By applying on the head and back might be reasonable.  They can't lick back there.  That way you can avoid the legs where they can reach and lick.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

whoa - everything I read last year said not to put human sunscreen on pets.... 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I guess you would have to compare and contrast the Pet Sun Screens with the Baby Sunscreens ingredient by ingredient. 

Then weigh the consequences on what might be best for your dogs.

Honestly, I don't let mine play very much in the heat of the day or in direct sun.  And.. they seem to know to keep out of the sun and seek as much shade ( and cool mud ) as they can.

[Sue & Willy Babe]

  I never thought of a bringing a spray bottle along on our walks but I will now, I am hopeful that the weather will be cooler here in Wisconsin.   When we had the extreme heat I squirted Wilson with the hose, he loved that !