Ah summertime…what’s not to love? Longer days bursting with sunshine. The beckoning call of beach trips and pool gatherings. Lazy cookouts and park picnics just begging for some outdoor fun. But while people relish the season’s carefree delights, some threats lurk in the shadows for adorable furry friends unprepared for scorching temps and unhealthy hazards.
As veterinarians constantly hitting the Jersey streets through our mobile practice, we feel firsthand how the shift from spring to summer dangerously impacts pets vulnerable to everything from dehydration and hyperthermia to seasonal allergies, skin irritation and decorated diagnosis if left unprotected by neglectful owners swept up in vacation vibes. Don’t let Fido or Fluffy become a hot mess!
Heed our top tips safeguarding four-legged family from high temperatures and other elevated risks summer poses to keep the fun times rocking all season long instead of abruptly taking a turn at the emergency vet clinic:
Monitor the Thermometer
Dogs and cats handle heat waves very differently than people thanks to their biology. Sweat glands concentrated on pets’ paw pads make evaporative cooling elsewhere on fur-covered bodies far less efficient. Once ambient temperatures sail beyond the mid 80’s range, animals grow at major risk for literal meltdowns. Know the definitions:
Heat exhaustion happens when core body temperature elevates between 103-106°F. Early signs involve excessive panting, drooling, stumbling, rectal diarrhea and vomiting. This merits emergency intervention stopping escalation.
Heat stroke strikes when internal temperature blows past 106°, often in conjunction with concussive symptoms like disorientation, bright red gums, seizures and sudden collapse. Unlike sunburned people, pets at this phase can perish within minutes if not cooled immediately. Every second counts!
Take ALL outdoor play breaks inside instantly if warning signs manifest. Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 AM and 6 PM when UV rays bear down harshest. Ensure ample shade refuge plus chilled water access for outdoor pets. Consider clipped summer cuts helping long haired breeds beat the heat. When in doubt, opt for indoor activities outlasting afternoon rays. Better safe than heartbroken!
Schedule Seasonal Exams
Summer’s arrival makes the perfect excuse booking wellness visits giving pets head-to-tail screenings ensuring pristine baseline health for months of activity ahead. Ask our mobile team about:
● Heartworm tests & preventatives if not already prescribed year-round
● Flea/tick panels & topical treatments avoiding parasitic plague
● Intestinal parasite fecal screens clearing al fresco play zones
● Bloodwork spotting conditions exacerbated by heat stress
● Skin inspections for new growths and allergic irritations
● Dietary guidance avoiding gastro woes common when pets scarf seasonal human foods
Address dental disease and trim nails that might otherwise tear on adventures off home turf. Discuss any medications needing adjustment for warmer months ahead too. Prepare pets’ bodies for the long haul of summer strutting! An ounce of prevention now saves major issues down the line.
Balance Sun & Fun
Ah yes…those blissful dog days of summer every owner dreams about must involve lounging poolside and digging toes through beach sand, right? WRONG. Water and UV overexposure introduce complications pets pay for in spades later. Heed limitations:
Swimming Pools − While pools offer hours of pooch paddling fun, promptly rinse chlorinated residues off skin and paws after exiting to avoid painful rashes, ear issues and toxic tissue absorption if repeatedly unrinsed. Also monitor for pool hyperthermia, panicked diving risks and drowning if dogs never receive swim lessons. Fun for all ages…when safety savvy!
Lakes, Ponds, Oceans − Contaminated waters bring higher risk for gastrointestinal, dermatologic and even neurological infections. Watch for blue-green algae blooms and aquatic flesh-eating bacteria in recent news. Rinse pets post-dips regardless and avoid drinking unknown sources. Brackish baths draw disease despite delighting spent pups!
Hot Asphalt/Sand/Cement − Burn injuries happen fast when sensitive paw pads meet scalding surfaces. Place the back of your hand against ground temps first ensuring toes won’t blister or bake. Restrict play to grassy yards and seek shade refuge the instant pets start hopping on singed feet. Prevent needless misery ruining summer fun through prevention.
While we know the urge to let furry friends run wild exploring summertime’s glory remains strong, please exercise wise judgement keeping seasonal fun balanced by safety first. Consult our mobile veterinary pros anytime nagging questions arise on risks posed by upcoming playdates, outings and travel so medical preparation provides peace of mind all summer long! Until then—let the (responsible) games begin!