Help Your Pet Be Cool This Summer

Here at Abbotsford Animal Hospital we think it’s great to enjoy the summer with your pet. But it’s also the time when they have the greatest risk of injury and heat-related health problems. So here are some tips on keeping cool this summer.

Watch for signs of Heatstroke
Rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles, a dazed look. Wrap them in a towel soaked with a cool, not cold water. In severe cases, place them in the bathtub. Heatstroke can be fatal. See us as soon as possible.

Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car
Not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. On a 21 degree Celsius day, the car temperature can rise above 65 degrees Celsius in minutes. It’s extremely dangerous. And the Number 1 cause of heatstroke.

Keep Vaccinations Up-To-Date
This is the time of year when most pets come into contact with other animals, at parks, campgrounds etc.

Always Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature. They can get dehydrated quickly so help replace the lost fluid with plenty of fresh, clean water

Stop External Parasites Before they Bite
Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in warm, humid environments. See us for a preventative program.

Also Avoid Internal Parasites
Be sure your dog has been heartworm tested and is on a preventative.

Watch for Hot Pavement and Beaches
Sensitive paws burn easily and this can cause trauma and pain.

Find a Cool Spot
For indoor pets, keep the air circulating with a child-proof fan or air conditioner. Provide shade for outdoor pets. And a gentle sprinkle from a hose is always appreciated.

The Streets Aren’t Safe
Don’t let your pet roam. Just in case, make sure that your pet is licensed and microchipped. We see twice as many fight injuries and bite wounds in summer. And, of course, your pet is no match for a car.

The Yard Isn’t Always Safe Either
Be cautious of pesticides and herbicides. Read the precautions for lawn chemicals carefully and keep pets away from newly treated yard. If pets come in contact with chemicals, wash their feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly, then contact us immediately.

Brush After Every Heel
Frequent brushing provides early warning of parasites and skin infections by lifting the coat, permitting a view of the skin below.

It’s Allergy Season
People sneeze. Pets scratch. Common pet allergies include pollen, grass and weeds. If your pet scratches excessively or chews at its paws, bring your pet in for an exam. We can design a plan to help.

Watch the Exercise and Diet
Don’t encourage exercise during the hottest part of the day. And let them eat less. Overeating can lead to overheating.

Not Every Dog Paddles Well
Animals in the water for the first time should be eased in, never thrown or chased in. Don’t let them drink from pools, streams or the ocean. And if they swim, rinse them off. Salt and minerals can damage a dog’s coat.

Sunburn Is No Day At The Beach
It hurts. Short haired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are especially susceptible. Limit their exposure and sunscreen may be needed.

The staff at Abbotsford Animal Hospital want to make sure that all our pets enjoy the summer as safely as possible. Please call or contact us if you have any questions.

​Abbotsford Animal Hospital - Caring for Pets for People in York Region, Aurora, Newmarket, King City, Richmond Hill and the GTA.