Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-106

Show Description: “Summer Pet Tips”

Audio Files: ATVR-06-106.mp3, ATVR-06-106.wma

This week’s Ask The Vet Radio showcased information about summer pet tips. Dr. Tracy Dewhirst, along with Dr. John Freeland and Dr. Jeff Simmons, discussed tips about avoiding the summer heat problems in detail as well as took various pet questions from callers. 

Show Notes and Resources:

  • Dr. John Freeland from the Asheville Equine Veterinary Hospital joined us in-studio to aid callers with their horse questions as well as provided a short list of tips for horse owners to use during summer months. To contact the Asheville Equine Hospital, call 828-684-0000.

    Summer Tips for Horse Owners:

      • Water! Water! Water! Make sure horses, as well as all other pets, have a fresh clean source of water readily available.  Because automatic water may be more difficult to monitor, daily water buckets may be a safer option.
      • Make sure to use a fly and sunburn preventative.
      • Ventilation is a key in trailers/stables! Make sure windows on trailers are not blowing straight in; this can cause dust irritation for their eyes. Also, light colored trailers keep the animals cooler.
      • Since horses are highly prone to lower leg injuries, leg wraps are very important in protecting against injury.  However, learning to wrap properly is vital! For more information on horse wraps, go to: http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/0702wrap.shtml
      • Regular vaccinations for mosquitoes can prevent many problems.
      • Make sure your horse is not accessible to some common toxic plants! For a list of toxic plants, go to: http://www.aragriculture.org/horticulture/ornamentals/toxic_plants.htm
  • Dr. Tracy Dewhirst also gave listeners a list of general pet tips to beat the heat!

    Summer Pet Tips:

    • Never, under any circumstances, leave a pet in the car. Less than 15 minutes can be deadly with temperatures reaching well above 100 degrees.  Leave pets at home when appropriate.
    • Fresh, cold water is essential at all times. The average size dog drinks about 2 gallons of water per day!
    • Fleas and ticks are prevalent in these months. Once a month, administer a flea/tick preventative as well as a heartworm preventative.
    • The number of pets hit by vehicles increases in the summer; make sure to pay attention to your animals at all times!  Also, pets jump out of vehicles all the time; just because your pet hasn’t does this before, does not mean he won’t jump out the next time.
    • You do not have to necessarily shave your dog for the summer because shaving makes your dogs more prone to sunburn, especially those with lighter-colored skin.  For dogs, sunburns and excessive exposure to the sun can lead to skin infections and even skin cancer. Apply pet sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) on the bridge of their nose, the ear tips, the back of their head and back.  Because sunscreen can rub off, a t-shirt may be more appropriate for protecting the majority of their body.
    • Ventilation in cars/houses is very important! Air conditioning is best, but a fan can be helpful too.
    • Keep pets safe from drowning by paying attention to them when they are playing in or near bodies of water.  You can prevent drowning from occurring with life jackets and steps/ramps for pools.  Be mindful that sometimes the undertow in the ocean/rivers can be stronger than they look! Also, remember dogs can get tired quickly when swimming.  Be sure to stop in intervals to give them a rest and fresh water.
    • When going to the beach, be aware that swallowing saltwater can cause diarrhea and dehydration quickly.  Keep fresh water around for your pets to drink instead.
    • Be aware that your pets can burn the pads of their feet on the overheated concrete.  Keep their feet in the shade as often as possible.
  • Dr. Jeff Simmons from the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Unit at Auburn University phoned in to give listeners information on heatstroke.  One cause of heatstroke is the animal’s body temperature overheating as a result of its surrounding conditions, such as being left in a car.  The other cause is from overexertion.  Remember: Just because your dog is able to withstand 30 minutes in the heat one day does not guarantee he will be able to withstand the same amount the next day. Heatstroke occurs rapidly, sometimes within 30 minutes or less, so be conscientious of the heat at all times.  Some signs of heatstroke include excessive panting and irregular behavior.
  • Myth or Fact: In heat, you can cool down dogs by dipping their paws in water: TRUE! This does in fact cool them off, however, know that this is only equivalent to a quick spray, and will not alter their overall temperature.  You can also put ice packs under their arms and back legs to help cool them off.