As the summer heats up in British Columbia, Surrey-based Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) reminds pet owners that there are many seasonal dangers like dehydration, heatstroke, water hazards and wildfire smoke that can impact their pets’ health.
“Unlike humans, cats and dogs cannot regulate their temperatures by sweating, and are very susceptible to dehydration and heatstroke,” says Dr. Sarah Charney, owner and board-certified oncologist at BBVSH. “Although common and often unintended, it’s something to be taken seriously as the effects of dehydration and heatstroke can impact pets in a short amount of time, sometimes irreversibly.”
Signs of dehydration can vary from loss of appetite to drowsiness to excessive panting and grooming. Symptoms of heatstroke in pets can include difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Pet owners should seek veterinary attention immediately if they suspect their pet is suffering from heatstroke. However, there are some ways to cool pets down like putting them in a well-ventilated, cool area and offering water small sips at a time.
“Watering pets’ bodies and fanning them can also help, but we advise not to use icy cold water, this reduces blood flow. It can also cause pets to generate more heat because they’re shivering.”
Beyond heatstroke and dehydration, summer activities can present a variety of other potential risks for pets including drowning, sand impaction, salt toxicity (from seawater), and insect bites or stings.
Pet owners should also know how to manage the risks to their pets from wildfire smoke, especially in areas that are more susceptible to wildfires.
“If your area is experiencing wildfire smoke or bad air quality, keep your pets inside as much as you can with windows shut. This keeps them from inhaling any harmful pollutants. If they must go outside for bathroom breaks, keep them as brief as possible, and increase indoor play to keep pets occupied. Ensure rooms are properly ventilated and provide consistent hydration as the smokey air can irritate and dry out pets’ respiratory systems.”
BBVSH also encourages pet owners to have a pet first aid kit that is easily accessible and to include pets in disaster preparedness plans.
Additional Tips for Keeping Pets Safe in Summer
- Avoid leaving your pet in a hot car, even for a short period.
- Provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your pet to drink.
- Never allow your pet to drink seawater or pool water.
- Supervise your pet around pools and other bodies of water.
- Discourage pet toys and other in-mouth items in water to avoid overconsumption.
- If the pavement is too warm to hold your hand on, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on.
Should your pet require immediate medical assistance, Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is available for emergencies, 24/7/365, including statutory holidays. No appointment is necessary. If you have time, please give us a call to let us know you’re on your way at 604-514-8383.
“As a VECCS Level 1 certified hospital, we are capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma, with specialists on staff and on call to handle any medical or surgical issue your pet may be experiencing.”
For more information and tips on keeping your pet safe this summer, visit our website at www.bbvsh.com.