Dog Days of Summer: Veterinarians, pet sitters offer safety tips for the season

Summertime means outdoor fun for both pets and people, but the season also comes with risks pet owners should be aware of. Heartworm-carrying mosquitoes, hot pavement, even sunburn can plague pets, and animals can be stressed by their owners' relaxing vacation plans. Local veterinarians and pet-sitting professionals offer the following tips to pet owners. Sun and heat dangers When the sun is shining, many owners send their pets outside to play. But too much heat can be harmful, especially for animals used to the air-conditioned indoors, said veterinarian Paul Augustine of Malta Veterinary Hospital. “We see some dogs who are outside all the time, and they're fine,” he said. “But if the dog's been living in 70-degree air conditioning all summer, you can't throw him out into 90-degree high humidity and expect him to be all right.” The temperature inside a parked car can reach 110 degrees in minutes, even with the windows cracked, Bethany Animal Hospital manager Susan Poole said. Pets left in cars can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke or may even die. If you have to make a stop, make it quick, park in the shade and leave the windows down as far as you can without letting the animal out, Augustine said. Better yet, leave your pet at home. • Make sure outdoor pets have fresh water and shade available and are acclimated to the heat. • Animals that are old, overweight or have dark fur or pug faces overheat quickly. Watch for signs of overheating, including drooling, glazed eyes and weakness. • Take walks in the early morning or late evening, when it's cooler. Older dogs may not be able to walk as far when it's hot. Take breaks from exercise and have cool water available, Poole said. • Hot pavement can burn a dog's paws; try to use routes with grass. • Brush your pet often. Dog's fur can be trimmed to about one inch long; any shorter risks sunburn. • Don't use sunscreen or insect repellent meant for humans on your pet. Ask your veterinarian for a pet-safe alternative. Sources: Dr. Paul Augustine, DVM of Malta Veterinary Hospital, Susan Poole, manager of Bethany Animal Hospital, The Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Traveling without your pet Travel might be stressful for your pet. If you do leave pets behind, use a trusted caretaker who has contact information for you and your vet. “Always ask for references and check them,” said Carol Sturm, owner of Sycamore-based pet-sitting service Guardian Services. The Humane Society of the United States has tips on selecting a kennel or pet sitter on its Web site, http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care. • “Animals are used to hearing human voices. They're not used to complete quiet,” Sturm said. “Leave the radio on quietly in just one room so the animal can wander in and out.” • Pets can get lonely when left alone. Find a caretaker who can spend time with the animal. Sources: Carol Sturm of Guardian Services, The Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Traveling with your pet Whether it's a day trip or a week away, make sure you have everything your pet needs to be comfortable. Dogs shouldn't ride in the bed of a pickup truck. They can be injured by flying debris or could be thrown out if the driver suddenly brakes, swerves or is hit. • Plan ahead if you're taking your pet on vacation. Many airlines, planes and ships do not allow pets during the summer, and not all hotels are pet-friendly. • Don't take your pet to crowded, noisy events, which can be stressful. Sources: The Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Outdoor play Summer is the time to be outside, but pet owners should be aware of dangers like chemical exposure and insects. • Talk to your veterinarian about ways to protection from insects that may carry disease. Some flea and tick preventatives also repel mosquitoes, veterinarian Paul Augustine of Malta Veterinary Hospital said. • Supervise your pet around swimming pools. Not all dogs are accomplished swimmers, and drinking chlorinated water can make an animal sick. • More dogs are hit by cars and involved in dog fights in the summer than in any other season. Just because the weather is nice doesn't mean it's safe to take your dog off-leash. • Plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be harmful or fatal to pets. Try to keep your pets away from treated lawns, and know whether your plants are toxic. • Make sure your pet wears a collar and ID tag any time it is outside. Sources: Dr. Paul Augustine, DVM of Malta Veterinary Hospital, The Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals