Illustration by Matt Fogarty.
While your dog’s favorite summer activity might be hanging his head out the window on long car rides, it’s an adventure your veterinarian likely hates to see.
“It’s one of those things that nearly everyone does, but no one realizes the dangers that can be involved,” said Dr. Deborah Keim of Capitol Area Animal Medical Center.
Including pets in favorite summer activities is a great way to burn off some energy and bond with our creatures. But unlike humans, our furry family members can’t say when they get tired, too hot or something hurts.
“We have to be aware of the things that make them tick,” Keim said. “It can be the difference in them getting to enjoy summer with us or having to make an emergency trip to the animal hospital.”
Car Safety
While most people put down the window to let Fido get some air, it can be a dangerous practice.
Sure, he looks excited as he sticks his head into the breeze, tongue hanging out of his mouth, but are those moments of joy worth the chance of catastrophe?
Dr. Linda Stern of Healing Creatures Animal Hospital in Camp Hill said pets should be restrained just as humans are with seatbelts.
“Anything from a quick slam on the brakes to the animal getting excited and jumping out the window can lead to terrible things,” Stern said.
Besides getting tossed around the car in a crash, anything flying around in the air could hit the dog, getting in its eyes, nose or ears and causing injury or pain, Stern added. Also, if a crash is severe and emergency personnel have to respond, an unrestrained dog could get protective of its owner while others try to help.
Besides a crate, an owner can buy dog-specific restraints, similar to a seatbelt. For larger dogs, owners can put gates up to keep the animal from jumping between rows of seats.
And the golden rule of all pet owners: Never leave an animal in the car alone, Stern said.
Temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in just minutes, she said, causing severe heat exhaustion that can even lead to death.
On Vacation
For long car rides, there are some medications that can help animals relax or get over motion sickness, Keim said.
Do some prep work by making sure any resort or hotel is pet-friendly and that areas nearby are welcoming to pets, too. Not all beaches or state parks allow dogs, Keim added.
If the vacation destination is pet-friendly, it’s still a good idea to keep a dog on a leash until it gets accustomed to the beach or park. Whenever it’s time to go, check the dog’s paw for anything that could be in between its toes, including sand, which can cut the skin, Keim said.
Summer also is when pets are most likely to get bitten by mosquitoes or ticks, which can carry harmful diseases or parasites.
While topical or oral medications do a great job of keeping pets healthy, please make sure that the dose is proper for your dog, Stern said.
Avon’s Skin So Soft, a spray bug repellent safe for humans, also works on animals, she said. Just be sure not to spray it around the animal’s eyes or mouth.
There also are several citronella packets that can be hung around or inserted in an animal’s collar during nights in the backyard or out on the trail.
“The big thing is to always check pets for ticks after long periods outside,” Keim said.
A fine-toothed comb can make the process a little easier, she said.
Too Much Heat
Pets don’t sweat like humans to help them stay cool during the summer, so it’s important that owners keep an eye out for the signs of heat exhaustion.
Keim recommends collars that can go in the freezer and be used later to help cool down a pet, as well as gel-filled beds that are more comfortable for sleeping.
Dogs especially will begin to pant a lot as a way to try to cool their bodies down. If the panting becomes excessive, Keim said, it’s important to get the animal as cool as possible by wetting it down. Don’t use iced water, however. Keim said that the goal is to cool the animal down slowly, so cool water is best.
Stern agreed that heat exhaustion is a big concern during the summer.
“Dogs especially will run until they drop,” she said.
Carry a source of water on long walks and make sure the animal takes frequent, small drinks. Too much water at once when a dog is overheating can cause additional problems, she said.
Natural electrolyte drinks other than sports beverages that can be found in the grocery store also can be diluted and given to pets when it’s too hot, Stern added. Pop a few in the freezer as ice cubes, and they make a great cold snack for animals.
“Summer can be a great time to connect with your pet,” Stern said. “If everyone is safe and healthy, it can be a great season of fun.”
