Summer Pet Safety – Norwood Veterinary Clinic
Thank goodness the warm weather is here! There is so much fun to be had with your beloved pets at this time of year. Whether hiking, camping, swimming or sitting around with friends, there are some important tips to remember to keep your pets safe while enjoying the great outdoors with them!
When hiking, be sure to pack water for your pet and take a pet first aid kit for a quick bandaging fix if your pet stumbles across something sharp! Make sure your pets are protected from fleas, ticks and mosquitos and that the weather isn’t too hot for your furry friend. Dogs with difficulty breathing and overweight animals need extra caution on hot days as they can overheat quickly!
When camping, please be sure that your animal’s medications are stored in a cool, dry and safe place. Don’t forget your pet first aid kit. Make sure you keep your veterinarian’s number and that of the local emergency vet clinic handy, so you can contact them quickly if needed.
Swimming is amazing exercise and lots of entertainment for all of you! Dogs that drink or swallow a lot of water can develop water poisoning, so make sure they take lots of breaks during the day. It is also important to dry your dog thoroughly, including their ears after swimming. Areas with thicker fur take longer to dry which can lead to irritation and skin infections. Please discourage them from chasing or diving for rocks – it is common for teeth to break, as they grab and chomp down in excitement.
When you and your furry family are sitting around the campfire enjoying the company of friends, make sure they stay close by and don’t wander off. Vehicles, other animals (including wildlife) can lead to trouble. Easy access to people snacks and treats, and those forgotten leftovers thrown in the campfire can make them very sick!
Fireworks are fun, but often frightening for animals. Please make sure that your pets are well secured – pets have been known to escape from crates and houses! Your veterinarian can provide advice on techniques and medications that can help reduce your pet’s stress and firework fears.
One of our greatest pleasures as humans, is to share our home and experiences with our pets and we wish everyone a safe and happy summer enjoying all of your favourite activities!
Dr. Leslie Scott, DVM
Norwood Veterinary Services
