Get pet-ready for summer

Summer is here and our pets rely on us to keep them safe and comfortable as we begin our seasonal activities.

Much of our human summer lifestyle presents hazards for our pets. From things that can be ingested, to insects, beach days, gardens, swimming pools, cars and fireworks.

During summer, vets see an increase in stomach upsets and toxicity, as pets eat anything from left over barbecue, picnic and festive foods, to citronella candles, rodenticides, insects coils, garden fertilisers, pool chemicals and firefighter blocks.

We can never assume that, just because it’s not food, its not edible to an animal, and pet owners need to be especially vigilant.

It pays to remember that summer vegetation and insects are different, therefore, so are the hazards. Allergies, grass-seeds, fleas, bees and wasps, increase during summer and new risks arrive with skin reactions to grasses and ground cover, plus prickles and grass seeds are a common cause of limping during the drier months.

Fleas hatch when it’s humid, bees are abundant and bacteria thrives in moist, warm areas, so there’s also greater chance of the ‘itches, allergic reactions to stings, infected ears and hotspots.

It goes without saying that heat is the biggest hazard of summer and an animals’s life can be saved by regaining symptoms of overheating including excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and breathing rate, drooling, lethargy, collapse or seizures. Heatstroke is common and overlooked.

Our pets, depend on us to protect them all year round. Here are some of the best things you can do for them this summer.

• Provide cool, shady, ventilated areas for them to relax, with access to fresh water in various locations and when out, always have pet water and offer dogs water often.

• Never leave pets in the car.

• Exercise in the cool of the day and ease into high intensity exercise to avoid injures.

Brush and clip long-haired pets, rinse dogs with fresh water and towel dry after swimming in the sea or pool.

• Get all pets microchipped and flea treated.

• Do body and paw checks for rashes and grass seeds after beach walks.

• Pet-proof your pool and pack away food and chemicals.

• Expect fireworks at any time of day or night,

• Have a plan for anxious pets and remember to brief pet-sitters on all the above.

Wishing you and your pets a safe, fun, healthy and hazard-free Summer!