June and the hot South Florida summers are nearly upon us. This time of year, there are several things that are almost a certainty. It will be hot, with lots of afternoon thunderstorms, there will be sea lice at the beach and all eyes will be gazing toward the tropics in anticipation of hurricanes. The following information will help keep your pet safe and sound during this potentially hazardous time of year.
BEATING THE HEAT: When the temperature gets into the upper 80's and beyond it is important to understand the impact this can have on your pet. The temperature of the sidewalk that you walk your pet on can reach well over 110 degrees. This kind of heat can easily blister even the toughest of pads. Try to limit your pet's walks to the early and later hours of each day. Remember to bring a source of water for your dog to lap up during those long walks. Step into shady spots and let your pet cool off, especially if he or she is older.
If you take your pet for a ride in the car, never, ever leave your pet locked in the car while you make a quick stop. The temperature in a closed or even mostly closed car can rise by as much as a two degrees per minute. This means that your car can take on conditions resembling an oven in less than 30 minutes. If you must leave you pet in the car, park it in a shady spot and leave all of your windows as low as possible. Better yet, leave your pet at home if you need to step out to shop or run errands.
Heat stroke is a deadly condition that kills hundreds of pets in Florida every summer. The most common cause of heat stroke is a dog being left chained up in the back yard without access to fresh, cool water. You should leave a sufficient quantity of water in a sturdy container that is unlikely to tip. Be sure your pet also has access to shade and if she must be tethered with a leash, make sure it can't get tangled or wrapped around a tree.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion or stroke, immediately rinse him down with cool water. Ice cubes in a bag or wet towel should be applied to the head and ears where heat can be readily displaced. Immediately bring your pet to your regular veterinarian for additional treatment; such as intravenous fluids and medication to combat swelling of the brain and other symptoms and complications that can typically occur from heat stroke.
OCEAN PESTS: Although we might want to take our pets for a dip to cool down, summertime means the ocean water is heating up, too. With this increased warmth comes an annual bloom of microscopic jellyfish larvae called "sea lice". While many of us have suffered the misery of these little critters and the allergic reactions they cause, most of us forget that our dogs are just as susceptible to these itchy, ocean inhabitants. If there is a sea lice warning when you take your pet to the beach, then both you and your canine companion should stay far from the water's edge. If you and your pet discover only to late that sea lice are present, you should shower with fresh water and shampoo immediately. If you notice small, intensely red bumps on your pet's skin after a visit to the local beach front, and if your pet is extremely itchy, then you should seek veterinary assistance. Usually a topical cortisone cream with some oral antihistamine can reduce your pet's misery, but sometimes even more potent injections may be required.
STORMY WEATHER: Thunderstorms are almost an everyday occurrence in South Florida this time of year. For some pets, the rumble of distant thunder or even a drop in barometric pressure can evoke a panic so strong that they will destroy their surroundings or become physically ill. The difficulty in preventing a pet from having to endure such stress that these storms can elicit is all in the timing. Certain tranquilizers can be used to alleviate the anxiety, but they must be given early enough, before a thunderstorm arrives, to have the desired effect. Since thunderstorms arise so suddenly and can be so varied in the path they choose, you would almost have to give your pet a "tranquilizing cocktail" every afternoon. If your pet has difficulty tolerating the afternoon thunderstorms, consult your regular veterinarian to find out what he or she recommends to help your pet deal with these daily nightmares.
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Hurricane season can pose unique problems for pet owners as well. If you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, you should make plans well in advance of the start of the hurricane season to provide shelter for your pet. Since most hurricane shelters will not allow animals unless they are Seeing Eye or service dogs, you will need to take your pet to an animal shelter. Many boarding facilities and veterinary clinics will accept dogs and cats during a hurricane warning These places will run out of available space quickly, so don't delay in making your reservation. The National Red Cross provides a listing of certified hurricane pet shelters in your area. It is always wise to find out how long your pet will be able to stay if your home is damaged during the storm. Other important features of a quality hurricane shelter include:
- Generators in the event of power loss.
- 24 hour patient care even during the hurricane.
- Sufficient runs to accommodate your dog, so it is not cramped up in a cage for 2-3 days.
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