Get Well Wednesday: Pet Safety Tips For Summer
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS WE NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING OUR PETS AROUND AT FAMILY REUNIONS OR SUMMER COOKOUTS?
Some concerns would be pets ingesting human food that could be toxic such as grapes, onions, apple seeds or fatty foods that can lead to G.I. disorders such as pancreatitis.
IS IT STILL ACCEPTABLE TO RIDE WITH OUR PETS IN THE FRONT SEAT?
I would suggest that people check with the state and city regarding the laws as it relates to this and when in doubt a seat harnesses should always be used for your pet.
IS IT EVER OK TO LEAVE OUR 4-LEGGED FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE CAR? AND WHAT DO WE DO IF WE SEE AN ANIMAL LOCKED IN A CAR?
It is definitely not ideal to leave a pet in a car during the summer months when it is hot outside. If an animal was locked in a hot car, I would call the police or tow company to have them to pop the lock and then try to find the owner as soon as possible.
HOW HOT IS TOO HOT FOR OUR PETS TO BE OUTSIDE EVEN FOR A WALK?
When it’s in the upper 90’s I tend to become more cautious about walking dogs due to heat exhaustion. When the ground is hot, it can burn their paw pads and certain species of dogs can have difficulty breathing.
ARE THERE ANY PET-SAFE FROZEN FOODS THAT WE CAN GIVE OUR PETS TO KEEP THEM COOL?
You can always give ice. Dogs like frozen green beans, or you can make frozen treats like peanut butter ice sickles or freeze canned dog food.
WHAT’S A GOOD GUIDE FOR HOW MUCH WATER OUR PETS NEED?
Dogs should drink approximately 50 ML of water per KG of body weight. For example, 1 liter per 40 lbs.
IS THERE SUN SCREEN FOR PETS?
Yes, there is. It can be purchased online, at pet boutiques or some pet stores carry it.
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Dr. Blue is one of three founding members of the Animalscopic veterinarian group. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Blue gained a passion for animals during his early adolescence by becoming the neighborhood veterinarian for household pets. He later attended Tuskegee University where he received a Bachelor of Animal Science and a Doctor of Veterinary medicine. Before receiving his DVM, Dr. Blue’s professional experience includes Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Tuskegee University Comparative Animal Medicine Laboratory, E.V. Smith Dairy Farm and student representative for Fort Dodge Animal Health. As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Blue began working in Las Vegas, Nevada for two leading veterinarian hospitals, Ann Road and Grand Montecito Animal Hospital. Dr. Blue has also worked as a veterinarian for the Lied Animal Shelter of Las Vegas. Now Practicing in the greater Houston, Texas area, Dr. Blue also manages the Conroe Animal Adoption Center when he is not practicing at Cy-Fair Animal Hospital.
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