4 Common Summertime Injuries - Know Them & Keep Your Dog
Safe




Some dogs do get into trouble during
the summer months. Today is the first
day of summer and I want to talk to you
about a couple of common problems.

As summer approaches, families begin
preparing for months of outdoor fun.
Summer holidays are perfect for
barbeques, picnics and pool parties, and
families will spend more time outside
playing with their pets.

To make the summer more enjoyable,
pet owners need to be aware of
summertime hazards that can result in
injury or illness to your pet. Preventing
these hazards can help you and your
dog enjoy the carefree days of summer
without a trip to the emergency vet
clinic.


Here are 4 common summer hazards
that you need to protect your dog from:

Outdoor threats - There are many
outdoor threats to dogs. Keep
your pet leashed when you leave
your yard. Taking your pet
outdoors increases the likelihood
of meeting other animals, so use a
leash for his safety and theirs. A
fight with another pet or with any
smaller animal can result in cuts,
lacerations or severe punctures. If
these wounds are left untreated,
complications can result.
This is
one of the most common
emergencies I see in our practices.
Dog bites and lacerations from
fights. The wounds can be simple
to extensive and cost hundreds of
dollars to treat. If this type of
unplanned expense would be
difficult for you, consider pet
insurance.

Protect your dog from insects -
Flies are more prevalent in the
warmer months, and any injury to
the skin, even something as small
as an abrasion, can be a perfect
place for flies to lay eggs. In a
short time, these eggs hatch and
become maggots. Keeping your
pet clean and treating any skin
injuries is crucial in avoiding
maggot infestations.



No Antifreeze - As summer
approaches, many people change
the antifreeze/water mixture in
their vehicles. Antifreeze tastes
sweet to pets and is highly toxic.




Trash - Summer heat speeds up
decay and decomposition,
especially in the trash. Keep your
dog away from garbage areas.
Pets that have access to garbage
or compost can ingest molds that
cause significant nervous system
abnormalities including severe
tremors or seizures. Eating trash
can also cause vomiting and
diarrhea or pancreatitis from
eating spoiled foods.


You never know when something bad is
going to happen. Be prepared. Try to
minimize hazards and keep your dog
safe.

I hope these tips will help keep your dog
safe this summer.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon