Be aware of summer hazards and risks to your dog

Summer brings a lot of joy and outdoor fun for all concerned except for your precious canine. Outdoor family fun includes barbecues, pool parties and picnics which can all present hazards for your pet. Summer problems for your pet can be due to sun exposure, bug bites, heat stroke and plant toxicities. Preventing summer pet hazards takes time and consideration to avoid illness and injury. Should your dog suffer from heat stroke or other illnesses from the risk of summer elements, contact your local Rockford-area veterinarian as listed below or one closest to your home to help your pet.

The outdoors can present hazards for your pet. Be sure you always have your pet safely secured in summer since pets spend more time outdoors when weather permits. You want to be sure your dog is safe from escaping from the yard and home, being susceptible to auto accidents and meeting up with other unpleasant animals that could result in lacerations, punctures, cuts, bruises and broken bones.

It is always important to protect your pet from insects that are more prevalent in warmer weather. Heartworm prevention should begin in early spring through blood test and heartworm preventatives taken once monthly. Many heartworm preventatives also work against fleas, ticks and other pests. Additionally, monitor and protect your pet from flies and maggots common in summer. Flies will look to land on a dog, especially an injured area or an abrasion where it can lay its eggs; they hatch and become maggots. Just keep your pet clean and instantly tend to any injuries with immediate treatment.

Another summer threat is antifreeze. Many people choose to change the antifreeze on the driveway where it spills and tempts dogs by its sweet taste. However, as sweet as it taste, it is also very toxic to the pet. Along with toxins is decaying trash due to the heat. All trash containers should be securely closed.

When it comes to picnics and barbecues, never give in to the pleading eyes by giving your pet any table scraps. High fat foods can be dangerous for the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Mayonnaise and other dairy products are not easy for the pet to digest. Any of these foods spoil easily and cause food poisoning. Other summer foods can present a pancreatic concern as well. Also be aware of barbecue safety and the hazards that charcoal, the ash and fluid can do to your dog’s stomach and intestine.

Dogs love to eat anything they can get a hold of so keep Styrofoam utensils out of reach. Other concerns are summer toys, sponge balls and racquetballs. Such small objects can get lodged in the throat when attempting to play fetch. Speaking of fun, especially when there is access to a pool, be aware that not all dogs can safely swim. Pets can drown just as often as people can. Excess games of fetch in the water should be monitored, taking some breaks to give your pet a rest. If too exhausted, the dog will not be able to keep its head above the water, especially the aging dog. Never leave a pool unattended and it should be locked up from all unwanted swimmers when not in use.

Sun and heat are the biggest hazards for dogs; because they cannot dissipate heat as well as humans can and get overheated quickly. Avoid long walks with your dog during the heat of the day and always provide plenty of fresh, cool water. As soon as your dog appears weak and confused, stop all play time and find a way to cool it off with a cool cloth and fluids. Avoid long exposure to the sun, especially for recently shaved dogs, those with white fur and thin hair. Before using a sunscreen, consult with your vet; or best yet, minimize any sun exposure for your dog.

Along with dangerous sun and heat is the concern of allowing your pet to walk on hot pavement. If you cannot bear to be on that hot pavement barefoot, your dog should not either. Doing so can result in severe burns on the bottoms of the pads.

Summer time and the great outdoors should be fun for all, and with a little preparation can be safe and enjoyable. Take the necessary precautions for you and your family, including the furry canine member.

If you are looking for wholesome, natural and homemade treats for your favorite canine best friend, Led foot’s Pet Bakery near the Rockford area is happy to meet your needs. Check out the website at Ledfoot Bakery. Contact Susan Weitzel at 815 784-6358, Ledfoot Bakery Contact.

If you are seeking Veterinary assistance in the Rockford area, you can check out one of these at - Rockford Vet Clinics, Bellwood Vet, Rockford Veterinarians, Perryville Veterinarian , Cat Veterinarians Specialists

For all your pets needs and accessories in the Rockford area, go to your local PETCO - 6305 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 229-0184 - Petco or your local PETSMART - 6320 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 397-7880 - Petsmart -Petland, (815) 332-4200 - Petland\

For many of your pet essentials, visit your local Rockford-area CVS pharmacies. There are four convenient locations - 3134 11th Street, Rockford, IL 61109, (815)398-0048 - 110 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61108 - 3718 Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103, (815)877-9620 - 2454 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61108, (815)399-5421 - CVS Pharmacy

For the grooming needs of your Chihuahua in or near the Rockford area, you can contact Sue at pupelv7@comcast.net for further information.

Take your dog to the doggy park; Rockford’s two locations are Dog Park USA - Rockford or check out this site - Rockford Dog Parks

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