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5/ TheBucknerClarion.com May 14, 2015 Summertime Pet Health specifically for dogs, as their bodies are more sensitive to medications and chemicals, according to VetInfo.com. Instead, search for products that are catered specifically to the type of animal you have (whether dog or cat) and their weight, so that they get the proper dosage. Although essential oils are a natural insect repellant solution for humans, they can be hazardous to your pet. Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, such as eucalyptus, according to PetMD.com. Treating your lawn and house with insecticides is also a preventative measure, but be sure to follow all precautions to avoid contact with toxins, especially when pets and children are present. Parasites and disease aren't the only things considered when it comes to pet summertime happiness and health. Heatstroke is a common summer-related ailment that affects not just people but animals as well. Pet birds, cats and dogs are susceptible to succumbing to heat- related injuries and possibly death. It is important for pet owners to know how their animal friends function and how best to keep them cool. Unlike humans, dogs sweat through their noses and their paw pads, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), and they mainly regulate body heat through panting. For this reason, it is important to keep fresh, cool water nearby and a shady place for them to rest, to help their bodies stay cool. Also, pets – no matter the species – should not be left in a parked car, even on mildly warm days. According to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals–Angell Animal Medical Center (MSPCA-Angell), temperatures in a car, with the windows cracked open, can heat up to 110 degrees in 10 minutes on an 80 degree day. As far as walks, Prevention's online magazine suggests pet owners avoid taking their animals out between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., which is when the day tends to be at its hottest. Prevention also lists the warning signs of heat stress in dogs, including heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea or wobbly legs. The magazine warns not to put your dog in cold water once you notice these symptoms, as this could send your pet into hypothermic shock. Prevention suggests moving your animal to a cool place and draping them with a damp towel until you can get them to the vet, as soon as possible. While it is a known fact that dogs pant to regulate their body heat, pet owners should know that cats and birds pant as well. AARP.org warns pet owners to pay attention to their animals' breathing. Cause for concern arises when your pet is breathing As temperatures rise, so do risks for pet-related health incidents. From heatstroke to insect bites to fireworks and storms, there are a myriad of factors that can affect the well-being of pets during the summer. For example, cats, dogs and birds are at risk for heatstroke when the temperatures escalate. Dogs and cats especially run the risk of contracting fleas, ticks and other parasites that not only cause them discomfort and serious health ailments, but spread disease that pet owners run the risk of contracting. Although summertime presents many dangers to your beloved furry friend, this does not mean you can't enjoy the sunshine and warm weather with them. However, it is beneficial to learn how to recognize dangers and neutralize them. The first obvious concern is parasites like mosquitoes, flies, fleas and ticks. Mosquitoes pose much more of a threat than just itchiness and discomfort. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), heartworms are transmitted to animals through infected mosquitos. The ASPCA also warns that heartworms can infect most mammals, including dogs, cats and humans. Furthermore, because mosquitos are heartworm carriers, the risk to your pet is greater for those who live in hot, humid climates. Despite this, the ASPCA reassures pet owners that preventing heartworms is as simple as feeding your pet an inexpensive chewable pill, prescribed by your veterinarian. Aside from mosquitos, fleas and ticks are also disease spreading culprits. According to the Partnership for Animal Rescue, fleas can infest your pet with tapeworms, and ticks carry the risk of spreading Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can also spread from ticks to humans, according to the CDC. Flies also pose a risk to your dog. Biting flies break the skin around your dog's ears and nose and can leave them itchy and uncomfortable. According to The Nest, an online publication, fly strikes of the nose and face leave your dog vulnerable to infection. So how do you keep these parasites away from you and your pet? Repellants made specifically for animals are the first barrier of protection. It is important to note that pet owners should not use repellents made for humans, such as DEET, on their animals. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), cats and dogs are extremely sensitive to DEET and may develop neurological problems if exposed to it. Also, cats should never be given products that are made noisily or appears to be having difficulty breathing. The other signs of overheating, as listed by AARP, include, rapid panting, glassy eyes, drooling, acting confused, seeking shade, pacing, lying down frog-legged (lying with their bellies touching the floor and their hind legs splayed) and sagging of the wings in birds. The Nest suggests misting your bird with cool water while you wait for veterinary attention. Hairless animals are likely to get sunburn, and animals with short and/or light-colored coats are susceptible to sunburn on areas of skin (like the nose and ears) where protective fur is sparse, according to the Banfield Pet Hospital. However, pet specialty sun blocks are available to protect your animal from the sun's rays. Maintaining safety around the pool, lake and fireworks, during storms and natural disasters, and shielding your pets from chemical toxins in the garden shed and food toxins at picnics are all a part of maintaining pet health. With the sun shining and the temperatures rising, summertime can provide great bonding time with your pet. And although dangers exist year-round, knowing what to face as each new season approaches can help keep your pet healthy throughout their life with you. By Tempest Wright

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