Hola, everyone! Welcome back to my Woof column, and guess what: Summer is here! For many of us, that means more time outside, travel plans and fun celebrations. But for our pets, the heat and noise can sometimes be overwhelming or even dangerous.
In this Woof column, I will go over some easy ways to keep your dogs and cats safe, healthy and comfortable during the warmest time of the year.
Dogs and cats can overheat quickly, especially during the hottest part of the day. If you like to take your dog on walks, try going early in the morning or after the sun goes down. Always check the temperature of the ground with your hand: If it is too hot to touch for several seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Some pets may benefit from wearing protective shoes, but not all dogs enjoy them. You can try them out at home first to see if they are comfortable. Make sure to enjoy the show when you see their reactions to the new shoes and keep your phone camera ready!
Also, please remember: Never leave your pet inside a car without air conditioning, not even for a short time. Even with the windows partly open, the temperature can become deadly within minutes.
If your dog enjoys swimming or being outside for long periods, especially near a pool or lake, they may need sunscreen, particularly dogs with light-colored fur or thin coats. You can use sunscreen made for pets or baby-safe sunscreen. Apply it to the ears, belly, nose, and other areas where the skin is more exposed.
Try to keep your pet from licking the sunscreen off, and remember to re-apply if needed throughout the day.
Just like people, pets need plenty of water when it’s hot. Make sure they always have access to fresh, clean water, both at home and when you are outside together. I recommend carrying a water bowl with you during walks or outings so your pet can stay hydrated.
Many pets are afraid of loud noises, like fireworks, which are common during summer celebrations, like the Fourth of July. If your dog or cat shows signs of fear like shaking, hiding or trying to escape, there are ways to help.
Some calming tools include special shirts that apply gentle pressure (like the ThunderShirt), calming pheromone sprays or diffusers (such as Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats), and natural supplements like Zylkene. If these do not work, your veterinarian can suggest a medication to help reduce your pet’s stress during noisy events.
Summer also brings more fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. It is very important to keep your pets on monthly prevention for heartworms, fleas and ticks. These parasites can spread serious diseases, but with regular protection, you can avoid many problems.
It is also a good time to make sure your pet is up to date on their exams. Seeing your veterinarian once or twice a year helps detect health issues early and keeps your pet feeling their best. If you do not have a veterinarian, feel free to reach out to my hospital, Isla Vet in Addison, and we will be happy to help.
I did want to take a moment to acknowledge a very special occasion for our LGBTQ community. As we celebrate Pride, I want to send love and strength to everyone. This year, Pride feels especially important. With Trump and his cult back in power, we are facing difficult times for civil rights, equality and safety.
So please take care of yourselves and each other. Now more than ever, we need to stay united, visible and proud. Happy Pride para todos y abrazos!!!!
Dr. Josh owns Isla Veterinary Boutique Hospital, 14380 Marsh Lane, Ste. 110, in Addison. Call him at 972-738-1111 or visit his website at IslaVet.com.