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Summertime Can Be Hazardous to Pets' Health

Drowning, dehydration, poisoning are common warm-weather hazards

By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com

June 12, 2008

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This is the time of year when pet owners -- and their animals -- spend a lot more time outside.

But some outdoor activities -- along with the soaring mercury in the environment-- can be dangerous to dogs and cats, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

"Summertime is a wonderful time for family and friends to get together and enjoy themselves, often with a beloved pet by their side," says veterinarian Steven Hansen, senior vice-president of the ASPCA's Midwest Office. That office also houses the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "However, it's important to consider the hidden (and, sometimes, not-so-hidden) dangers that can harm our favorite furry companions."

To protect your pets this summer, ASPCA recommends the following:

• Keep pets in the shade and out of hot cars. "Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle," says Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in Manhattan. "On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop, which is potentially fatal." Pets can also dehydrate quickly; they need plenty of water – especially as the mercury rises. Dogs and cats also need a shady place to get out of the sun and should be kept indoors when it's extremely hot.

• Say "no" to certain foods and beverages. Some of the foods and drinks people during backyard barbecues and parties may be poisonous to pets, according to ASPCA. "Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death," Dr. Hansen says. "Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments."

• Use pesticides with care. Commonly-used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, ASPCA warns. Keep those products out of pets reach. Many flea products are safe for dogs, but can be deadly to cats because of the chemical permethrin. Be sure to carefully read the directions on these products.

• Be careful around the water. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool — not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices while on boats. And try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

• Beware of "High Rise Syndrome" "During warmer months, we see an increase in injured animals as a result of 'High-Rise Syndrome,' which occurs when pets fall out of windows or doors and are seriously or fatally injured," Dr. Murray says. "Pet owners need to know that this is completely preventable if they take simple precautions." Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.

• Beware of heated situations. When taking your dog outdoors, keep a close eye on those around you. Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy outdoor activities with your pet, but with more people and their dogs enjoying the warmer weather, tempers may flare over territory. Make sure your dog is safe and secure around strangers and other animals;

• Never use fireworks around pets. "While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, even unused fireworks are hazardous," Dr. Hansen says. "Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals."

• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products away from pets. Ingestion of these products can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression, ASPCA warns. And if these products are inhaled, the oils could potentially cause aspiration pneumonia.

Pet owners whose dogs or cats accidentally ingest any potentially harmful products can consult ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee applies) or www.aspca.org/apcc. Pet owners should immediately contact their veterinarians, too.

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