Summer hazards for your canine pets

Barbecue burns - Barbecues smell great, especially to your dog. A grill sniffing dog could get burned or end up eating something he shouldn’t like cooked bones. Watch out for the drip pan found on some grills. Dogs love to eat the grease. Sunburn - Dogs get sunburned especially dogs with short, light colored coats or hairless breeds. There is an FDA-approved sunscreen for dogs made by Epi Pet. If needed you can find sunglass goggles for dogs. Hot Ground - Hot pavement and hot sand can give your dog blistered, sore paws. If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot on the surface or too hot for you to touch, it is too hot for your dog to walk there. Water Toxicity - While your dog needs plenty of clean drinking water available, you can run into water toxicity if your dog is swimming, retrieving and playing in the water. Dogs can gulp a lot of water while playing and overhydrate. Playing with a hose should be monitored also. The heat indexes - Dogs can easily overheat, especially if the humidity and temperature are both high. Enforce rest periods in the shade offer water frequently. Consider a “cool mat” and fans to help your dog stay comfortable. Dogs do not sweat. They disperse body heat by panting and through their paw pads.

If you have questions about heat and your pet please contact Dr. Norette L. Underwood of Trumann Animal Clinic at catdoc56@gmail.com