Four hot summer safety tips for pet owners
But the warmer weather brings seasonal hazards that could impact your pet’s safety and wellbeing.
RACQ veterinarian Dr Alice Adams has revealed what to look out for during the warmer months.
Ticks
Dr Adams said paralysis ticks were a danger to both cats and dogs in Queensland during summer.
“Vets have many good preventative treatments against ticks but it’s still important to check your pets regularly,” she said.
“Seek veterinary help immediately if you find a tick or your pet experiences symptoms such as heavy breathing and salivation, lethargy, vomiting or loss of coordination.
“The sooner you get your pet to the vet, the quicker vets can administer tick anti-serum and other treatments to increase your pet’s chance of recovery.”
Heat stress
“Heat stress can occur on warm summer days, especially if your dog is exercising in the middle of the day,” Dr Adams said.
“Avoid taking your pet for a walk, to the beach or dog park during the hottest part of the day and ensure they always have access to shade and plenty of water.
Cats are also susceptible to dehydration and heatstroke as they don’t sweat and are less likely to drink water than dogs.
“Heat stress or heat stroke can be deadly so take your pet to the vet straight away if you notice heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy or collapse,” Dr Adams said.
Barbecues and parties
“Keep an eye on your pets during parties as they can be prone to getting into food that they shouldn’t,” Dr Adams said.
“Foods such as alcohol, chocolate, grapes and raisins are toxic to cats and dogs and can cause serious illnesses which cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to treat.”
Pet owners should take particular care during barbecue season.
“When cooking a barbecue, make sure skewers and bones are disposed of immediately,” Dr Adams said.
“Dogs love to chew on skewers for the traces of meat but if they swallow them it can cause a perforation which would require emergency surgery.
“Cooked bones can splinter and pierce your cat or dog's palate, stomach or intestines so make sure all rubbish is secured and out of your pet’s reach."
Beach trips
A day at the beach with your dog poses many hidden dangers.
“Dogs love to play in the ocean but if they drink too much salt water they could end up with salt toxicity,” Dr Adams said.
“Always make sure there is fresh water available for when your dog is thirsty and seek veterinary help if your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, a fever or tremors after a day at the beach.”
Dr Adams said dogs were also likely to eat things they shouldn’t at the beach.
“Eating or playing with jellyfish or bluebottles can cause painful stings to the mouth and irritate the skin,” she said.
“Rotten fish and other sea life contain bacteria and possibly toxins so dogs may experience vomiting and diarrhea from ingesting them.
“Dried seaweed washed up on the shore can expand in the stomach and cause a blockage so keep an eye on what your dog is picking up.”
Dr Alice Adams BVSc (Hons) is a veterinarian registered in Queensland.
More articles
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.