Heat stress and exhaustion are common summer problems, however there are several outdoor dangers for pets such as poisoning can happen all year long. Your pets can be in danger even in your backyard, hence the swimming pool or other toxic hot tub chemicals, and need to be kept out of paw’s reach! So here are a few things to be more mindful about as a pet lover and owner:

Dog parks

Dog parks are a great place for you dog to play in the summer but there are some hazards associated with them. Injuries are common. Not all dogs are healthy so infectious diseases such as parvovirus or bordetella (Kennel Cough) can be easily spread at dog parks.

Not all dogs who frequent dog parks are friendly. Get to know the dogs who frequent the park at the same time you do—if they have questionable temperament, keep your dog on a leash. Scout out the park lay out. Be sure there are no areas that fights can occur without an easy exit for your dog.

Is your dog every out of your line of sight? It is important to always watch your dog—in fact in dog parks this is the most important rule of all.

If you know what your dog is doing at all times you can break up a fight or prevent one if necessary. If you have a small dog who plays with big dogs, stay alert. Similarly, if you see a dog owner who’s not paying attention, that could be a recipe for disaster. Don’t just toss your dog in the park and wander off — you’re there to protect him from danger. Be prepared—carry some water or stick to fend off an aggressive dog.

Protect both yourself and your dog.

Cars

Dogs should never ever be left in the car period for any period of time. Car accidents involving dogs are more common in the summer because more people and dogs are out. Unless you have a fenced yard, be sure your dog is outside on a leash every time he or she goes outside. Even a well trained dog may not be able to resist chasing a cat across the road and be injured or killed as a result.

Thunderstorms

Many dogs experience thunderstorm stress and ongoing stress sue to various weather conditions, as well as any major changes happening in the household. Pet wellbeing has safe and effective remedies to assist pet owners, such as Stress Gold, Calming drops and Calming Gold below.

Pet Wellbeing Recommendations:

 

Poisoning

There are many sources of potential poisons for dogs that occur in the summer that we do not see at other times of year

Blue-green algae in ponds can be toxic to dogs. Cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) are microscopic bacteria found in freshwater lakes, streams, ponds and brackish water ecosystems. They can produce toxins (such as microcystins and anatoxins) that affect people, livestock and pets that swim in and drink from the algae-contaminated water. Blue-green algae grow and colonize to form “blooms�? that give the water a blue-green appearance or a “pea soup�? like color. It also looks like blue or green paint on the surface of the water. Because the algae float, they may be blown by the wind into thick, concentrated mats near the shore, thus making them easily accessible to livestock, pets and people. Algal concentrations vary throughout the year, but are most abundant during periods of hot weather in mid- to late-summer months and are most likely to be found in nutrient-rich water.

While most blue-green algae blooms do not produce toxins, it is not possible to determine the presence of toxins without testing. Thus, all blooms should be considered potentially toxic. Very small exposures, such a few mouthfuls of algae-contaminated water, may result in fatal poisoning.

Common signs to watch for:

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Blood in stool or black, tarry stool

Pale mucous membranes

Jaundice

Seizures

Disorientation

Coma

Shock

Excessive secretions (e.g., salivation, lacrimation, etc.)

Neurologic signs (including muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis, etc.)

Blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes

Difficulty breathing

Death

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• If you think your pet has been exposed to blue-green algae, take him or her to your veterinarian immediately.
• Compost bins can hold great fascination for dogs and can be a source of salmonella or other bacteria which can make the dog ill. Be sure to keep all garbage pails covered and away from your dog.
• Spoiled food is a common source of poisoning seen in the summer—GI signs predominate if your dog contracts food poisoning.
• Swimming pool or hot tub chemicals are toxic—they need to be kept out of paw’s reach.
• Venomous animals such as  toads, snakes, or scorpions are more prevalent in the summer. Know which of these hazardous creatures are common in your area and prevent your dog from encountering them.

Campfires

Dogs are very curious and frequently wander into things that they should not. If your dog accompanies you to a campfire keep a close eye on him or he could get into trouble—burns are no fun for anyone and can lead to big veterinary bills. If you do camp with your dog, be sure to extinguish your fire with water and sand to minimize the chance of injury.

Do not let your pet walk around the firepit—it may still be hot! If they, we do have good medicine for paws, skins and cuts for emergency, consider “Itchy Owie�?  herbal ointment

Does your pet need an instant relief?

Provides instant comfort for your pet’s skin and paws with “Itchy Owie�? Pet wellbeing’s all-natural ointment for cuts, abrasions, bites and stings, paw injury,  dryness, flaking and red ness