6. Insects are a common nuisance for both people and pets. They can also lead to irritated skin, allergic reactions, or the transmission of heartworm (specifically mosquitoes). Therefore, avoid peak insect times (from dusk until dawn) and discuss the use of an insect repellant with your veterinarian. While many repellants commonly used for people should not be used on your pet, some (e.g., Avon Skin-So-Soft) can be both effective and safe.
7. Keep an extra leash and doggie bags in the car. A forgotten leash is one of the most common reasons given for why a pet went missing. Extra doggie bags will prevent some potentially embarrassing situations!
8. An encounter with wildlife is common with the skunk one of the most likely. Leashed activity is the best preventative but doesn't always guarantee that direct exposure will not occur. Therefore, keep on hand a commercially available skunk odour treatment product or have the ingredients on hand for what I believe is the best remedy for skunk spray: 65 mls (1/4 cup) baking soda + 1 liter (4 cups) hydrogen peroxide + 5 mls (1 teaspoon) liquid soap - mix the ingredients together, work into your pet's coat, and rinse off. Repeat if necessary. And remember - have a pair of rubber gloves to save yourself from acquiring the same odour!
9. The most common acute, summer time problems include gastrointestinal upset due to dietary indiscretion; insect bites; lacerations; contact with wild or other animals; and skin irritation, often referred to as hot spots. Be prepared in the event of an emergency by putting together the following first aid kit:
• The phone number of your veterinarian and the veterinarian in the area you vacation
• Mild disinfectant soap
• Cotton baton balls and bandage material
• An antibiotic crème or ointment (e.g., polysporin)
• Bitter apple or other products designed to sooth the skin and prevent your pet from over-grooming an irritated area that might develop into a hot spot
• An anti-histamine that is appropriate for use in the event of an allergic reaction in your pet. Consult with your veterinarian prior to using.
• A gastrointestinal soothing remedy such as kaopectate. Again, consult with your veterinarian as to the proper product and dose.
• An ear cleanser/drying solution and/or ear medication as ear infections secondary to swimming is a common summer time ailment. This should also be discussed with your veterinarian.
10. Don't forget the sunscreen! Some pets, especially those with light coloured coats or thinning hair may benefit from the use of sunscreen. Regardless, avoid excessive exercise exposure to the sun, especially from noon to 3 PM when temperatures are often at their height. This will help prevent both sun burn and heat stroke. Also, don't ever lock your pet in the car during the summer — too many pets die from heat stroke due to this ill-advised behaviour!
Page 2 of 2 -- Read the top 5 summertime pet hazards on page 1.
About Dr. Walt Ingwersen
Dr. Walt Ingwersen is Chief Veterinary Officer at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. He is a 1982 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College. Board certified in Internal Medicine, he has the distinction of being the first Canadian editor of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, a position he currently holds.
Involved in many aspects of the national and international veterinary community, "Dr. Walt" is the recipient of the President's Award for outstanding contribution to the veterinary profession awarded by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). He is also Chief Veterinary Officer and Chairman of the Veterinary Advisory Board at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. – Canada's leading provider of insurance for dogs and cats.
