Summer is a great time to be a pet; the days are long and kids are out of school. That leaves plenty of time for lots of attention and some serious fun. But summer can also be dangerous.

Be Aware

Playing or exercising in the heat can bring on a lethal case of heat stroke. Keep pets cool and calm in the hottest part of the day and never leave your dog in the car (even for a minute). Every summer, many animals succumb to heat stroke after being left in a parked car. Always make sure your pet has access to ample amounts of clean, fresh water.

Burrs, foxtails and awns from parched grasses can cause painful infections underneath the skin, so make sure you groom you dog carefully after he/she has been “bush-whacking.” (Dr. Van Duin has removed many of these plant particles from abscesses over the years.)

Chemicals used to keep yards green and control pests may poison our pets. Prevention is the best way to protect your pet, of course. Always keep an eye out for potential hazards. Finally, use household chemicals sparingly, and store them properly and securely or, better yet; don’t use them at all.

If your pet seems ill, it’s often hard to decide what’s worth worrying about immediately or what can wait until you can get your pet in during our regular hospital hours. Anything is worth a call to a veterinarian if you’re not sure, but some things definitely require urgent attention, no matter the day or hour. Among them: seizures, fainting or collapse; any eye injury; vomiting or diarrhea, anything more than two or three times within an hour or so; allergic reaction; any suspected poisoning; any wound that’s open and bleeding, or any animal bite; any traumatic injury; Breathing problems and straining to urinate/defecate.

Most everything else can wait until morning, or even Monday if it’s the weekend, but here I must add a plea on your pet’s behalf: Just because something can wait, doesn’t mean it should wait. If your pet’s in pain, take him/her in. You know he’d do the same for you. Some of the signs of an animal in pain include panting, labored breathing, lethargy, restlessness, loss of appetite, aggression, hiding or crying out.