Sun Safety
Summer is such an exciting and fun season for everyone including our loved furry family members. It is the time of the year to let loose, run, play, and enjoy the beautiful weather. A couple weeks ago we discussed safety when swimming and this week we will tackle safety in the sun for everyone.
The first and most common hazard for our pets is the very thing that makes the summer days exciting. It is the sun! The sun can be very dangerous for many reasons. One of the most common hazards is taking your dog on a car ride and leaving them in the car while you are running errands. Even though we discuss this every year and warn moms and dads about leaving kids and pets in the car, it seems like we always hear about tragedies of death due to the heat. There is no reason, ever, to leave your pet in the car. If your errands involve leaving the vehicle and pet unattended, even for a few minutes, leave them at home. In spite of cracking a window, the temperature in the vehicle can rise so quickly, and become deadly to any living creature. If your pet is young or old and cannot be trusted freely in the home, please invest in a kennel or crate to keep your pet and your home safe.
Let’s assume everyone is aware of the dangers of locking a pet in a vehicle but what about pets left home and outside during warm temperatures? This can be just as dangerous. If you have an outdoor kennel, you must be sure that shade and water is available at all times. Even with a dog house present, the summer days can bring temperatures in the 90’s or 100’s which can cause heat exhaustion and/or stroke, heart attack, dehydration and finally death. If your pet suffers from any of these conditions, the cost to stabilize them and treat them can be thousands of dollars. Obviously this is not something any of us want to experience. Frankly, if you feel the weather is hot, stifling, and uncomfortable to you, think about how you would feel with a coat on as well. Most of us cannot even imagine this scenario.
Dogs and cats are not the only pets that can suffer negative effects of the sun. Rabbits, small rodents and birds are at risk too. Be sure your rabbit hutches are in a cool place with plenty of water. If you allow them to hop around in the grass, you must also enclose them in a shady area. Bird cages and small rodent cages inside the house should not be directly in the sunlight coming in the window. This can make their cage temperature reach seriously dangerous levels which can be fatal. Allow them to have access to sunlight but not too much light.
The last sun danger involves the UV rays that reach the earth. Many people do not think about the health concerns of too much sun. Of course, light haired and white faced or all white pets are at a higher risk of sun exposure and potentially cause irreversible skin damage and skin cancer in some cases. Now, think about the owners who have their dog or cat groomed or shaved down because they feel the pet will be more comfortable and they will have less hair to manage. It is true that the pet has less hair but it does not alter the growing and shedding cycle, which is natural and necessary process, so you may not see an actual decrease in the amount of hair overall. Next, the thicker coated pets are not necessarily hotter than others because their hair not only acts as insulator in the cooler months, it also protects the skin from dangerous sun rays. Anytime we shave down a pet at the owner’s request, we discuss the risks of sunburn or damage. If the pet is really short haired, using a spray on sunscreen of SPF 30 or less and is safe for young children can also be used on your pet’s exposed areas. Spray it on and rub it in if your pet will be in direct sunlight for any extended period of time. Do not forget to reapply, especially if your pet enjoys the beach and water activities.
If you are unsure about the heat and your pet’s ability to handle it, err on the safe side and keep them indoors or in a shaded area. Remember to never leave your pet in a car no matter how hot or cool the weather is outside. The inside temperature of the vehicle is always much higher and more dangerous. Finally, if you like your pet shaved down a bit, please call us to have our groomer give you her professional recommendations. As always, while your pet is being groomed at Ash Veterinary Clinic, I (Dr. Broschay) am present to review your pet’s needs and make recommendations based on the breed, age, and activity level of your furry angel. At last, do not forget to enjoy the warm weather and beautiful sun while you and your pet are together at a safe distance. As always if you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to call us at 734-782-2827. We would be happy to help you in any way that we can.
