As the District springs into warmer summer months, veterinarians are sending a friendly reminder about preparing pets for the hot weather ahead.
鈥淚f it鈥檚 too hot for you, it鈥檚 too hot for them,鈥� said Dr. Peter Eeg, a veterinarian at Poolesville Veterinary Clinic in Maryland.
Eeg said late spring is a good time for pet owners to refamiliarize themselves with summer safety tips for pets. His first recommendation: cutting back on outdoor walks, especially for larger dogs with heavier coats.
鈥淎void midday,” Eeg said. “Try to go early in the morning or late in the evening.”
Also, check the concrete before strolling on the sidewalk. If it’s too hot, take to the grass.
鈥淭ake the back of your hand and put it down on the surface and leave it there for about seven to 10 seconds,鈥� Eeg said. 鈥淚f it鈥檚 too hot for the back of your hand, it鈥檚 too hot for your pet鈥檚 feet.鈥�
Another summer safety tip: add hydration.
鈥淲ith our older pets, we recommend putting a little extra water in their food, so they鈥檙e getting a little more water each day,” Eeg said.
He said pet owners should also offer fresh water as often as possible, especially during walks. Aim for water breaks every 10 to 20 minutes while outdoors, Eeg said.
For pet owners who venture to dog parks, stay away from community water.
鈥淵ou just never know who鈥檚 been drinking out of that water,鈥� Eeg said. 鈥淪o, always bring your own water.鈥�
Michelle Riley鈥檚 two 11-year-old pugs, Oscar and Ollie, are Eeg鈥檚 patients.
One of her biggest concerns about the summer are the pests hotter weather brings. The mosquitoes, fleas and ticks can carry dangerous heartworms.
鈥淚 keep my dogs on preventative all year round,鈥� Riley said. 鈥淏ut if you鈥檙e the type of pet owner that only does it in certain months, summer is absolutely the time of year when you want to make sure your dog is prevented against those types of things.鈥�
In the hotter weather, a major warning from veterinarians stems from an uptick in potential heat strokes.
The Poolesville veterinarian鈥檚 strongest warning comes with heat strokes in dogs and cats. Symptoms include excessive panting, a dark or bright red tongue, lethargy and vomiting. Eeg said pet owners who see those signs should get help immediately as the condition can lead to brain damage.
鈥淭hey will start to pant heavily. They鈥檙e laying down. They won鈥檛 get up,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey are in deep trouble. Get them out of the sunshine and apply cool water. Then immediately take them to your veterinarian.鈥�
