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Summer Dangers
Summer months are the most hazardous for dogs.
The fact that people and their pets are spending more time outdoors
during these months, high temperatures, insect infestations, abundance
of plant growth, all add to increased ailments suffered by dogs.
According to 2005 pet insurance claims data:
| |
Feb |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
| Foreign Body - Any |
20 |
25 |
85 |
83 |
| Foreign Body - Eye |
7 |
35 |
30 |
21 |
| Foreign Body - Nasal |
10 |
81 |
43 |
25 |
| Foreign Body - Oral |
13 |
27 |
22 |
19 |
| Foreign Body - Foot |
12 |
76 |
87 |
62 |
| Burn |
6 |
16 |
11 |
11 |
| Insect Bites/Sting |
68 |
207 |
256 |
311 |
| Near Drowning |
1 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
| Heat Stroke |
4 |
36 |
50 |
31 |
| Ear Infections |
3,629 |
4,285 |
4,578 |
4,756 |
Dr. Carol McConnell, manager of veterinary education and services
for VPI, Veterinary Pet Insurance, provides some explanation of
the injuries...
- Foreign Bodies: Foxtails, a type of grass
with sharp points, are common in dry summer months. The sharp
points force the grass awn to move forward (not backward), allowing
the foxtail to imbed in the pet's paw, ears, eyes, or nose.
As a penetrating foreign body, the foxtail inevitably causes
an infection.
- Stings/Bites: Insects and spiders of all
shapes and sizes come out of their hiding places in the summer
months. Mosquitoes congregate near pools of water. Rid your
yard of even the shallowest pools of water (including the toddler's
pool) so mosquitoes don't breed. Additionally, pet owners should
keep their pets away from bees, wasps and woodpiles that may
harbor spiders.
- Hyperthermia: To prevent heat stroke during
the summer, keep pets indoors as much as possible during the
warmest hours of the day (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Never leave
your pet in the car unattended.
- Burns: Hot sidewalks can be painful for pets,
and may account for the rise in claims for burns. In addition
to burns on the pet's paws, sunburns are more common in the
summer months, especially on body areas not protected by fur
or dark skin. Pet owners should keep their pet indoors as much
as possible during the times of day when the sun is at its peak.
- Otitis Externa: Ear infections are frequently
caused by water getting trapped in a dog's ear after swimming
or bathing. If your pet is prone to water activities in the
summer, speak to your veterinarian regarding specific ear cleaning
products that will help dry the ear canal after water exposure
to prevent recurring ear infections.
- Near Drownings: Although relatively rare,
cases of near drownings do increase in summer months. If this
happens, be sure to keep the pet warm, and dry thoroughly with
towels. Then, take the pet to the veterinarian immediately.
Additional Summer Topics:
Animal
bites information & first aid
Is Your Dog Allergic
to Fleas?
Summer
tips for pet safety
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