Photo By 1st Sgt. Justin A. Naylor | Blue (left) and Koda play together at one of the post’s off-leash dog parks, April...... read more read more
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Like their human companions, pets will face seasonal health hazards as summer approaches. With a little forethought, owners can keep their pets safe and still have fun in the sun.
Warmer weather is one of the most dangerous risks to pets as the seasons change, said Capt. Emily Purswell, a Denver native and acting chief of public health at JBLM.
She said that like humans, pets are susceptible to sunburns and heatstroke.
Though most pet stores offer sunscreen for animals, owners should still avoid leaving their pets unattended outside. They should also provide their pets clean, fresh water and shade at all times. To avoid dehydration and heatstroke, owners should not leave pets in automobiles when the temperature exceeds 70 degrees.
In addition to preparing for the heat, owners should ensure their pets have current immunizations.
Washington state requires all cats, dogs and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies, and that any pet bitten by a stray or wild animal by confined and observed for six months.
Purswell said that living in the Pacific Northwest also exposes animals to a few regional hazards. Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that pets can contract from drinking standing water and transmit to humans. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside are especially at risk. Like rabies, leptospirosis is preventable with a vaccine.
Fleas, ticks and heartworm are year-round problems in Washington, but more common in the summer, Purswell said.
Owners can purchase medication from pet stores or veterinarian offices to prevent infestation. Like humans, pets can suffer allergic reactions from bee stings and insect bites. Red bumps or a swollen face could be signs of a medical emergency.
Indigenous plants are another cause for concern. Purswell warned that certain types of lilies can cause a fatal reaction in cats if consumed, and certain species of fungi can cause death in cats and dogs. Owners should keep a close eye on their pets when walking in wooded areas and prevent them from eating unknown vegetation.
It wouldn’t be summer without spending time near the water, and pet owners may bring their four-legged friends along.
“As far as taking your pet down to the water, those barnacles can be very sharp and can certainly cause wounds and lacerations on the pads and feet of dogs,” Purswell said.
She added that dogs may also drink seawater, which can make them sick and cause vomiting. Purswell urged owners “to take the same precautions for their pets as they would for themselves” to include life jackets for weaker swimmers.
With grilling season just around the corner, Purswell said owners should avoid feeding their pets table scraps which are generally not part of a balanced diet. In addition, foods such as chocolate, avocados, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and alcohol can cause dangerous reactions in animals.
Although summer brings a new set of health risks for pets, there are plenty of fun, safe ways for owners and their animals to enjoy the outdoors. JBLM alone offers two off-leash dog parks, and more are available in Tacoma and Olympia. There are also pet-friendly hiking trails and beaches open to well-trained dogs.
For more information about preventative care for pets, contact the JBLM Veterinary Center at 253-982-3951.
| Date Taken: | 04.22.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2013 18:27 |
| Story ID: | 105647 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US |
| Hometown: | DENVER, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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