You might have heard of the sad event that happened in Italy last week where several dogs died in a transporter vehicle due to a failure with the ventilation system. The dogs had been transported to their destination in preparation for a dog show.

It is reported that they were in the custody of a professional handler and that the vehicle being used was correctly equipped with a double system of air-conditioning ventilation as per regulations. Notwithstanding, something went terribly wrong and the dogs died inside the vehicle.

Knowing the dedication with which professional dog handlers manage their charges, I can only imagine the dreadful shock experienced by the handler himself as well as his peers, not least because of the loss of life. This incident was also a stark reminder of the dangers that the summer season can present for our pets.

Indeed, it is safe to say that any amount of vigilance is warranted to safeguard their well-being. So, even at the risk of repeating myself, I feel I can never emphasise enough the seasonal cases vets would prefer not to see, but might still have to. Top of the dangers to look out for is the summer heat.

Heatstroke

It may be a relatively comfortable 25°C outside, but in a closed car the temperature can suddenly spike to well over 70°C within a matter of minutes. Even with the windows left down a crack, the temperature build-up is too sudden for the car to ventilate. In warm weather, pets left in cars can suffer heatstroke, requiring emergency treatment.

Heatstroke is when the body temperature soars to dangerously high levels. It causes seizures and confusion, vomiting or nausea, and rapid pulse and heart rate. Severe heatstroke causes irreparable brain damage and is fatal.

You need to think about heatstroke even if an animal is left in a small yard enclosure where the lack of air movement may act as a heat trap on a hot summer’s day. Providing your cat or dog with a sun barrier doesn’t quite cut it since the radiant heat can still be suffocating.

Temperatures on unprotected rooftops can also rise to dangerously high levels, especially on the traditional cemented roofs. Less obvious, but just as dangerous is leaving pets in a closed garage behind a metal door facing the full brunt of the sun. You can cook an egg on sun-baked metal, but you don’t want your pet to die of heat radiation. Needless to say, leaving plenty of cool fresh water for your pet is paramount.

Sunscreen

By June, most of us would have taken to the pool or seaside. If you decide to take your dog with you, you need to care for it just as you would a child. Dogs with white or short, sparse fur are especially prone to getting sunburn. Your vet will advise you as to whether you should apply sunscreen on your pet and what type is safe for animal use.

White or pale-coloured cats are also prone to sunburn. Many cats enjoy lounging in the sun, but while moderate sun exposure is healthy, the possibility of them developing what is known as ‘solar dermatitis’ on the tips of their ears is a reality. The skin of the affected areas becomes reddened, eventually crusty and scaly. In extreme cases, the whole ear can be lost due to skin cancer.

Swimming

When puppies are taken to swim in their first summer season, you need to remember that it is also the first time they are experiencing the sea. As far as they are concerned it is just water and they do have a tendency to drink sea water with the consequence of getting a runny tummy a few hours later.

Designated public beaches are accessible to owners who love swimming with their dogs, but even adult canines should be monitored. Beware craggy, rocky shorelines that can pierce the water-softened pads of your dog’s paws. Algae can be treacherously slippery even for your dog. Make sure that there is easy access for your dog to return to shore, and if there is a strong swell or current, avoid swimming your dog altogether.

If you are out on a boat, the safest option is to make your dog wear a properly-fitting life jacket. Otherwise, most dogs enjoy a good swim and it is a good form of exercise. But always remember that a quick rinse after a swim in the sea would be just as appreciated by your dog as you would to avoid itchy after-effects.

Exercising

With Malta’s summer climate, the only time it is safe to exercise your dog is early morning, before the daytime heat starts to build up and in evening when the sun has almost set.

If you must take your dog out for a pee during the critical hours – between noon and 4pm – when the UV is at its worst, do make it a quick one. I do remember one fatal case when a dog was taken for an enthusiastic run in the early afternoon on a hot summer’s day.

If you walk your dog in the city, please do remember that sun-baked tarmac can sear the pads of your dog. You may be wearing sandals, but your dog only has his pads to protect himself. The same applies to walking your dog on the sand. We’ve all done it and learnt the hard way, but your dog will probably follow you uncomplainingly, until the damage is done.

Barbecues

Keep your pet away from the barbecue. Dogs and cats find glowing embers fascinating and any will attempt to touch fallen ones with their paws. Also make sure that any bones are well disposed of as these can do terrible harm if eaten or ingested. Vets often encounter problems with bones stuck in the mouth or throat, or severe constipation, which results due to the high mineral content of bones.

Fireworks

Love it or hate it, it is that time of year. Many pets are terrified of the loud noise and will do everything to get away from it. Dogs are particularly scared of loud bangs and abnormal behaviour and may display trembling, trying to get away from the noise by hiding under stairs, barking or howling or even losing control over their bladder or bowels. The best thing you can do is to behave normally – fussing over them will only make the matter worse – but don’t leave them alone. You need to keep an eye on them and make sure they are coping.

Close all apertures, crank up the air conditioner and turn up the volume on your TV or stereo to mask the loud bangs. If fireworks prove to be a major issue, do discuss the problem with your veterinarian as they will be able to prescribe effective remedies especially targeted to reduce your pet’s distress.

The only thing left, of course, is to enjoy your summer with healthy and happy pets.

thisweekwiththevet@gmail.com

Dr Martin Debattista is a veterinary surgeon.

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