Despite supposed warmer weather and longer days, summer can be a problematic time for many of our beloved pets. Here we take a look at some of the main causes of concern.

HEATSTROKE

This is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause damage to your pet’s internal organs.  It requires urgent treatment.  It is more commonly seen in dogs but other pets can suffer from heatstroke too. 

The condition can be caused by:

• Inadequate shade
• Inadequate drinking water
• Excessive exercise/exercise in the heat
• Being left in a car – even for short periods

Care of dogs during hot weather – Never leave your pet in the car even for short periods, avoid exercising dogs in hot weather, avoid walking them on hot sand, concrete, asphalt or any areas where heat is reflected.  Do try putting ice cubes in water bowls and/or freezing treats/wet food, or pre-cooling water.

BBQ HAZARDS

Alcohol, corn on the cob, bones, sausages swallowed whole and grease drippings combined with gravel from the ground could all cause your pet serious harm.  Also, an excess of fatty food or aluminum foil, cling film/plastic wrap, matches and kebab skewers that smell of food can be very dangerous if your  pet gets hold of them. 



Also be careful when out for walks that your dog doesn’t stumble upon a used BBQ that has not been disposed of or extinguished properly, as it could look like the flame is out but the ash and foil tray it is in, could still be very hot and cause severe burns.

BEE & WASP STINGS

Effectiveness of homemade remedies for stings can be debatable; the most reliable treatment is a steroid injection and/ or antihistamine medication to provide  immediate relief.  If your pet becomes unwell or is having difficulty breathing, please contact the surgery immediately.

FLYSTRIKE

This is particularly common in warm weather & in rabbits it is life-threatening.  It is caused by the green bottle fly, attracted to damp fur soiled with urine/soft faeces.  It can lay >200 eggs within hours which then hatch into maggots that will burrow into the rabbit’s skin.  If you find a maggot on your rabbit, call the practice straight away,   If out of hours, you will be transferred to VetsNow – Guildford.  Don’t wait, it may be too late to wait until the practice re-opens..

POISONOUS PLANTS

Some garden poisonous plants:

• Lilies are particularly poisonous to cats
• Laburnum & Rhododendron are poisonous to dogs
• Lily of the Valley & Yew are poisonous to both cats & dogs

Please check all your plants for safety instructions located on packaging.