Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2019

www.MtPleasant.Pet | www.MPVets.Pet | www.facebook.com/MPpets G U I D E PETS 5 5 www.MtPleasant.Pet | www.MP Vets.Pet | www.fac e book com/MPpets MP PETS We have all heard – and hopefully heed – warnings and tips about the summer heat and our pets: • Don’t leave pets in a car. In some states, that’s illegal when it’s above 70 degrees outside. • You may not want to shave them, because certain breeds with heavier coats are actually designed that way to keep them cooler than if you were to shave them in the summer. Check with your groomer. • Always have cool, fresh water available. • Go for your daily walks, but don’t run a 5K with your dog when it’s 90 degrees outside and the pavement has been baking in the sun for hours. Touch the back of your hand to the ground – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. These all seem like common-sense items, but you may be surprised how many pets die of heat-related incidents. There are no firm statistics to share, as most cases go un- reported, but PETA’s reports indicate “58 dogs and other animal companions who have reportedly died from heat-re- lated causes in 2018.” But, again, this is just the reported number. “Heat stroke is more common in larger-breed dogs; obese dogs; brachiocephalic dogs such as pugs and bulldogs; dogs that have laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea syndrome; and dogs with thick hair,” said Dr. Jeremy Libby, medical director of veterinary emergency care at Veterinary Specialty Care. There are many useful products you can purchase, such as gel cooling mats and neckwear. However, since these are typically filled with silica beads, you should not leave your pet unattended with these items. Local pet specialty stores have plenty of items in stock for the seemingly never-end- ing Lowcountry summer. If you have a dog who loves the water, buy him a baby pool and let him splash – it’s fun for him and entertaining for you to watch. Be sure to dump the pool at night so mosquitoes don’t use it as a breeding ground. If your dog goes boating with you, make sure there’s an area where he can get out of the sun, a cooling mat on the boat and a canine life jacket. The jackets often have han- dles, making it easier for you to lift the swimmer back into the boat if he gets tired of doing the doggie paddle. This is especially useful for larger dogs. No matter how your pets choose to enjoy the Lowcountry summer, remember they are wearing fur coats. “Heat stroke in dogs is worsened by high humidity due to the loss of evaporative cooling from panting, and the Lowcountry is famous for its humidity,” said Dr. Libby. Getting your dogs out early or much later in the day is always a better idea, but, if they have to be out when it’s miserably hot, please ensure they have cool water and plenty of shade, and keep their midday time outdoors to a minimum. U Photos by Jeanne Taylor SUMMER FUN with Fido and Fluffy By Jeanne Taylor