Summer safety tips for furry friends

By Niki Laviolette
Special to the Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE June 21, 2008 07:34 pm

— The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wants to remind pet owners to keep their pets safe during the summer months. “Summertime is a wonderful time for family and friends to get together and enjoy themselves, often with a beloved pet by their side,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, senior vice president of the ASPCA’s Midwest Office. “However, it’s important to consider the hidden [and, sometimes, not-so-hidden] dangers that can harm our favorite furry companions.”
This is the perfect time of year for parties and barbecues but remember that some food and drinks can be poisonous to pets. Do not serve your pets alcoholic beverages as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas or death. The snacks you serve your guests should not be treats for your pets. Human snacks or changes in your pet’s diet can cause severe digestive ailments.
Your pets can get dehydrated outdoors quickly. Give them plenty of water and make sure they have a shady area to be able to get out of the sun.
Keep your pet indoors when it’s extremely hot. Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows open, a vehicle can rapidly become a furnace, causing a heatstroke that can be fatal.
Keep your pets free of pests. Some flea and tick products, rodenticides (rat and mouse bait) and insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep these out of reach. There are flea products that can be safely used on dogs but which can be deadly to cats particularly if they contain the chemical permethrin. Be sure to read the directions on these products carefully.
Not all dogs are good swimmers. Do not leave pets unsupervised near swimming pools. Gradually, introduce pets to water and make sure your pet is wearing a flotation device while on boats. Try to keep your dog from drinking pool water as the chemicals can cause an upset stomach.
There is an increase in injured animals during the summer months from “High Rise Syndrome,” when pets fall out of windows, doors, or off balconies and are seriously or fatally injured. It’s important to keep all unscreened windows or doors closed and make certain the adjustable screens are tightly secured.
When taking your dog outdoors, make sure he is safe and secure around other animals and strangers. With more people and pets out enjoying the warmer weather, tempers can flare.
Never try to use fireworks around pets. Fireworks can potentially cause severe burns or trauma; even unused fireworks are hazardous. Many fireworks contain potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic, and other heavy metals, which are potentially toxic. Keep your pet away from citronella candles, insect coils, and oil products, as well. Ingestion can cause stomach irritation and even central nervous system depression. If the oils are inhaled, they can cause aspiration pneumonia.
If your pet should ingest any potentially harmful product, immediately call your veterinarian. For a fee, you can consult the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.