5 Summertime Health Hazards for Dogs

5 Summertime Health Hazards for Dogs

The warm days of spring and summer are finally arriving. While that means more opportunities to get outside with your dogs, it also means the arrival of seasonal health concerns for pets. As you start enjoying the longer days with your dog, keep these health concerns in mind and take precautions to protect your pet.
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5 Common Health Concerns for Dogs in the Summer

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1. Parasites

Warmer days put pets at an increased risk of picking up fleas and ticks in addition to contracting heartworms through mosquito bites. Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pet (and your family) from these dangerous, disease-carrying pests.

2. Heatstroke

Warm weather puts dogs at risk of heatstroke. Before heading outside to play with your pet, take a moment to check the temperature and humidity level. Different breeds, weights, and ages of dogs have different heat tolerances, so it’s important to pay attention to your pet in warm weather, provide them with plenty of cool water, and make sure they have access to shade at all times.

3. Sunburn

Yes, dogs are covered in fur, but they can still get sunburnt. If you take your dog in for a haircut, be sure to leave at least an inch or more in length to help protect their skin from the sun.

4. Cars

Even on a relatively cool day (think 60 degrees and sunny), the inside of your car reaches dangerously high temperatures in a matter of minutes. You should never leave your dog unattended in your car on a sunny day. If you can’t bring your dog with you to your destination, then they are better off waiting for you at home.

5. Pavement

It’s also good to remember that the pavement can get pretty hot on a sunny day, as well, and this can put your pet’s paws at risk of burning or blistering. Invest in a pair of dog socks, go for walks in the early morning, or play in the grass.
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Have a Healthy Summer With Pet Meds From VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy

Whether your pet has a prescription or is in need of a parasite preventative, the pet pharmacists at VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy are here to help you have a safe, healthy, and fun summer with your pet! We welcome you to learn more about the advantages of choosing a compounding pharmacy for your pet’s medications and to contact us to fill your pet’s prescriptions.

Pet Dehydration: What Happens When a Pet Doesn’t Get Enough Water?

Pet Dehydration: What Happens When Pets Get Too Little Water?

Although easily prevented and resolved, dehydration in pets can cause permanent organ damage and even be life-threatening if it goes unchecked. Dehydration is always a concern for pets and humans alike, but pets – especially those spending time outdoors or in a hot indoor environment – are at a higher risk of dehydrating during the warm, summer months.

How Do Cats and Dogs Get Dehydrated?

Pets become dehydrated for two reasons:
  • Reduced Water Intake - Pets sometimes drink less water due to limited access or as a result of diseases that cause them to drink less (pancreatitis, parvo, or leptospirosis). Sometimes, pets stop drinking due to stress.
  • Fluid Loss - Pets can lose excessive amounts of fluid due to heatstroke, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disease, urinary tract conditions, endocrine disorders, kidney failure, and cancer.
Puppies, kittens, pregnant pets, senior pets, and pets suffering from the above-listed medical conditions are at an increased risk of dehydration.

What Happens When a Pet Is Dehydrated? Signs and Symptoms of Pet Dehydration

Water comprises about 80% of dogs’ and cats’ bodies, and it’s essential to all of their bodily functions such as circulation, electrolyte balance, digestion, metabolism, organ function, and waste removal. As a result, dehydrated pets experience a variety of issues such as reduced oxygen delivery throughout the body, lack of bowel movements, and more.
Signs and symptoms of pet dehydration include:
  • Appetite loss
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Dry Mouth
  • Excessive panting
  • Lack of coordination
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Red, inflamed gums
  • Respiratory trouble
  • Seizure or collapse
  • Sunken eyes
One simple way to determine if a pet is dehydrated is to pinch the loose skin between the shoulder blades. If the skin stays put or is slow to return to its normal position, then your pet is likely dehydrated.

What to Do If Your Pet Is Dehydrated

If your pet is dehydrated, provide them with cool drinking water and contact your emergency veterinarian right away. Dehydrated pets often require medical attention to replenish their fluids and restore the balance of electrolytes in their system. Depending on the severity of your pet’s dehydration, intravenous fluids might be necessary. Other pets, however, do well with a simple injection of fluids into a pocket beneath the skin.
Once the veterinarian has stabilized your pet’s condition, they might recommend additional diagnostic testing to rule out or identify any underlying medical conditions that might have contributed to dehydration. The veterinarian will then work with you to address those underlying concerns in order to prevent your pet from becoming dangerously dehydrated in the future.

5 Summer Skin Care Tips for Feisty Felines and Cuddly Canines

5 Summer Skin Care Tips for Feisty Felines and Cuddly Canines

You already know that you need sunscreen to protect your skin during summer, but did you realize that there are also special steps you can take to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy during the hottest months of the year?

Top 5 Summer Skin Care Tips for Pets

1. Sunburn Prevention

You might assume that giving your pet a short haircut for summer will help them beat the heat, but going too short leaves them vulnerable to painful sunburn and skin cancer. Leave at least two inches for sun protection. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian to find out whether your pet has the type of coat that even should be trimmed in the first place. Some breeds have special double coats that are designed to protect them from the heat, and these should never be cut.

2. Guard Against Parasites

Summertime is high-season for parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitos. Protect your pet’s skin and health by making sure your pet has a high-quality parasite preventative.

3. Avoiding Irritation

Swimming in freshwater, saltwater, and swimming pools as well as getting too many baths can all lead to skin irritation in pets. Be sure to rinse your pets after swimming to remove chemicals, bacteria, and salt from their coats, but be careful not to give them too many baths as this can strip the natural oils in their skin and fur.

4. Allergy Awareness

Many pets suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergens come in the form of pollen, mold, and even flea saliva. If your pet’s extra-sensitive to summer allergens, take care to prevent their exposure and to keep their skin and coat free from irritants with plenty of brushing and baths with gentle soap after romping around in the grass.

5. Paw Pad Protection

Whether your pet takes walks on hot cement or plays around the rough edges of a swimming pool, their paw pads are at risk of injury. Be wary of walks during the hottest times of the day and always check the temperature of the pavement with your hand. If your pet’s paws become raw, apply a special paw balm to soothe them and help them heal.

Choose VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy for Your Pet's Skin Care Needs

Whether you’re looking for the perfect parasite prevention, a topical for your pet’s sensitive skin, or a gentle shampoo for a healthy bath time, we’ve got you covered! At VetMedics Compounding Pharmacy in Ronkonkoma, we can help you find the right pet care products and pharmaceuticals to meet all your pet’s unique needs.