It’s summertime and that means families and pets are enjoying more time outside. As fun as summer can be, it’s also important to be aware of the dangers of summer. In this episode, Beckie Mossor, RVT and Lacie Davis, Shelter Manager join me to talk about summer safety and disaster preparedness.
What suggestions do you have to help pet owners protect their pets this summer?
Exposure to the heat can result in people and pets getting overheated. “One of the biggest mistakes I think a lot of pet owners make is shaving their dog’s coat,” Beckie said.
PRO TIP: Research your dog’s breed before cutting their coat to ensure they don’t need it to stay temperature regulated.
Be aware of the temperature of surfaces dogs are walking on. This includes sidewalks and parking lots. The surface can become very hot and could result in burns on the pads of your dog’s feet.
Be aware that pets can lose water while panting (make sure pets have access to water so they don’t get dehydrated!!)
Be aware of the climate conditions before subjecting your pets to strenuous play or other activities.
What sort of heat injuries are pets susceptible to?
Pets are susceptible to sunburn, especially areas where pets have exposed pink skin.
PRO TIP: Use pet safe sunscreen for dogs.
Hyperthermia is another concern in warm climates. Hyperthermia is above normal body temperature. It is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.
Normal body temperature for dogs is about 102° F. Veterinary professionals begin treating for hyperthermia at body temperatures between 104° F to 106° F. Immediate veterinary care is necessary because internal organs begin to shut down at these temperatures.
PRO TIP: If you think your dog is overheating, cool them off quickly and seek veterinary care.
Pour cool, lukewarm, room temperature water (not cold water) over your dog, place them in front of a fan or air conditioner and transport them to the vet immediately.
How soon should a pet owner seek veterinary care for a heat injury?
Seek veterinary care right away but take a couple of minutes to provide first aid.
For burns on the pads of the feet from sidewalks or parking lots, cool them off first.
PRO TIP: Do not apply condiments to burns! Only use cool water to cool off burned tissue.
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How does the ASPCA respond to natural disasters?
When disaster strikes, the ASPCA has memoranda of understanding with local governments to respond. ASPCA assistance can be having a subject matter expert in their local emergency response center, to having ground support working on flood water rescues, wildfire response, setting up field shelters or assisting the local shelters.
What steps should pet owners take to prepare for a natural disaster?
Ensure pets are microchipped. Make sure the information is registered and up to date whenever you move.
Make arrangements with a friend or family member to take care of your pet during a disaster.
PRO TIP: Make disaster preparedness and evacuation plans well ahead of time.
Put together a disaster preparedness kit. It should include:
- Food
- Water
- Medicine
- Photos
- Medical Records
- Emergency contact information
The ASPCA has a resource to help.
ASPCA Mobile App
How often are pets displaced from their families during an emergency?
During Hurricane Katrina, 10,000 pets were evacuated but only half of them were successfully reunited with their families. This is what makes microchips so important and keeping microchip information up to date.
What, if anything, can be done to prevent displacement?
Be prepared. If you live in an area that is prone to disaster, be proactive about your plan. Know what to do when you evacuate and know what the plan of action is for your pets also. Don’t let your pets be an afterthought. Plan ahead.
