SUMMER SAFETY FOR YOUR DOGS

At the moment, the UK is experiencing the very unusual phenomenon of a heat wave! Such a thing happens so rarely in this part of the world that I am finding more and more people are unprepared for the hazards that come with this sudden change in temperate and so I have compiled a list of just some of many hazards you may face.

We hope you learn something from reading through these (if only that you should never leave the house without a packet of antihistamine!) and we would love you to add your comments and drop down any other advice to help us surviving a British Summer.

IMPORTANT - Obviously every dog is very different and so please consult your local vets before actioning any advice given by a third party.



Adders
Adders are the UKs only wild, venomous snake and can be found in the rough, open countryside or near the edge of woodlands. They can be easily identified by a black zig zag stripe running across their grey, brown or copper bodies. Adders love the sunny, hot weather and will bask in the sun, so avoid taking your dog out for a walk in areas that are potential "Adder hotspots" when the warm sun is out. It is important to bear in mind that Adders are not aggressive snakes but they will bite if trodden on or played with

If your dog has been bitten by an Adder take it to the vets immediately. Do NOT panic! Keep your dog calm and if possible carry it back to your car as you want to reduce your dogs heart rate to slow the poison being pumped around the body. In the interim period before arriving at the vets, antihistamine can be given to help slow the effects of the Adders venom. (Always check with your vet for dosage etc).




Hot Pavements and Sandy Beaches
These can burn, blister and cause infections to your dogs pads if they have become too hot. It is very important to walk your dog earlier in the morning or later in the evening, when the ground is cooler to reduce the risk of damage to your dogs delicate paws. If possible walk your dog in grassy areas and avoid walking on hot, hard surfaces after playing in water as the pads are softer and can be damaged easier.

Signs to look for burned pads:

Limping or refusing to walk
Licking or chewing at the feet
Blisters or redness


Blue Green Algae
Blue Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) is an extremely dangerous toxin that can be found in areas of water such as lakes, streams and ponds and is abundant in periods of hot weather. Dogs will be affected if they drink or swim in areas with Blue Green Algae. The Algae will give the water a bluey green tinge (hence the name) but your dog does not have to ingest or come into contact with the algae itself to become ill, just the water where it is present. If you think your dog may have come into contact with Blue Green Algae contact your vet immediately.

These are some signs you should look out for:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Black tarry or bloody faeces
Jaundice
Fitting
Disorientation
Coma
Excessive salivation or tears
Muscle tremors, rigidity, paralysis
Blue or pale mucous membranes (gums)
Difficulty breathing





Dehydration
Dehydration is essentially lack of water in the body. Water is extremely important to major body systems such as circulatory, digestion and urinary. The body is made up of over 60% water and without it your dog will be in serious trouble! To ensure your dog is drinking enough make sure its bowl is kept clean and the water is replaced regularly - your dog should be drinking 1-2ml per kg of bodyweight daily. Dogs can become dehydrated for many reasons but in the summer the main cause is overheating- dogs pant to cool down. When they pant excessively they drool and therefor loose water and if they are not able to drink they can not replace the lost fluids. If you think your dog is dehydrated take it to your vets and they can treat your dog with intravenous fluids amongst other care. You should avoid exercising your dog during the hottest time of day and always take water out when walking.
Signs of dehydration are:

Lethargy
Sunken eyes
Tacky gums
Anorexia
Depression
If the skin on the back of your dogs neck is pinched it should return to its original place instantly if it doesn't this is a dehydration sign.




Jellyfish
Ok, you may not live near the coast, but if you are planning a holiday this summer and are heading to a coastal location, here are things to bear in mind. Jellyfish can sting your dog when they go for a paddle in the sea or from coming into contact with their tentacles. The sting may be painful, cause redness and swelling but, like humans, a jelly fish sting is not usually life threatening. The sting can be treated with basic first aid. First of all protect yourself with gloves, towel or place clothing over your hands.
Don't pull any tentacles off your dog that may be attached to the fur or skin as this could release more venom. Instead cover them with an alcoholic hand wash as it prevents more venom being released. Sea water can be used to wash away the tentacles but fresh water should not be used as this can also trigger more venom to be released.
A bicarbonate soda paste can be placed on sting sites to help with the relief.
An antihistamine can also be used to help relieve the discomfort.
Some people use fresh papaya fruit on the stings as this is meant to cause instant relief - great for areas where a bicarb paste is unsuitable such as the mouth.
If you must take your dog swimming in areas where jellyfish are prolific you can cover sensitive areas with petroleum jelly (Vaseline)




Bees & Wasps
These can cause potentially fatal problems to dogs, namely anaphylactic shock. Signs of this are: hypothermia, pyrexia(fever), trembling, vomiting, diarrhoea, pale gums, fast breathing & finally collapse. If you think your dog is suffering from anaphylactic shock, take it to the vets immediately. You can give your dog an antihistamine straight after the sting but again, check dosage etc with a vet. Most bee or wasp stings are nothing to worry about and can be treated in the following ways without seeing a vet:

Firstly remove the sting to prevent more venom entering your dogs body.
Give an antihistamine (check dosage with your vet first)
If stung by a bee, use a bicarbonate soda paste on the sting to help soothe
If a wasp has stung your dog use vinegar to soothe the sting



Allergies
Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies to all kinds of things such as -

Flea allergies
Dust
House dust mites
Grass
Pollen
Food
Cleaning products
Dandruff
Signs of allergies can be:

Itchy and runny eyes
Sneezing
Inflamed red or scabby skin
Chewing or licking paws
Increased scratching all over body or in specific areas such as ears base of tail or feet
Constant licking of an area
Vomiting
Diarrhoea

Obviously some of these allergies are present all year round but some are more seasonal. Most allergies can be maintained with an antihistamine or a type of vaccine but if they are not caught early, secondary infections can happen and antibiotics and steroids may have to be used.



Sunburn
Yes, dogs can get sunburnt too! Normally it's the pink skinned, short pale coated dogs and dogs with no fur at all. You can protect your dog from the sun with a sun cream specifically made for dogs. This is usually applied to the ear tips, bridge of nose and other sparsely haired areas such as the belly and inner thighs as the sunlight can reflect off the ground. You can also protect your dog with clothing and avoid taking your dog out in the midday sun. If your dog does get sunburnt you can use a few home remedies to help treat your dogs sunburn:

Aloe Vera is one of the most well known natural sunburn treatments. It is an amazing plant that moisturises, soothes, hydrates, relieves pain and itching. An Aloe Vera cream or pure Aloe Vera can be used. For a more soothing effect a stem from the plant can be put in the fridge before use.
Witch Hazel - Another natural product that soothes inflamed skin, stops itching and acts as an antibacterial . Using a cotton ball, apply Witch Hazel to the affected area several times a day.
Vitamin E - An antioxidant that can help with healing the burn, prevent or reduce scarring. Simply pop open a capsule and rub it onto the skin.
Milk is also known to help soothe sunburn. Cool milk rubbed onto the affected area with cotton ball.
Vinegar mixed with water sprayed over the sunburn is also meant to help with the relief.
Coconut oil rubbed over the skin not only helps relieve sunburn but can also help to prevent it in the first place.