Don't let pets have too much fun in sun
With temperatures rising into the 60 degree range, both pets and their owners may be tempted to break out of their cabin fever.
But veterinary professionals have a warning for pet owners.
They need to have their pets take it easy until the animals get use to running outside again because this time of year is ripe for injuries to pets that have been cooped up all winter.
Dr. Ann Fiduccia of Gardens Veterinary Hospital in Cranberry Township said this time of year is when many pets are hit by cars.
As people let their dogs out, the animals see something that excites them, such as a rabbit, and they run out into the street.
"People are used to having their pets off the leash not go that far out in the yard (in the winter) because they really don't want to be out," she said.
Another problem Fiduccia has dealt with is cats being bitten by other cats.
A pet owner may let the cat out in the yard and new cats are now in the neighborhood, which can lead to a fight.
She also added that female cats are in their breeding cycle in the spring.
Dr. Ann Herschl of Butler Veterinary Associates said pet owners should be concentrating on protecting their pets against heartworm and fleas and ticks as some owners let that medication lapse over the winter.
Herschl said pet owners in the early spring should ease their pets into exercise routines because a lot of sprains and strains occur now since many pets put on weight over winter.
She recommended starting exercise with pets slowly and helping them get back into shape before going on long or strenuous excursions.
Dr. James Reed of the Bakerstown Animal Hospital said his clinic has not had many weather-related injuries, but added the potential for injury is there.
Dogs may be out shape, much like people can get out of shape over the winter, and can be at risk from overexertion.
People who get out at the first sign of good weather and run five miles with their dog could be risking injuries.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers these weather and walking and hiking safety tips to prevent pets from overheating and overexerting themselves in the spring and summer:
• Visit the veterinarian for a spring or early summer checkup and make sure the pet is tested for heartworm, if not on year-round preventive medication. Ask the veterinarian to recommend a safe flea and tick control program.
• Pets get dehydrated quickly. Give them plenty of water when its hot outdoors and be careful not to over-exercise them in extremely hot weather. Do not allow pets to drink from puddles, ponds, lakes or streams as they may contain parasites or toxins that can harm them.
• Never leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle in hot weather, which can lead to fatal heat stroke even with the windows down.
• Give a dog a lightweight summer haircut to help prevent overheating. Shave it down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so the dog has some protection from the sun. Brushing a cat more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. Make sure that sunscreen and insect repellent products are labeled specifically for use on animals.
• When temperatures are high, don't let dogs linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, the dog's body can heat up quickly and sensitive paws can burn.
• Commonly used flea and tick products, rat poisons, law and garden insecticides all can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. When walking a dog, steer clear of areas that are suspected to have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals.
