By Dr. Bert Gaddis
There are many hazards for you and your pet in the great outdoors, especially during the summer. For the most part, these hazards can be prevented or minimized by following these recommendations:
Heat stroke is defined as a body temperature over 105°F. The clinical signs of heat stroke include rapid excessive panting, hypersalivation, increased heart rate and red to brick red mucous membranes. If these signs are prolonged they can lead to shock, depression, coma and death. While prevention is the best treatment, proper first aid is critical. Cooling down an overheated dog with a cool water bath or a dunk in a pond is the first step. If a fairly quick response to this is not noted then the second step is necessary. Moving air across them with a fan or driving with the windows open (on the way to the veterinarian) is the second step. The delayed effects from heat stroke and the tissue damage such as blood clotting problems can become life threatening.
Snakebites are usually not life threatening IF treated properly and in a reasonable amount of time. This is a situation where treatment by a veterinarian is strongly recommended. Snakebites in dogs usually occur on the face and swell up quickly and are very painful. Treatment includes a combination of fluids, antibiotics, antihistamines, antivenin and pain relief.
Ticks transmit a number of potentially deadly diseases. Among these are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The key to prevention of most tick borne diseases is limiting the ticks feeding time to less than 48 hours. Ticks tend to attach on the head, neck, and ear areas of pets. Careful, daily removal of ticks is one method of prevention. Topical products such as Frontline Top Spotä or Advantixä effectively control ticks for about a month. They should be applied at least 24 hours prior to going into the field for best results.
The West Nile Virus (WNV) and mosquitoes have been in the news a lot lately. While dogs seroconvert (an immune reaction to the virus), in 2002 there were only 8 cases of clinical disease in dogs compared 4156 human cases. The greatest concern here is for humans. A good quality insect repellant will make life more pleasant and minimize WNV exposure. For a list of recommendations to reduce risk of exposure visit the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm
Heartworms are transmitted to dogs by feeding mosquito’s injecting the larvae stage into the dog, which then migrates through the dog’s body going through several larval stages before it ends up in the dog’s heart. The adult worms cause the dog’s heart to work harder in order to pump blood through the body. This eventually causes premature heart failure. Heartworms detection requires a small blood sample be drawn and
in-clinic tests detect the presence of adult worms and/or detects the microfilaria (“baby” heartworms). Prevention is the best medicine and it should be given year-round unless your veterinarian has different recommendations. Monthly medications are available that are essentially 100% effective. Several brands are available; see your regular vet for information.
Fleas most frequently cause mild itching and skin irritation, however infections such as hot spots can result from excessive itching. Prevention is the best medicine. Most of the topical solutions mentioned for tick control also control fleas infestations.
Insect stings are usually more annoying than dangerous. They cause mild to moderate swelling, itching and pain. Rarely insect stings cause severe, anaphylactic reactions. First aid is treatment with an antihistamine, initiated soon after the sting. This should help minimize signs and discomfort. Ask you veterinarian for a dose appropriate for your pet.
Food poisoning in pets most often results from “raiding” the garbage can. The heat of the summer can also spoil canned or moist foods if not eaten immediately. The symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to dehydration. Early in the illness (the first 24-48 hours), withholding food and limiting water may be the only treatment necessary, however, consultation with a veterinarian should be considered if signs do not rapidly resolve.
Dr. Bert Gaddis, a veterinarian, is owner of Indian Springs Animal Clinic located in North Shelby County at 1583 Cahaba Valley Road across from Indian Springs School.
Questions and topic suggestions are welcome and can be sent to: ISACVETS@aol.com.
