Summer health risks for dogs and cats and how to prevent them

High temperatures are the cause of more than one veterinary emergency. When the thermometer rises, heat stroke is one of the most common dangers, and also one of the most serious for the health of dogs and cats. “Heat stroke and dehydration are common accidents, but so are stings from jellyfish, vipers, leeches or wasps, as well as poisoning from drinking seawater and wounds on their paw pads,” says Silvia Miguélez, a veterinarian at the Mimos clinic in Pozuelo de Alarcón in Madrid.

When your dog or cat is in trouble, for example it is bitten by an insect, it is a good idea to go to the veterinarian as soon as possible, but basic first aid can help stabilize the animal. In the event that it is a jellyfish sting, Miguélez explains what to do: “Remove as much as possible the part that has remained stuck to the animal’s skin with salt water. Scrape it off with a credit card, handling the area with gloves, then apply ice wrapped in a cloth, never directly on the skin, and wash the area with vinegar dissolved in water.”

Dogs’ paw pads can also be injured in summer from walking through mountainous areas or on very hot asphalt. “To avoid injuries, you can moisturize the paw pads with cream before and after the activity, and check them upon returning home to remove pebbles, clean them and apply cold water to cool the area,” adds the veterinarian.

The expert points out that the ground can reach high temperatures in summer and warns against taking your pet for a walk during the hottest hours of the day. Instead, walks through shaded areas and in nature are recommended. “It is also advisable for the animal to drink water and, if it plays sports with its owner, it is a good idea for it to be trained and have specific food for dogs, depending on its age, size and amount of physical activity,” adds Miguélez.

Prevention is the best way to prevent your dog or cat from experiencing health problems during the summer. To avoid cases of heat stroke and dehydration, make sure the animal has access to drinking water and a shaded area. “Animals also lose water through evaporation, which is equivalent to 0.5% of their weight per hour, so they need to drink more. For example, on the beach, a dog weighing around 10 kilos would need 150 milliliters of water every hour to stay well hydrated,” Miguélez explains.

One of the summer risks with the most serious health consequences for pets is heat stroke. “It mainly happens by leaving the animal inside the car, which can reach temperatures of up to 70°C [158ºF], with dire consequences for the dog or cat, which will have to be urgently taken to the veterinarian,” she warns.

The specialist also mentions two of the other most common dangers in summer. “Drinking seawater, which can cause diarrhea and dehydration. As for stings, they are common because the animal is curious and comes to sniff animals such as snakes, scorpions, jellyfish, wasps or bees.” Leeches also pose a risk: “They are found in ponds and tend to stick to the soft palate, which produces a hoarse cough in the animal,” says Miguélez.

In summer, dogs have more outdoor activities, such as walking, and there are certain areas where dogs are at greater risk of getting parasites. “Places with very dry vegetation where there are spikes can cause injuries and the spread of fleas and ticks or mosquito bites, which transmit serious diseases such as leishmania,” says Sandra Borrás, a veterinarian at the Masvet clinic in Barcelona. “So it is advisable to use repellent products such as collars or pipettes.”

Borrás also warns of the importance of taking precautions when traveling with your pet in a car. “It is advisable for the windows to be closed to stop the dog from sticking out its head and jumping.”

Regarding trips with animals, the experts recommend contacting a veterinarian to find out about the necessary procedures, such as ensuring the animal is up-to-date with its vaccines and microchip. When traveling abroad, specific tests and vaccines may also be required, so it is important to consult your veterinary ahead of time.

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