Labor Day is a holiday to celebrate all the American workers and laborers, and is often celebrated with barbeques and parades. The fun and festivities can also pose some dangers to your pet. Here are some safety tips to help make your holiday pet-safe, and hopefully keep you at your cook-out, and out of the animal ER! 1. Discarded food and food items from grilling/barbeques can cause serious gastrointestinal problems with your pet. Examples include: • Corn cobs and peach pits can cause obstruction in the intestines and require surgical intervention and days in the ICU. • Bones that are more difficult to digest (steak, pork) can break into fragments and become lodged in the esophagus or intestines. • Grease drippings from a grill may flavor gravel, mulch, or other objects and entice your pet to eat objects they normally would not, often causing serious GI upset, or even requiring surgery. 2. Heatstroke • As mentioned with all previous warm weather holidays, heat stroke is a major concern with higher temperatures. Especially if your pet has a heavy coat, or a “smooshed” face (Pug, Bulldog, Boxer, etc). • Symptoms of heat stroke include panting heavily or difficulty breathing, vomiting, thick/ropy saliva, lethargy, staggering, or deep red/purple tongue or gums • Never leave your pet unattended in the car. Pets can overheat and develops heat stroke in a matter of minutes. • Make sure your pet has plenty of shade and access to fresh water if accompanying you to any outdoor activities. And if ever in doubt about the temperatures, leave them at home in the AC so you can enjoy your time without worrying about them. 3. Paw burns/Sunburn • Be careful of the pavement and beach. These areas can become very hot in the mid-day sun and actually cause burns to your pets paw pads. If you notice your pet licking their feet, or limping, please check their pads for abrasions or burns. • Pets can also get sunburned; especially the lighter colored or pink skinned pets. It is important to use pet appropriate/labeled sun protectant or baby sunscreen. 4. Swimming • If your pet is not a good swimmer, a life vest is a good investment, and may make their time in the water more enjoyable. • Do not allow your pet to drink pool or ocean water. Pool water contains chlorine and ocean water contains salt, both of which can cause GI upset and electrolyte disturbances.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 13:30:01 +0000
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