1. Heat Stroke
Longer days and warmer weather mean we spend more time outside with our pets. Whilst it is a great way to spend time with your pet it is important to be aware that pets can also suffer from heatstroke too. Pets that are at greater risk of getting heatstroke include long or dark haired pets, overweight pets and brachycephalic breeds (flat faced dogs and cats). However, every pet is at risk of developing heat stroke if they are exercised during extreme heat.
Heatstroke may cause some or all of the following symptoms:
- Heavy panting or difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Collapse
- Core temperature raised above 40°C
- Increased heart rate
- Bright red or bluish-purple gums from lack of oxygen to the tissues
- Excessive salivation
2. Sunburn
Pets that are most at risk of sunburn are those with white or light coloured fur due to the decreased pigment levels in their skin. Breeds at a particular risk include bull terriers, border collies, boxers, dalmatians, greyhounds, whippets, and staffies.
The most common areas on the body to experience sun damage are their ears, eyelids, nose and belly. Lesions caused by sun exposure can be very uncomfortable, painful and lead to more serious conditions such as cancer. Avoidance is the best prevention when it comes to sun protection.
Keeping your pet indoors or in shaded areas during peak UV radiation times (between 11am-4pm) is best. When your know your pet is going to be exposed, use a pet safe sunscreen and carefully apply to vulnerable areas. In some instances, a UV resistant sunsuit may be the best option for your pet, just make sure you still coat their ears and nose with sunscreen.
3. Summertime Parasites
- Ticks: high risk. Paralysis Ticks are one of the most important Australian parasites due to their abundancy along the heavily populated Eastern coastline, and the deadly paralysis condition they cause. Ticks are at their worst during Spring and Summer due to their breeding season. To check whether ticks are presenting a risk early this year in your area, ask your local vet clinic.
Where are paralysis ticks found in Australia? The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is found along the eastern coastal strip of Australia and is most abundant from August to March. Cases of tick paralysis as far south as Melbourne have been reported in recent years.
- Fleas: High risk. Fleas love the warm weather and breed most actively during Spring and Summer. Fleas can be very difficult to see in your pet's fur - in fact, most people will never see them. You may instead spot 'flea dirt' (which is actually flea faeces!) within the fur over your dog's rump or under your cat's chin. Make sure to keep your pet protected all Summer long with a reputable flea preventative like Nexgard, Bravecto, or Revolution Plus.
- Heartworm: Moderate-high risk. The transmission of heartworm is at its worst in Summer due to its mosquito-borne method of spread, so it's vital to be on top of your pet's heartworm prevention. With such a slow life cycle, pets requires consistent heartworm prevention all year round with no breaks, in order to protect against any immature larvae and keep their bodies heartworm-free!
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