Summer is the time for families to enjoy barbeques, walks in the park, playing catch and countless other outdoor activities. Since 92 percent of pet owners consider their pet part of the family, Fido and Fifi often join in the festivities.

“Spending time outside with our four-legged friends is important, but pet parents should be aware of all the health risks the great outdoors can pose,” says Dr. Marty Becker, nationally renowned veterinarian and popular animal health columnist.

Some common issues pet parents need to be aware of during the summer months include parasites, high temperatures and possible risks associated with lawn and garden products. “Prevention is the key,” says Dr. Becker. “Pet owners can avoid many issues that arise during the warm summer months if they take the proper precautions.”

Parasites

It’s the height of flea, tick and mosquito season for America’s 140 million pet dogs and cats. These parasites are more than a nuisance to pets; they can pose serious health risks including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and flea allergy dermatitis, among other flea, tick and mosquito transmitted diseases.

It’s especially important for dog owners to protect pets from ticks since the American Lyme Disease Foundation (ALDF) has analyzed surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and data supplied by entomologists from Fordham University and has found that Lyme disease cases have continued to increase over the past 10 years, a trend that indicates 2004 may be a record setting year for Lyme disease cases in both humans and pets. Further, according to the ALDF’s best estimates, Lyme disease can occur at rates in dogs that are 50 to 100 times the rate of humans.

“Dogs’ exposure to Lyme disease can be significant because they spend more time outside and in grassy areas where ticks are prevalent,” says Becker. “In fact, in areas where Lyme disease is endemic, the veterinary industry has recently seen an increase of cases.”

Fortunately there are simple steps to prevent the onset of parasite infestation:

* Conduct a tick check every day to prevent the tick from transmitting the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

* Protect a dog from biting fleas, ticks and mosquitoes with products such as K9 Advantix.

* Keep dogs away from moist, shaded areas (the environments ticks favor) when participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping and hunting.

* Mow the lawn frequently and keep leaf litter in the yard to a minimum. Install bait boxes to trap tick-carrying rodents around the perimeter of the yard.

Hot Temperatures

It doesn’t need to reach record breaking temperatures for an owner to ensure a pet’s comfort and safety. Pets can run into the same warm weather irritations and dangers as humans -- from overheating to sunburn. Dr. Becker provides these hot tips for keeping a pet cool:

* Pets can suffer heatstroke, so keep them hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest time of day.

* Keeping a pet well-groomed helps prevent summer skin problems. Cut heavy-coated dog’s hair down to a one-inch length to help avoid overheating. Make sure not to shave a pet -- hair actually prevents sunburn and helps insulate them from the heat.

* Even though fur is protective, pets can still get sunburned. Rub a dab of waterproof sun block on unprotected areas like the tips of their ears, the skin around the lips, and the tip of the nose.

* Pets are sensitive to hot surfaces just like humans. If the heat from the ground is too hot for a pet owner’s hand or foot, then it is too hot for a pet’s footpads.

Lawn and Garden

Lawn maintenance and gardening are popular summer activities which often consist of spraying for weeds and bugs. Pet parents need to read and follow all safety instructions when working with lawn and garden products. They also need to exercise caution when their pet is romping around outside and avoid recently treated areas to keep pets from ingesting potentially harmful materials.

It’s easy to see why so many pet owners enjoy being outside with their furry friends, but with the great outdoors come safety concerns. “People need to use their best judgment when they are outside with their pets,” says Dr. Becker. “If they are cognizant of their surroundings they should be able to keep their pets safe and happy during the summer . . . and have a good time.”

Courtesy of ARA Content