For owners and animals
information provided by North Central Veterinary Emergency Center
HIGHLAND, Ind. (June 2, 2019) – Veterinarians at North Central Veterinary Emergency Center share the following safety tips to help keep pets safe during the summer months.
Dog bites
Dog bites require immediate veterinary care. To help avoid dog bites, keep pets that don’t know each other on a leash until they have an opportunity to become acclimated to each other and it’s clear they will be friendly and safe.
Summer food
High-fat foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and sausages can make pets ill and may lead to pancreatitis, a serious illness.
Onions, grapes, raisins, garlic, and chocolate (especially baking chocolate used in cakes and cupcakes) are toxic to cats and dogs.
Sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods containing Xylitol are toxic to dogs.
Corncobs and bones can cause a chocking hazard or become lodged in a pet’s intestines requiring surgery to remove.
Heat stroke
Summer heat can cause a variety of problems for pets. Observe them closely during the summer to ensure that they do not burn their paw pads on hot sidewalks or sand, suffer from heat stroke or dehydration, or overexert themselves.
Also, never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period of time. Cars heat up quickly, especially on hot days. They can become dangerous within minutes.
Leashes
Pets should always be on a leash and under the control of a responsible adult when outside of an enclosed yard. This includes keeping pets on a harness leash when on balconies and decks.
Microchips and tags
Have pets microchipped and have them wear a collar with a tag that has the pet’s name, your address, and your phone number. Keep contact information up to date with the microchip company.
Summer pests
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes carry a variety of diseases harmful to pets and their people. By protecting pets from these pests, you can also help protect yourself and your family.
Lyme Disease, which is carried by ticks, is common near the lake region along the Michigan-Indiana border. The occurrance of heartworm disease is also increasing in our area. Talk to your veterinarian about how to protect your pet from the serious diseases carried by pests.
Pesticides
Pesticides are toxic to pets. Keep pets away from lawns and fields that have been treated. Look for signs indicating they have been treated with pesticides or pellets and powders that have been spread.
Vaccinations
Talk with your primary care veterinarian to determine what vaccines are best for your dog based on its age, health, and lifstyle. Many serious diseases, such as dog flu, distemper, and leptospirosis, can be prevented with appropriate vaccinations.
Rabies vaccines are required by law for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.
About North Central Veterinary Emergency Center
North Central Veterinary Emergency Center is open 24/7. The nearest location to Lansing is 2427 Ridge Road in Highland, Indiana. Call 219-881-1600 for more information.
