Welcome to the dog days of summer when the air’s a little thicker and the sun’s position, still proudly high in the sky, reminds us that it ain’t over ’til we accept the inevitable and finally turn on the heat. The kids are home full time, which means days have been overflowing with sunscreen and loud Mom voices yelling, “Stay on the curb, look both ways and drink your water!” These kids we speak of also include the fluffier, more drool-y versions – our loyal pets – so, of course, we have their health and safety top of mind as well. In every season of life, there’s something new to learn, and we’re fortunate to have a knowledgeable and caring teacher just down the road at Victoria Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Jessica Radtke Maltez and her team are brimming with tips and tricks to keep your four-legged friends cool while having fun during the home stretch of summer. Their days aren’t just full of educating pet parents and ensuring the well-being of their sweet patients – they’ve been busy with an exciting project, and we can’t wait to share the details!
“Pet issues this time of year all relate to more exposure in general, exposure to heat, play, and bugs,” Dr. Jessica explains. Within these categories, she adds that her team tends to see many injury-related issues. “With more running, swimming, and just being outside, we see pets with injuries from new or intense activity.” If your dog is more sedentary in the winter, she urges pet owners to remember that sudden, extreme activity may cause injuries, especially in older dogs.
One example of this is swimmer’s tail. Dogs who spend all day happily running in and out of the lake with their tail in the air can actually sprain it. Who knew? And while man’s best friend is doing his best impression of Michael Phelps, Dr. Jessica says that life jackets are a good idea, especially when on a boat, and especially for tiny dogs. “Make sure there’s always enough shade for your pet to cool down in, and rinse him or her off after being in the water, as ear and skin infections from lake playtime are other common problems pet owners face.”
Overheating is also a big problem in the warmer months, and Jessica says the simplest way to prevent heat exhaustion is to give your buddy regular breaks. “Cut down on your walking routine, and if you do head out for a little exercise, do it during the cooler hours of the day, early morning or late evening.” Signs of heatstroke pet owners should watch out for are constant panting, weakness, dry gums, and abnormal mentation, which is a deviation from normal behaviors. If you notice these symptoms in your best bud, Dr. Jessica says to apply cool water on his or her legs, get into air conditioning, and if severe, call your vet or the emergency vet. “The key is to watch the humidity. When it’s humid, dogs, especially ones who are brachycephalic – dogs who have a short and broad skull shape with flattened faces and shortened muzzles – like Bulldogs or Boston Terriers – can’t pant enough to cool themselves.”
Next up, bugs. We can’t live with them, and we can’t live with them. “Bug bites, fleas, and ticks are another big challenge for pets in the summer,” Jessica shares. “Be sure to keep up with your pet’s oral flea and tick prevention. I also suggest oral heartworm prevention year-round, as mosquitos are living longer with Minnesota winters becoming warmer and warmer.” Dr. Jessica also recommends keeping a first aid kit handy because animals can be allergic to bee stings, just like people. However, she cautions you to call your clinic or the emergency vet for dosing instructions before giving Benadryl.
You’d think that now would be the time to give your dog a little buzz cut, right? Wrong! “Shaving dogs with shedding coats doesn’t help with cooling and can make their coats grow back poorly.” Dr. Jessica says to trim mats and keep the hair around your pooch’s legs and rear short if needed. She suggests it might help to set up a few extra grooming appointments this time of year, especially if your dog is a breed that doesn’t shed. For dogs with a thick undercoat that do shed, brush out their coats more frequently.
Dr. Jessica proposes offering ice cubes, as well as small quantities of apples or blueberries (never grapes because they are extremely toxic to dogs!), and she encourages pet owners to make their own flavored ice cubes for a refreshing and delicious treat option to help dogs cool down when the heat rises. She warns pet owners to be cautious of any store-bought doggie delights as they may not sit well with your dog’s digestive system. On behalf of dogs everywhere, “Arf!” (Thank you!)
There you have it! We’ve covered a lot! Did you take notes? All you need to strive for is an A for effort and a happily frolicking pet… and if there’s a lolling tongue involved, consider that extra credit!
Now for the exciting news at Victoria Veterinary Hospital. After serving the community with her staff for 5 years, Dr. Jessica has recently broken ground on an expansion and remodel of an existing building at 1486 Stieger Lake Lane in downtown Victoria. Look for a move to this new building with more parking, expanded services, and the same small town, personal care and feel by the end of 2024. https://victoriavet.net/