Summer Safety

While out in the summer sun with your dog, beware of potential health hazards that could cause upset stomachs, poisoning or skin irritations including:

Karaka berries

Karaka berries will turn orange and fall off the trees during the months of January to April. These berries remain toxic after they have fallen from the tree.

Symptoms are quite often delayed by 24–48 hours, but can be fatal if not treated in time.

• Weakness

• Vomiting

• Confusion

• Back leg paralysis

• Convulsions

Learn more about Karaka berry poisoning here.

Compost

Pets love investigating smells in the garden, particularly when there is blood and bone fertiliser (ground animal products) or food smells in compost.

Most fertilisers contain chemicals that are poisonous to your pets and mouldy food in compost can contain harmful toxins.

• Lethargy

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Increased breathing

• Salivation

• Pale or grey gums

• Loss of consciousness

Read about a case of compost toxicity we saw at one of our Animates Vetcare clinics!

Cyanobacteria, stagnant or discoloured water

Cyanobacteria (toxic algae) is found in rivers, lakes and waterways throughout New Zealand.

It can be toxic to both animals and humans. Dogs are especially sensitive to the toxins from Cyanobacteria.

• Lethargy

• Muscle tremors

• Fast breathing

• Twitching or convulsions

• Paralysis

Learn more about these toxins here.

Slug bait or rat bait

Metaldehyde is a common ingredient in slug bait which is extremely toxic to animals if ingested. Many pets are attracted to these baits due to the palatable ingredients.

Rat bait poisoning occurs when an animal is exposed to Bromethalin which inhibits blood clotting and causes haemorrhage (bleeding). Exposure can be through ingesting bait or secondary poisoning if they eat a rodent which has ingested the poison.

• Lethargy

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Increased breathing, heart rate and salivation

• Muscle tremors or convulsions

• Loss of consciousness

Itchy long grass or Wandering Jew weed

If your dog comes into contact with these plants, it can cause allergic dermatitis which can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable.

• Red itchy skin

Jellyfish

Dogs are at risk of jellyfish stings not only when swimming but also by coming into contact with washed up tentacles on the beach. Jellyfish stings can cause great discomfort to your dog and be painful around the eyes, nose, mouth and feet.

• Red skin

• Swelling or hives

• Pain

Bees

The buzzing of a bee can attract your pet’s attention, unfortunately this often results in a sting which can cause swelling and temporary pain. Multiple stings, or a sting in the mouth or throat and allergic reactions are dangerous and require treatment.

• Swelling

• Weakness

• Difficulty breathing

• Extreme irritation

Our 10 hot summer tips

1. Exercise your dog during the cooler parts of the day, early in the evening or late at night. Test how hot the ground is before you take your dog for a walk.
2. Prevent your pet from overheating by encouraging them to stay in shaded areas. Remove them from any environment where they appear to be hot.
3. Cool your pet from their paws and stomach. If your pet appears to be overheating try having them lie on a wet towel and offer them cool water but do not force them to drink it. Never use ice or very cold water, as cooling a pet too quickly can delay the internal cooling of their body.
4. Paddling pools and sprinklers (under supervision) are a fun way to keep your dog cool or you can treat your dog with an ice block (made from chicken or beef stock). Chew toys are also great for freezing!
5. Grooming is essential for your pet, particularly in summer. Regular brushing will help to rid your pet of excess fur which can contribute to overheating. Depending on the thickness of their coat they may benefit from a clip.
6. Like us, all pets can get sunburnt if they lie in the sun for too long particularly in areas where there is little to no fur, or fur that is very light in colour. Cover these areas in pet sunscreen when exposed to the sun. Only use pet sunscreen as regular sunscreen can be toxic to animals.
7. Provide fresh drinking water at all times. Carry a water bottle when you take them out and about. Pet water fountains are great for pets who like to drink running water. Wet food is also an easy way to increase their water intake.
8. Supervise swimming as not all pets are natural swimmers, they may need the help of a flotation device. Keep them safe with a life jacket if you choose to take them out on a boat. Never force your pet into the water and always rinse them off with clean water after a swim to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
9. Some types of decorative plants are toxic to dogs and cats. In some cases, only mild indigestion and discomfort will result, in other cases, the toxicity can lead to more severe health problems and even fatalities. If you are planning to bring holiday foliage into your home, ensure you know which plants are safe, and which should be avoided entirely. Common hazardous plants include Poinsettia, Lilies, Daffodils and Christmas trees.
10. Summer means barbeque fun for us but the food and drinks can be harmful to pets. Keep them well away from foods such as corn, onions and cooked bones.

Car travel

• When travelling with your pet it is best not to feed them 4-6 hours beforehand.
• For their comfort make sure the car is well ventilated and the music is turned down.
• Take plenty of toilet breaks ensuring they are always secured back in the car with a dog harness.
• Never leave your pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes in a shaded area. Pets are unable to regulate their body temperature as well as humans, so even a few minutes in a car can cause irreversible damage as cars retain heat.