School is out and the heat is on! Summer can pose special problems for pets. Help keep your pet healthy and safe by following these simple tips:

• HEAT STRESS – Any pet can suffer from heat stress. However, particularly susceptible are:

-very young and very old pets

-short-nosed breeds

-overweight pets

-pets with cardiovascular or respiratory disorders

Help prevent heat stress by:

• -providing plenty of clean, fresh water at all times

-have adequate ventilation when pets are in kennels

-providing shade when pets are outdoors

-avoiding excessive exercise, and trying to exercise at the cool times of the day.

-NEVER leave pets in parked vehicles (which is actually a crime, too!)

Signs of heat stress are profuse panting, an anxious expression, failure to respond to commands, high fever (over 105), and/or collapsing. If you see any of these signs, soak your pet in cool water, and call your veterinarian immediately.

• FLEAS AND TICKS – Anyone around here can tell you that the ticks are especially bad. Not only are they nasty to look at, but they also carry some awful diseases like Lyme disease. Fleas are a concern, too, causing dogs to scratch and cats to lick excessively. Fortunately there are great topical agents that you can pick up from your veterinarian.

• HEARTWORM DISEASE – This mosquito-born illness, causing a slow infestation of the heart and secondary heart failure, is easily prevented with monthly tablets.

• BITES AND STINGS – Unusual swelling or soreness may be signs of a bite or sting. Your pal may need attention, including an injection to bring down swelling and to help with the pain.

I hope these tips help you out, as well as your four-legged friends. Have a fun and safe summer!

Till next time, Dr. Steve, Ashburn Village Animal Hospital (www.ashburnanimals.com)

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