August Newsletter
Summer isn’t over yet! ☀️
August brings some of the hottest and most humid weather of the year to our area, along with fleas, ticks, thunderstorms and the beginning of fall allergy season. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help keep your pets healthy and comfortable as we head toward fall.
🦟 Fleas & Ticks Aren’t Taking the Summer Off
Warm temperatures and humidity create ideal conditions for fleas and ticks. Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can be exposed.
Once fleas make their way into your home, getting rid of them can take several months because immature stages continue developing in the environment. Ticks can also transmit serious diseases to both pets and people.
We recommend keeping dogs and cats on year-round flea and tick prevention rather than stopping when temperatures begin to cool.
If you aren’t sure whether your pet’s current prevention is appropriate, give us a call. We’re happy to help!
🌡️ Heat Stroke: Know the Signs
We have had some very hot and very humid days lately, and that combination can be dangerous for our pets.
Dogs don’t cool themselves by sweating the way people do. They rely primarily on panting to release heat, and high humidity makes panting less effective. This means a dog can overheat much faster on a humid Carolina day than many owners realize.
When Is It Too Hot?
There isn’t one temperature that is safe for every dog, but once outdoor temperatures reach around 80°F, especially with high humidity, we recommend being much more cautious with exercise and prolonged outdoor activity.
When temperatures climb into the mid-80s and above, outdoor time should generally be shortened and strenuous exercise avoided, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
At 90°F and above, outdoor time should be limited primarily to brief bathroom breaks for many dogs, especially those at increased risk.
Remember that humidity, direct sunlight, lack of shade and hot pavement can make conditions considerably more dangerous than the air temperature alone suggests.
Whenever possible, exercise dogs early in the morning or later in the evening, provide unlimited access to fresh water and shade, and bring them into an air-conditioned environment to cool down.
🐶 Some Dogs Are at Much Higher Risk
Brachycephalic, or short-nosed, breeds are particularly susceptible to heat stroke, including:
- French Bulldogs
- English Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Shih Tzus
- Pekingese
These breeds already have shortened airways and may have narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates and other airway abnormalities. Because dogs rely heavily on airflow and panting to cool themselves, a dog that cannot move air efficiently also cannot cool itself efficiently.
Other dogs at increased risk include:
- Overweight or obese dogs
- Senior dogs
- Very young puppies
- Thick- or heavy-coated breeds
- Dogs with heart disease
- Dogs with respiratory disease
- Dogs that are not accustomed to exercising in hot weather
A young, athletic dog can develop heat stroke too, particularly with vigorous exercise such as running, retrieving or playing outside.
🚨 Signs of Heat Stroke
Early recognition is extremely important. Watch for:
- Excessive or frantic panting
- Excessive drooling or thick, ropey saliva
- Bright red or very dark gums and tongue
- Restlessness or difficulty settling
- Weakness
- Reluctance or inability to continue walking
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Stumbling or appearing uncoordinated
- Confusion or altered behavior
- Collapse
- Seizures or loss of consciousness in severe cases
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can cause organ damage very quickly.
If you believe your dog is overheating, immediately move them into a cooler environment and begin cooling them with cool—not ice-cold—water. Do not wrap them in wet towels, which can trap heat against the body.
Then seek veterinary care immediately, even if your pet appears to improve after cooling.
And, of course, never leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
🌀 Hurricane Season: Don’t Forget the Pets!
We are in the heart of Atlantic hurricane season, and even storms that don’t make a direct hit can bring heavy rain, flooding, power outages and severe thunderstorms.
Now is a great time to make sure your pet is included in your family’s emergency plan.
Keep several days of your pet’s food, water and medications available, and make sure prescription medications aren’t allowed to run completely out. Keep carriers and leashes somewhere you can reach them quickly.
It’s also a good time to check your pet’s microchip information and make sure your current phone number and contact information are registered.
If your pet becomes extremely anxious during thunderstorms, don’t wait until a hurricane is approaching to contact us. There are medications that can help pets with significant storm anxiety, and they work best when we have a plan in place ahead of time.
🌾 Fall Allergy Season Is Almost Here
For many allergy-prone pets, August through October can be a particularly uncomfortable time of year.
Environmental allergens such as grasses, weeds, molds and pollens can trigger itching and skin inflammation.
Dogs with environmental allergies may:
- Lick or chew their feet
- Scratch frequently
- Rub their face
- Develop red or irritated skin
- Have recurrent ear infections
- Develop hot spots
- Develop secondary bacterial or yeast skin infections
If your dog suddenly starts licking their paws or scratching more than usual, don’t assume you need to wait it out until fall is over.
There are many options available to help control allergy symptoms and keep pets comfortable. Treating itching early can also help prevent the cycle of scratching, damaged skin and secondary infection.
If you know your pet struggles every fall, now is a great time to get ahead of it!
🐶 Enjoy the Rest of Summer Safely!
August may feel like the beginning of the end of summer, but our Carolina heat, humidity, parasites and allergens aren’t going anywhere just yet.
As always, the team at Catawba Heights Animal Hospital is here to help you keep your pets happy and healthy through every season.
🐾 Stay cool, stay prepared, and give those pets some extra love from us!
— Dr. Wallace & the Catawba Heights Animal Hospital Team