I think everyone will agree that summer is finally here. The warm weather and sunny days have arrived and winter seems like a distant memory. I love walking along Queen Street and watching all the beach folk enjoying the season with their four-legged companions, who wag their tails while people share their tales.

There is nothing I enjoy more during this time of year than packing up the car and heading out to a secluded location for a weekend of camping. I know I am not alone because every weekend I see others in the beach community loading up their cars and trucks, preparing to head off to a remote destination. Many of us enjoy bringing our pets with us, and this has spawned the topic for this article: Summer Safety for Pets.

Most of us bring our pets along on our journeys throughout the course of the summer and it is important to be prepared for the unexpected. Packing a pet first aid kit is extremely important for those who enjoy camping in areas where it may be difficult to locate a veterinarian in a timely fashion. Adventurous pets enjoy exploring unfamiliar surroundings, and we need to be aware that accidents can happen when we least expect it. Although most pets are quite agile, they are still susceptible to cuts and scrapes while running through uncharted terrain. Packing supplies such as antiseptic, gauze and bandage material can prove invaluable when your pooch decides to run through a wooded area or stream. Another important consideration is to ensure that your pet is vaccinated for leptospirosis. Leptospires are a class of bacteria that can cause an often fatal liver and/or kidney disease in pets. Dogs who enjoy drinking from puddles, bird baths, and slow moving streams are particularly susceptible. Insect bites are also potentially harmful. Like their human counterparts, some pets are allergic to insect bites and stings. If you suspect your pet has had an encounter with a bee or wasp, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if they seem tired, have vomited, and have any apparent swelling near the site of the bite or even at distant sites on the body. Typically pets with allergic reactions can be easily helped, but it is of the utmost importance that veterinary care be sought right away.

Our feline companions are also prone to unfortunate circumstances at this time of year, particularly if they enjoy the outdoors as much as we do. Fighting with other cats can not only lead to cuts and infections, but it can also lead to the spread of disease. If your cat is the independent, outdoor type, please make sure that their vaccines are up to date, especially their feline leukemia vaccination. This disease can be fatal to your furry friend, but proper vaccination protocols can help to protect them. If you have any questions your veterinarian should be able to help you make an informed decision regarding your cat’s health.

Have a great, safe summer