Like humans, emotional support animals can also suffer from heat stroke. Summer also means that your pet spends more time outdoors, which can translate to more visits to the vet since ear and skin infections become more widespread. Here we will be looking at the top care tips that you can follow this summer to ensure the optimum health of your emotional support animal.
Skin cancer is quite common, especially among dogs, and in cats. Although tough fur acts a protective layer against the sun, you should still apply a pet sunscreen every 4 to 5 hours to the areas that contain the least amount of hair (bellies on dogs, areas around the eyes and ears on cats) as they spots are more vulnerable to grow tumors. Utilize pet-specific products, like the Epi-Pet Sun Protector Sunscreen.
Especially if you have dogs for emotional support, you will find they can get sun burnt quite easily. A great way to soothe these summer-burns is to take the natural route instead of going for medication because you never know what allergic reactions your dog can have. Aloe Vera is an amazing skin soother, a thin layer of which should be directly applied to the affected area. It is better if you run the brand by your vet first, just for the sake of your pet’s safety.
Always make sure to properly cool the area around your pet. If you have a small ESA caged in a corner of the house, think about investing in a small table fan that you can keep near the cage for maximum cooling.
Insects are pretty common during summer time and it is therefore important that you choose a repellent that is safe. Make sure to check with your vet and ask for recommendations. A good option is the all-natural Heavenly Organic Ecoshield, which is a botanical mixture of essential oils and plants that helps repel ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and flies.
Besides being overheated, pets also get easily dehydrated, so you will have to make sure to provide them with plenty of clean, fresh water. Leave out water and lots of fluids for them throughout the day, especially when your ESA spends time outdoors. Water alternatives are especially beneficial since they are tasty and replenish the electrolytes. Add a couple of ice cubes to your pet’s water bowl as they will enjoy it and also stay cooled down for longer.
Freeze some treats and let your pet enjoy them. Not only will it keep them engaged for long but also help them cool down.
When taking your ESA dog out for a walk, make sure it is not scorching hot outside. Similarly, avoid going outside with your pet out during the day because if it is hot for you, remember that it is way hotter for your pet. If you must take out your pet during the day, make sure he has a proper means of cooling off. Do not leave him waiting for you in the car as it can get extra hot and stuffy.
Many ESA owners wrongly assume that shaving fur off of their pets will help them stay cool and prevent them from sunburn. In fact, these layers of hair/fur help protect against the heat and keep the animals cool.