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Your WellbeingSummer Survival With PetsBY DR GARETH MOSS BVSC (HONS) MANZCVS (SMALL ANIMAL HEALTH) GREENCROSS VETS KU-RING-GAIEverybody knows that summer is the time that Sydney really shines as a city and the hotter months are a great time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with your pets. Unfortunately however, summer is also a busy time for vets as we see a number of problems in our animal patients that we don’t see in the cooler months. It’s important to be aware of these problems so you can prevent against them and know how to detect the signs early. A less commonly known problem for pets over the summer months is heat stroke. Heat stroke is a very dangerous condition that can occur when pets are excessively exercised in hot weather and affects dogs in particular. Dogs can regulate their body temperature by panting but their bodies do not effectively regulate heat in very hot environmental conditions. Unfortunately, dogs are not aware of this so they rely on their human owners to prevent heat stroke occurring. Heat stroke may lead to significant damage to organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart and in very severe cases can cause brain damage or even death. The safest thingto do is avoid heavy exercise such as jogging or running with your dog on hot days. Swimming isa great alternative activity that will help to keep dogs cooler in extreme conditions. Some breeds of dog with shorter snouts, such as Pugs and French Bulldogs are particularly susceptible to heat stroke and should be kept inside in cool areas on hot summer days.Summer is also a time for venomous snakes in the bushier parts of Sydney and a number of these snakes are highly venomous to dogs and cats, including Brown and Black Snakes. Just like with people, rapid response to a snake bite is crucialto ensure survival. Greencross Vets Ku-Ring-Gai is equipped to diagnose and treat snake bites quickly and effectively and our vets are experienced in the treatment of snake bite cases. Being aware of when snakes are out and about will also help reduce therisk of snake bites. They are much more active on very hot days (above 30 degrees Celsius) and on these days it is best to avoid taking your dog on bush walks to be safe. If you live near the bush, prepare for summer by clearing the edge of your yard adjacent to the bush to discourage snakes from entering your property. Both dogs and cats will instinctively chase and approach snakes soit is a good idea to “snake check” your backyard regularly before letting your pets outside.If you are unsure whether your pet has been bitten by a snake, veterinary consultation is recommended as a vet may be able to detect early signs of snake envenomation that may not be obvious to untrained eyes. If you have any questions on snake bites, how to treat them or anyother questions, please contact our friendly team at Greencross Vets Ku-Ring-Gai on 9449 4111.36 LIVING LOCAL SUMMER 2016/17 “Dream, Inspire, Grow” www.livinglocalguide.com.au