Can my cat get sunburned?

Hairless cats and breeds with sparse hair are more prone to sunburn, but sun exposure can affect any kind of cat. If your feline loves to sunbathe, they could get sunburned or develop other skin conditions. Too much sun can result in solar dermatitis, which usually appears on the face and ears in the form of red or scaly skin. If it goes untreated, scabs and ulcers will begin to form. 

Solar dermatitis is a progressive skin disease that can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer that presents as malignant tumors. If you notice your cat constantly scratching at the affected areas or shaking their head, schedule a veterinary examination right away. 

Can my dog get sunburned?

Light colored and hairless dogs have the highest risk of sunburns. Protective clothing like hats, goggles, or shirts can help shield their skin from the sun. Besides a sunburn, dogs that get too much sun exposure can also get heatstroke or severe dehydration. Signs of heatstroke in dogs include panting, difficulty moving, drooling, red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse. 

Treatment for Sunburn in Pets

If your dog or cat is experiencing symptoms of sunburn like red, flaky skin, please keep them out of the sun. Ointments and coolants can help relieve irritation, but if their symptoms persist, you should consult a vet. Anasazi Animal Clinic can treat severe sunburn in pets with antibiotic treatments to prevent inflammation. If your pet is suffering from excess sun exposure, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Photo by Isabela Kronemberger on Unsplash

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How Can I Tell If My Is Dog Dehydrated?

Throughout the normal course of a day, your dog is taking in and losing fluids. When the fluid loss becomes disproportionate to the intake, water begins to leave your pup’s cells in order to quench its thirst. As this process occurs, its body loses vital electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride, which are responsible for muscle function and other processes in the body. If your dog truly is dehydrated, then his body has reached a point where he can no longer replenish these essential electrolytes in his body through taking fluids orally.

Here are a few common symptoms to look for:

• Sunken Eyes
• Exhaustion or lethargy
• Panting
• Loss of Appetite
• Dry nose and gums
• Loss of skin elasticity

What Can I Do If My Pooch Is Dehydrated?

If you suspect your dog might be dehydrated, it’s important to take him to your local vet immediately. The symptoms listed above are not always that obvious, and if you wait too long to restore the balance in his body, there could be health consequences.

As always, and especially throughout the summer, be sure to supply your dog with constant fresh water. To avoid potential dehydration, check out one of our other recent blog posts on overheating in dogs.

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, our compassionate staff cares deeply about your four-legged family members. Conveniently located in Gilbert, we are your local pet clinic serving Chandler, Mesa, and Gilbert. Whether your pet is suffering from the effects of dehydration or it simply needs a regular check-up, we will lovingly care for your pet and give it the experienced attention it needs. Contact us today!

Photo by Sarah Pflug from Burst (6/14/2018)

The post Chandler Pet Owners – Is My Dog Dehydrated? appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

Signs Your Dog is Overheating

It’s best to keep your dog indoors for the majority of the day during the hot summer months and take it out for activity only when the sun isn’t high in the sky (or, try taking it for a nighttime stroll). But it may not be so easy to keep your pet indoors all day, especially if you have an energetic, large canine breed. So, if you do take your pet out during the hotter part of the day we recommend being aware of their physical needs and their physical health.

If your dog or pet is outside and you notice any of the following symptoms, take it to your local veterinary clinic immediately:

• Thick saliva
• Heavy panting
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Lack of movement

If you suspect your pup has overheated, it’s important to bring their temperature down slowly. An ice cold bath would reduce their temperature too quickly causing complications. Instead, try one of these suggestions.

Summer Tips for Going Out With Your Dog

It’s important to keep your pet active all year round. But to prevent dangerous situations for your dog in the summer heat, we’ve provided a few recommendations below:

• Walk your dog in the early morning and evening hours. While mid-summer desert temperatures might still be warm at those times of day, the intensity of the sun won’t be as strong, and that will reduce the likelihood of overheating.
• No matter the time of day, always put your hand on the pavement before you bring your dog out. If you can’t hold it for at least five seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s pads and could potentially burn their feet. Investing in a good pair of dog booties is also a great idea if their pads have to connect with hot concrete.
• Always provide fresh, cool water for your dog. The risk of dehydration in your canine friend is high in the Arizona summer heat. If your dog has to be outdoors for part of the day, make sure he has plenty of shade and lots of water.
• Cool your pet off with a hose or a child’s play pool. This is a fun treat for them that will help their body temperature stay cool.
• If you have a pool, swimming is a good activity that won’t overheat your dog. However, just as you would with children, always be present and watch your pet while they are in the water.

Don’t hesitate to contact our team at Anasazi Animal Clinic if you have any concerns about summer care for your dog. In the event of overheating, the faster your pet gets attention, the better chance there is of helping him. As your local veterinary clinic in Gilbert AZ, we are here to help you keep your pet safe and healthy, especially during the hottest time of the year.

Photo by Matthew Henry from  Burst (5/21/2018)

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