As the sun sets later in the evening, days grow warmer and trees and grass seemingly turn green overnight, we prepare ourselves for several months of fun in the sun. Spring and summer are wonderful seasons when we enjoy many outdoor activities, but this is also a time when our animal companions can be exposed to new dangers.

Gardening & Landscaping
Many animals are harmed as a result of our species’ unhealthy quest for the "perfect" lawns and gardens. Pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers can be very harmful to our pets - not to mention children, wild animals and the environment. Problems often occur as a result of how products are stored. Dangerous products must be made inaccessible to children and animals. There is no need to use harmful chemicals or poison baits to rid our gardens, lawns and homes of creatures who are unfairly regarded as "pests." If you feel that you must reduce the number of slugs and bugs then do so using effective, safe, non-toxic methods found in a growing number of books on organic gardening and companion planting. And certainly weeds don’t justify the use of chemicals.

There are many plants that can poison or injure pets. It is important to learn what plants are harmful to animals and ensure that your pets never have access to them. Animals affected by poisonous plants can experience a wide range of reactions - everything from an upset stomach to death.

While some plants are poisonous, others can cause injury. Thorns and burs can puncture the skin while some grasses have awns that can enter the body and migrate.

Heat Stroke
Several years ago a friend and I noticed a dog who seemed to need some help. Upon closer inspection it was apparent that the dog was suffering from heat stroke. He had been left outside tied to a tree while his human guardians were at work. He had water and the shade of a tree to help protect him from the heat, but he had become tangled in his chain and could not reach the shade of the tree or his water. After untangling the poor animal we wet him down with cold water, gave him some water to drink and let him rest in the shade. When it appeared that the dog was out of danger we contacted a neighbour to look after the dog and to make sure that his condition didn’t deteriorate until his humans came home.

Companion animals who are tied up or who are left in poorly ventilated areas such as a parked car are particularly at risk of heat stroke. Animals must always have access to plenty of clean, fresh water in a spillproof water bowl, have good protection from the sun (remember that a nice shady spot in the morning will likely be in direct sunlight a short time later) and adequate ventilation (ensure that there are no objects that the animal can get tangled in resulting in her not being able to reach her shelter or water.) Animals suspected of suffering from heat stroke should be cooled down by removing them from their hot surroundings and applying cold water to their skin (an animal can be immersed up to her head in cold water or sprayed with cold water) and then allowing them to rest in a cool place with small amounts of  drinking water. Immediate veterinary attention should be sought.

Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol is extremely toxic and even a small amount can kill an animal. Animals are attracted to this poison due to its sweet taste. Ethylene glycol is present in brake fluid, anti-freeze and other substances. Substances containing ethylene glycol that are spilt must be immediately and thoroughly cleaned up. If anti-freeze is used in the toilet bowl or other plumbing at the cottage to prevent freezing during cold weather, make sure that animals or children do not get access to it before it is safely and responsibly disposed of. Use products that are less toxic and which are now available.

Running at Large
If given the opportunity, pets tend to wander farther from home during spring and summer. Protect your animal companions and don’t allow them to run at large. Companion animals should also have effective identification.

Warm Weather Hazards
Many companion animals, particularly dogs, accompany their humans on outings during spring and summer. Hiking, camping, boating and trips to the cottage are some activities that can be enjoyed by four-legged family members as well. Ensure your pet’s safety at all times. There are safety restraints for pets traveling in vehicles and personal floatation devices for animals traveling in boats or who are at risk from falling in the water. It is not appropriate for a dog to travel in the bed of a pick-up truck.

Fireworks Displays
There are several occasions between Victoria Day and Labour Day when events involving fireworks occur. Many pets become terrified by the sights and sounds of these displays and run off. To help protect your pets during these events keep them indoors in a safe area where they will be comfortable.

Be Prepared
If you are vacationing with your pets there are several things that you can do to help ensure their safety including the following:

Effective Identification
Companion animals should always have effective identification. Our dogs wear identification tags from Lucky Pet and microchip identification. Buster, our cat who does not wear a collar, also has microchip identification. Lucky Pet now offers even more protection with "Owner Alert" their pet recovery service which involves their 24-hour, toll-free hotline. (For more information contact Lucky Pet at: Tel: 1-800-543-8247  Web: www.luckypet.com)

Vaccinations
Pets should always be up-to-date with their vaccinations.

Deworming
Pets should be routinely checked for worms so they cannot contaminate the soil through defecation and, in so doing, pass the worms along to other animals - including humans.

Heartworm Prevention
Canine Heartworm Disease is a serious ailment caused by the filarial worm and spread by mosquitoes. See your veterinarian regarding having your dog put on a preventative program for heartworm disease.

Emergency First-Aid Kit
When traveling or vacationing with your pet you should take along a first-aid kit for her. Discuss with your veterinarian the items which should be included in the kit. The Humane Society of Canada (HSC) sells a good first-aid kit. (For more information contact the HSC at: Tel: 1-800-641-5463, Web: www.humanesociety.com)

Local Veterinarian
Always have the phone number, including an emergency number, of a local veterinarian where you are vacationing.

A Final Word
Spring and summer are wonderful times of year. However, there are dangers which face our animal companions at this time. Be on the lookout for hazards which can harm your pets and take the time to educate others of any potential risks facing their companion animals.

Recommended Reading
Ruffing It: The Complete Guide to Camping With Dogs