Q. I am seeing a lot of ads on Facebook for curing fatty lumps with mushrooms. Is that real?
A. Fourth of July, especially this year, is a day of cookouts and celebration. It is also one of the busiest times in the veterinary emergency hospitals. There are several potential hazards to watch out for, not only for the fourth but through the summer.
Let’s start with fireworks that they are legal in this state now. Before we would watch children playing with sparklers; now we have all types of firecrackers, cherry bombs, and more. Dogs are known to grab lit firecrackers and run around with them. The problem is most dogs do not have a good “drop it” command and everyone is trying to get it away from the dog, which looks like a great game, but ends in tragedy. Having the large fireworks displays at night are a dog’s nightmare. If you plan on having pyrotechnics, big or small, put Fido on leash for the ones in your area, and for the big displays don’t bring your dog. If he is phobic over fireworks, leave him at home. There are medications, moving him out of area, and environmental and physical support you can do. If your best friend is afraid, talk to your veterinarian or animal behavioralist for help.
When out in the hot sun in the backyard or the beach, dogs can get over heated. This was discussed in the June issue of Downeast Dog News. Be sure to have shade, kiddy pool or hose, or other places for them to escape the heat. When going to a parade, place your hand on the asphalt. If you can’t hold your hand there comfortably for 5 seconds, take your dog home or move to the grass. Black top can heat up fast and burn our dog’s pads. There are cooling coats and vests if you are going to be out for a long time in the heat.
The cookout is on your favorite lake. Fido loves to swim and play fetch in the water. When they retrieve a ball from the water, some dogs will swallow some water with each throw. If your dog is ball obsessive, he can take in too much water and the sodium level in his blood will drop to a point of being weak or seizure. This is a medical emergency and needs to be dealt with immediately. As with everything in life, do it in moderation with breaks. When at the ocean, don’t let Fido drink the water since that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Always have fresh water available.
Maybe your favorite place is that space tucked in the woods. It’s cooler and more comfortable. Issues with food are the same. Now you need to be aware of mushrooms that maybe around. Some can be poisonous. Standing water and quiet ponds can be an issue with contagious parasites and bacteria. Bring Fido’s own water. Running water such as streams are safer. Monitor the fire pit. Sticks are really fun, but not so fun if they are on fire.
Food is the main attraction in the summer. Celebrating summer, birthdays, the weekend or any excuse to have a barbecue with friends is a top priority. The center stage is the meat which can be rich with spices, marinades, and fat. Be cautious and have someone watch the grill, stray plates, and the trash. A taste may be fine with guests who know how many tastes your pup is really getting. Rich foods can cause GI upset, or pancreatitis. If there are bones, be sure they are not given to the dog. Make sure the trash is secure. Eating a lot of bones can cause a blockage and possible death.
All those salads both vegetable and fruit can be a concern. Certain nuts can be a problem like macadamia nuts. Fruits like grapes can be fatal. High volume of ingested onions and garlic can be an issue. We all know about chocolate, so keep them out of reach. Candy and snacks that have sugar substitutes such as xylitol, also labeled as birch sugar and several other names, are toxic to dogs. Peanut butter spreads can have it in the ingredients’ list. So read labels. The ASPCA website will have a full list of foods that are a concern.
One last issue we usually don’t think about is recreational drugs. Dogs are sensitive to THC and that roach you dropped on the ground could be enough to send your best friend to the ER. Alcohol is something that folks forget that dogs like too. Often it is beer, but mixed cocktails can be tempting. A drunk Fido is not funny.
Enjoy the summer but be prepared as much for your dog as your kids. Be watchful and know your dog. If he isn’t trustworthy, then keep him on a leash or leave him at home. Cookouts can be fun and enjoyable for both you and your dog. Just be smart.
Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH
Animal Wellness Center
Augusta, Maine
www.mainehomeopahticvet.com