Summertime: A Time for Fun -- and Dangers for Our Pets!

Summertime is only a few weeks away. And with it comes the thoughts of happy moments of cookouts, family trips, the beach, outdoor activities -- and time out with our friends, family, and pets. But, with the joys come dangers, too, for our little fur and feathered friends. Just this week, I got a call from the veterinary nurse at my little guys' clinic asking me if I would be interested in taking in a little parakeet that was found on the roadside.

Monique knows that I rescue birds and dogs and she wanted this little girl, who apparently had been a loved pet, to find a good home. I heartily agreed. But, my heart sank to think that this little bird would never again see its beloved family just because it managed to escape into the big world from its protected shell. What would have happened if Monique did not find this little feathered beauty by the roadside when she did? That's an easy answer ... it would have ended up as lunch for either a bird of prey or some other predatory creature looking for an easy catch.

Even when birds have their wings clipped, if they are able to fly out the window or door they can become airborne and fly off to places unknown. Once on its own, a domestic bird such as the parakeet cannot possibly survive on its own. For one thing, their diet is so different than what could be found in the wild. And then, there is the predatory factor that will almost certainly conclude the issue altogether.

Oddly enough, the same day as I pondered the reason why pet parents can't be more observant of their pet's environments to ensure their ultimate safety -- to pet proof their homes and to keep pets confined to area safe havens for the darlings that they profess to love -- I went to the store to pick up some suppllies and there was a notice asking for help to locate a gorgeous cockatiel that had escaped out of an open window. After two weeks, I went back to the store and that sign was still there offering a reward for "Nickey's" safe return. I shook my head knowing that NIckey is not likely to have survived these past two weeks in a world where everything is a possible threat to his wellbeing.

Bird people take note: summer is here. Keep your windows and doors closed in the areas where your feathered friends play. Keep their wings clipped. Be sure that ambient temperatures, humidity, and air quality are appropriate to the health of your pet. Use HEPA filters to control their dust and clean often where they live and play to control possible disease. If your bird plays outside of its cage, be sure that it does not get underfoot so that it won't get accidentally stepped on. Summertime is generally an active time of year, but all the activity can lead to accidents. Following simple precautions helps to mnimize the pain and suffering that an accident would impose.

And you folks who love and care for four-legged children, please be aware of the summertime dangers that could claim the life of your precious pet. NEVER leave your dog or cat locked in a car during the summer days -- EVEN when the windows are open! The metal roof of a car can hold the sun's heat like a furnace, even when the outside temperature is only in the mid 70s. So many dogs and cats have perished because their families take them along to shopping and errands thinking that they will leave the windows open and everything will be fine (besides, the pets ALWAYS seem to WANT to go for an excursion!). It is a horrific experience to return back to your car and find that your pet has expired from the extreme heat. IT DOESN'T TAKE LONG! When summertime comes, LEAVE YOUR PETS HOME when you go out shopping -- LOVE THEM ENOUGH TO KEEP THEM HOME!

Another not so pleasant thing that happens in the summertime is when digger dogs manage to take themselves for a walk when left outside in their fenced yard. Don't forget that your dog is a smart cookie and if he/she WANTS to escape, they can often find a way. Unless a fence is reinforced with cement underneath, don't count on Fido staying put in the yard while you are in the house or out doing something else. If he/she feels compeled to do so, the dirt can fly and Fido can squeeze under the fence into the big, wide world outside only to get lost ... perhaps forever. The same smart cookie that managed to mastermind an escape from what seemed to him (or her) to be the confines of Attica prison can be the same little dummy who can't find their way back home!

Perhaps the best suggestion for a dog or cat allowed to be free outside is to have them microchipped. While there have been some disappointing stories of animals being microchipped and the shelters and vet office's not even checking the animal for the implant, it remains as the best hope for recovering a lost pet. Better yet, be sure that your yard is secure to your dog and keep your cat confined to the indoors. All too often, cats that are let free are found dead on the roadside. All this could have been prevented with a little care and precautionary measures.

WHen keeping your dog tied up in the backyard -- or even loose in the outdoors -- please be sure that he/she has plenty of fresh water. It is very easy to become dehydrated in the summer heat. And, dehydration can be deadly if not treated in time. Furthermore, it is not a death that you would wish on your worse enemy, let alone your best friend!

As we approach the summer season with big plans for fun in the sun, let us keep in mind that we are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of our pets. Let's follow these few simple precautions to be sure that our little charges are safe and secure in their environment and that they are provided the proper conditions for their physical well-being. And, let's enjoy the summertime together with ALL our children -- our human urchins as well as our adopted furballs (and featherheads)! BLESS YOU ALL AND HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!!!