Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph –
While the sun's ultraviolet rays can create numerous health issues in humans, they also can contribute to making the environment more dangerous for man's best friend.
Temperatures in the 90s and above may not only scorch dogs' paws on hot surfaces, but can raise their internal temperatures to 104 degrees, which is what's needed for them to have a heat stroke, Richard Avery, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Veterinary Treatment Facility doctor of veterinary medicine, said.
"The signs of heat stroke are extreme panting, excessive salivation, disorientation, possible collapse and death," he said. "It doesn't take much, especially in South Texas."
The Randolph VTF, which handles dogs more than any other pet, has seen cases mostly involving allergies and skin problems this year, Avery said.
Signs of allergies in animals are different than those seen in humans. Pets with allergies usually show signs of skin diseases, including scratching, excessive licking of the feet and secondary skin diseases.
"If you suspect allergies, visit a veterinarian so they can rule out what's causing the irritation," Avery said.
Vermin such as fleas and ticks thrive in Texas climate and are an "ongoing problem with outdoor dogs in the local area," Stephanie Geren, Randolph VTF animal health technician, said.
"Ticks are carriers of Lyme disease and several other diseases that can cause lameness, pain and some serious blood diseases," she said.
Fleas, on the other hand, can spread tapeworms, and mosquitoes can spread heartworms, Avery added.
Even if a dog has only a few ticks or fleas, there are likely hundreds, or even thousands, more in a given area, so owners should take action to prevent them from spreading, Avery said.
Ticks may be harbored in grass, trees, shrubs, dead leaves and in the walls of sheds and homes. Stray animals, including raccoons and possums, can be the cause of a constant problem with these parasites being in the environment.
If dogs remain outdoors for most of the day, especially when temperatures peak, owners should provide for them some sort of shade other than a dog house, which can trap heat, and at least two bowls of water in case one spills, Avery said.
Owners should never leave dogs unattended in cars, even when the windows are lowered, because of rapid heat buildup in the car's interior.
Contrary to popular belief, shaving off the coats of furrier dogs is not a necessity during the summer, Avery said.
"Their hair serves as an insulator," he said. "Just keep them cool and practice good brushing (once a day)."
Avery left a final piece of advice for dog owners: Never tether a dog with a chain.
"Dogs can get the chain caught on a pole or another stationary device and cause strangulation," he said. "They also cannot properly defend themselves in case of a stray dog attack."
The Randolph VTF, building 216, treats pets by appointment only 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday. Active-duty members, retirees and reservists with TRICARE benefits are eligible to set up appointments by calling 652-3190.
For emergencies, visit local off-base veterinary clinics.