The summer sun is plenty of fun for us and our furry friends alike, but runs plenty of risks for much loved pets and pet owners to be mindful of.
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Practice Manager of Griffith Veterinary Hospital Sam Blomeley said the excessive summer heat in Griffith meant that pet owners needed to take more precautions and extra care with their animals.
"Summer is very hot in this area so we need to be making sure our pets have plenty of shelter, water and a cool place to retreat to if needed," Mrs Blomeley said
"Monitor them and check that they are okay are don't have any signs of heatstroke which is very common this time of the year."
Panting, restlessness or agitation, drooling, red gums or tongue, increased heart rate and vomiting or diarrhoea are all signs of heatstroke pet owners are encouraged to look out for this summer.
"We have plenty of animals bought in for heatstroke, especially dogs left on the backs of Utes or left in cars," Mrs Blomeley said.
"Leaving an animal in a vehicle is exactly the same as leaving a child, you should just not do it."
Mrs Blomeley also noted that the bush was a place to be avoided, walking tracks surrounding Scenic Hill a big no no especially for dog owners.
"The bush is where snakes, mice and rate are more prone to be," Mrs Blomeley said.
"Mouse and rat bait poison are frequently used at this time of the year, more so this summer given the mouse plague we have just had."
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According to Mrs Blomeley, if any curious critters ventured into your backyard, it was best to keep your pets separate and not let them engage.
"If you are worried that your pet has been bitten by a snake or has ingested poison call your vet immediately," Mrs Blomeley said.
And whilst Griffith doesn't have paralysis ticks, keen holiday goers run the risk of exposing their pets when travelling to coastal regions where paralysis ticks are abundant.
"These ticks can easily be bought back on clothes, in luggage and on persons so even if you leave your pets at home they are still vulnerable if you have been to the coast on holidays," Mrs Blomeley said.
"Make sure to treat your pets before you go, while you are away if you have taken them with you and when you return home from holidays for at least a month."
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