Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Experts from Angell Animal Medical Centers are sounding the alarm about risks to pets in warmer weather.
“People often think that summer months are the most dangerous for dogs in terms of heat stroke, but we actually see more cases in the early spring,” said Dr. Kiko Bracker, director of Angell Animal Medical Center’s Emergency and Critical Care Department.
Bracker said pet owners often get excited to take their animals outside when the weather gets warm, but the pets don’t have time to acclimate to the higher temperatures.
He said this can lead to overheating — dogs experiencing heat stress will often start panting and moving slowly.
Instead, owners should start exercising dogs slowly and increase time outside over two to three weeks, Bracker said.
Pets are also just as prone to seasonal allergies. Dr. Meagan Painter with MSPCA-Angell West’s dermatology team said to watch for dogs licking their paws, scratching their body, developing ear infections or showing the same sniffle symptoms that humans have.
Painter said spring allergies can also cause digestive and gastrointestinal issues in some dogs.
Both doctors recommend making an appointment with the vet to find out if your pet has allergies or is more susceptible to overheating.