Summer hazards for pets: ticks, toxins and other lurking dangers

Summer brings multiple serious threats to pets, with ticks potentially fatal for dogs and improper tick prevention capable of killing cats. A veterinarian and dog trainer warn that tragedies resulting in pet deaths occur every year, emphasizing the importance of educating pet owners.

Summer brings pet owners additional joy, but also serious hazards of which many are insufficiently aware. Veterinarian Laura Kaljusaar and dog trainer Marii Sisask warn that ignorance can cost a pet its life.

Ticks pose greater risk to dogs

One of the biggest summer hazards is ticks. Veterinarian Laura Kaljusaar emphasizes that pets must be protected against ticks in summer, as dogs suffer from tick-borne illnesses considerably more severely than humans and sometimes do not recover fully.

However, careful consideration is needed when choosing tick prevention products. "In summer, your pet definitely needs protection against ticks," says Kaljusaar, adding that the wrong choice can cause unwanted side effects. It is especially important to remember that cats and dogs are not equivalent: "A cat is not a small dog, many medications are indicated only for dogs and are dangerously toxic to cats."

Tragedies ending in death occur every year

Dog trainer Marii Sisask, alongside ticks, highlights other serious hazards that pet owners face in summer. She emphasizes that education is critically important: "Yes, we expect all animal owners to know this, yet there are incidents every year! Extremely tragic incidents with dogs that result in pet death. Educating people is absolutely essential!"

Specialists urge pet owners to educate themselves thoroughly before the summer holidays, to read, to be informed and to actively protect their animals. A little preparation can save a four-legged friend's life.