Veterinarian warns: adders, heat stroke and ice lolly sticks threaten pets in summer

Veterinarian Sirli Rajas explains in the Postimees podcast "Vet in Your Pocket" that summer is the busiest time at animal clinics. The dangers are varied, from snake bites to swallowed grill skewers. The vet also shares advice on what a home first aid kit should contain.

Summer is a time when the animal clinic doors never stand still, according to veterinarian Sirli Rajas, who was a guest on the Postimees podcast "Vet in Your Pocket". According to her, warm weather brings an increase in trauma, poisoning and allergic reactions.

Adder bite requires speed

One of the most dangerous cases in summer is adder bites. Rajas emphasises that in case of a bite, the animal must not be allowed to move, as the venom spreads to the body faster if the animal exerts itself. The animal must be taken to the clinic as quickly as possible, preferably by being transported rather than walking on its own.

For cats, what worries the specialist most is the so-called window accident. Especially dangerous are upper-opening windows, where a curious cat can easily get trapped. Such an injury can damage the spine and nerves and result in paralysis for the animal.

Dog eats what it shouldn't

Dogs have their own risks. Rajas warns that anything a dog picks up outdoors, be it a corn cob, an ice lolly stick or a grill skewer, can cause life-threatening bowel obstruction, which requires emergency surgery. Additionally, it is worth keeping pets away from stagnant water pools, spoiled food and rodent poisons.

In summer, allergic reactions caused by insect bites, heat stroke and skin and ear infections that develop after swimming become more common. Rajas emphasises that many of these cannot be treated at home and the animal needs professional help.

What should a home first aid kit contain?

Rajas recommends that pet owners keep a basic first aid kit at home. It should include scissors with rounded tips, syringes, tweezers and tick removal tweezers, a thermometer and nail clippers. In terms of dressing materials, sterile gauze pads, gauze, elastic bandage, ice pack and disinfectant solution are needed.

Potassium permanganate, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and paraffin or vaseline oil can also prove useful. For cases of vomiting or diarrhoea, it would be good to have an electrolyte solution at hand (available from the animal clinic) and a preparation containing probiotics.

Rajas' main advice is simple: "If something happens, it's always worth calling the clinic and asking for advice." Pet owners should always have their vet's phone number within reach, as what appears to be a minor injury can turn out to be much more serious than it first appears.