ASPCA Reveals the Summer's Top Five Preventable Pet Problems - While these health problems can cost thousands of dollars to treat, they can also be prevented.

Earlier this week, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) released a list of five dangerous conditions that typically affect pets during the summer. While these health problems can cost thousands of dollars to treat, they can also be prevented—or minimized—for less than the cost of an emergency veterinary visit.

“Quality preventative care not only protects your pet’s health, but your wallet as well,” says Kristen Frank, DVM, staff internist at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City. “By following some simple steps, pet owners can save thousands of dollars in unplanned trips to the animal hospital.”

1. Heat Stroke
Estimated care cost: $400 to $1,000. 
Prevention cost: Free.  
Strategy: Keeping your pets cool and hydrated is as simple as confining them indoors or giving them access to shade and cool, fresh water.

2. Fleas/Ticks
 Estimated care costs: $300 to $2,000 for the treatment of Lyme disease or flea dermatitis. 
Prevention cost: Approximately $150 for a three-month supply of preventative treatment.  
Strategy: Since fleas and ticks—and heartworms—are a year-round problem in the South, administer a monthly treatment that prevents both. Both pills and skin applications are available.
When taking your dog hiking or for a run in the park, check for ticks. If you find a parasite attached to your pet, call your veterinarian.

3. Sand/Saltwater Ingestion
 Estimated care cost: $150 for an emergency visit or more for treatment, depending on the severity. 
Prevention cost: Free.
Strategy: If you bring them to the beach, watch them carefully. If you can’t trust them not to eat or drink everything they see, then it might be best to leave them home.

4. Over-ingestion of Fatty, Rich Foods or Alcohol
Estimated care cost: $2,000 to $4,500. 
Prevention cost: Free.  
Strategy: At your barbecues, ask guests to refrain from giving your dog any table scraps—no matter how cute and pleading his puppy eyes are. Also, be sure your pets don’t stick their snouts into guests’ drinks.
Alcohol has the same effect on animals as humans. It can cause decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

5. High-rise Syndrome
Estimated cost: $1,500 to $4,000. 
Prevention cost: $20 per window.
Strategy: Installing an inexpensive window screen protects companion animals—and cats in particular—from injuries such as ruptured lungs, broken limbs and a broken jaw.

Admittedly, the likelihood of animals falling from high-rise buildings is much less likely in the Capital City than in New York City (the home of the ASPCA). Most Louisianans keep their windows shut tight to conserve air conditioning.

However, in the case of a power outage due to hurricane or other disruptions, it’s important to install screens on upstairs windows to keep pets safe—not to mention pests out.

Bruce is a very sweet kitten who loves to cuddle. While he’s not quite as playful as his brothers and sisters, this little white puffball makes up for it by snuggling with humans.

Roxy was surrendered by her owners after seven years. This beagle/spaniel mix has no idea why she was displaced and, frankly, neither does APAWS. Her owner simply said she could no longer care for the dog. Once she warms up to new acquaintances, this sweet, senior girl showers everyone with affection. Roxy deserves a home where she can be coddled and appreciated for the rest of her life.

Dinero entered rescue before he was even born. When a woman found his pregnant mother wandering the streets, she contacted APAWS. A foster took in the pregnant mom, so she could have kittens in the comfort and safety of a home. This beautiful black-and-white adolescent is very playful, enjoys romping with other kittens and engaging with humans.

Olivia is a loving girl, who is housebroken and gets along well with other dogs. Because she spent time in the shelter, Olivia can be a little territorial over food; but, overall, she’s a delightful dog. This schnoodle (schnauzer/poodle mix) and had to be shaved down due to severe matting and overall neglect. Now that she’s nice and clean, this little lady is looking for a loving home to call her own.

While she takes a while to warm up to new environment, Susan is a very playful girl. This five-year-old tabby enjoys snuggling with her foster mom. She gets along well with other cats and would be very happy to go to a home with one of her sisters.

Bear is four pounds of love. This Pomeranian is happy to be around people and wants attention. At two years, he minds well and is housetrained. Remarkably, Bear was found wandering the streets. Then he waited to be reclaimed by his owners for 30 miserable days at the shelter. They never came. Luckily, APAWS found a loving foster home. Bear gets along well with other dogs—large and small. If you open your heart and home to Bear, he will love and adore you and be a wonderful companion.

These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, heartworm and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Animal Protection and Welfare Society, www.apawspets.org.

ASPCA Reveals the Summer’s Top Five Preventable Pet Problems – While these health problems can cost thousands of dollars to treat, they can also be prevented.