Pup care in warmer weather

Warmer weather means snakes, stings, seeds and sun. Stay alert, explore what to look out for below and our tips on how to manage these factors on your adventures with a pup or dog.

Snakes

The beginning of October marks the official start of ‘snake season’ in Melbourne.  Of course, snakes can be found at any time (they don’t know dates or time of year!) and tiger snake sightings have been reported in proximity to Guide Dogs Victoria’s Kew Campus as early as September – any warm day can bring them out.

Please avoid walking pups along pathways near water courses and lakes, and in bushland areas during the next four to five months (snake season finishes at the end of April). Be vigilant, scanning beside and on the path ahead of you when you walk in areas snakes are known to live and of course please do not let your pup off-leash in bush or grassland areas during the snake season.

Do brush-up on first aid for snake bites, for both human and dog patients if you regularly walk in areas where snakes can be found (e.g., bike paths along the Yarra River or in Ruffey Lake Park) and plan your route to the closest vet clinic.

Please also be familiar with your local animal emergency vet clinic listed in your Puppy Raising Manual, or if going on day trip to visit family, please be aware of emergency centres in that area.

Bee stings

Spring also sees an increase in the number of bees. Inquisitive pups can end up being stung on their feet and face.

Signs a pup has been stung by a bee include sudden yelping, licking or rubbing the affected area, redness and swelling, hives or drooling. Remove the sting if you can find it and apply a cool facewasher or wash the area with cold water. If uncertain, call a veterinary clinic for advice.

Occasionally the pup can have a severe reaction which can cause intense swelling, vomiting or diarrhoea, trouble breathing and collapse. This is an emergency. Be aware of your local animal emergency vet clinic. Keep the pup calm, place a cold wet towel on the area, and take pup to the vet immediately.

Grass seeds

Grass seeds are everywhere from October to February. Try to avoid walking pups over fields of grass seeds. They often end up in toes, ears and eyes of our pups. They cause pain, with pups rubbing or licking the area. Due to their shape, once the grass seeds penetrate the skin they can migrate.

As part of your vet exam, remember to check eyes, ears and between toes.

Sun protection

As the weather warms up, please remember to keep protected from the sun and don’t take pups out if the temperature exceeds 30 degrees. Pups can also become sunburned. Try to avoid long walks at the hottest time of the day. If this can’t be avoided, you can use a safe, pet-specific sunscreen. Avoid zinc oxide sunscreens as they can be toxic if licked.

Puppy Raisers, as always, please remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your Advisor.