Hot Weather Tips to Help Your Pet Stay Cool This Summer

Summer means enjoying the weather, and for most, with your pet! Remember to keep your pet healthy this summer by keeping them safe in the summer’s high temperatures.

Here are just some of the ways you can help ensure your pets have a safe summer:

Visit the Vet. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. Pets should also be given a blood test for heartworm every year in the early spring. The deadly parasite is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is recommended that dogs and cats be on a monthly preventive medication year-round. 

Keep Cool. Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so give your pets plenty of water when it is hot outdoors. Also make sure your pet has a shady place to escape the sun, and when the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. 

Know the Symptoms. Some symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

Summertime is the perfect time for a backyard barbeque or party, but remember to keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death. Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments.” Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol. 

Water Safety is Pet-friendly. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure pets wear flotation devices while on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset. 

Source: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-offers-hot-weather-safety-tips-help-pets-beat-heat-during-dog-and-cat

Disaster Preparedness Tips

You may have heard about, if you were not part of, the natural disasters that have happened around the world.  One thing we know for sure is that hey can happen at any moment, so it is important to be well prepared. 

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

Here are 3 easy steps that will help you get started on disaster preparedness.

Step 1: Get a Rescue Alert Sticker to let people know pets are inside your home. 

Step 2: Arrange a Safe Haven in the event of evacuation.

Step 3: Keep an Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits handy and make sure everyone in your home knows where it is kept. 

Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness

Pet Emergency Supply Kit

What you include in your pet’s emergency supply kit is as important as having one available in your home.  Also, it is a good idea to inform your family where the kit is, in case of an emergency. 

It is important to have an emergency supply kit for your pet, including

a pet identification form with photos, a microchip number, shot records, food, water,

veterinarian and emergency contact information (including one contact outside of

the emergency area,) first aid supplies, and a three-week supply of medications.

Keep the emergency kit in a sealed, waterproof bag or container

A pet emergency supply kit is a must have for any responsible pet owner. 

Crufts Dog Show

"Crufts" is the world’s largest dog show held in Birmingham, England. With nearly 28,000 canines shown in four days, this is a must-watch show for dog lovers. Crufts will be streaming LIVE on YouTube from March 6-9.

Why Dental Care is Important

Proper dental care can detect dental disease that not only affects the mouth, but can also lead to more serious health problems such as heart, lung, and kidney disease. Good dental hygiene is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Yet, it is one of the most overlooked areas in pet health. Studies by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) reveal that nearly two-thirds of pet owners do not provide the dental care recommended by veterinarians. AAHA’s Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats are a working framework for small animal dentistry practice, including dental examinations, cleanings, and surgical procedures.

Be sure to set up an appointment with your veterinarian today!

Source:

http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?title=AAHA_Dental_Care_Guidelines

Deadly dog virus on the rise in SWFL

LEE COUNTY, Fla. - A Four in Your Corner medical alert to protect your pets from a potentially deadly virus sweeping Southwest Florida.  

The Parvovirus is on the rise in Lee County.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services says there has been a spike in puppies and young adult dogs with the virus coming into the shelter and local emergency clinics. 

Once dogs get it, the affects can be deadly.

But, it turns out something so deadly can be avoided altogether with a low cost vaccine.  

"He likes to antagonize dogs into chasing him," said Dan Carney who takes his dog Jack to the Rotary Park Dog Park in Cape Coral daily. "He just loves to run."

Right now, the dog park could be a dangerous place in Lee County.

"One of the biggest places that we worry is dog parks because we don't know, are they, is everybody vaccinated?" said Dr. Tara Boozer, associate veterinarian at Kindness Animal Hospital.

Dr. Boozer is talking about the Parvovirus.

"How serious is it?" asked reporter Kelli Stegeman. 

"Very serious," replied Dr. Boozer.

The virus mainly attacks the intestines of puppies and young dogs. It's spread through fecal matter.

"About day 5 to day 7 is when they start not feeling well and not really wanting to eat or drink and then they start having diarrhea and vomiting," Dr. Boozer said.

Parvo thrives in places where there are a lot of dogs. Those places include shelters, the beach and dog parks.

"It's a very, very hearty virus," explained Dr. Boozer. "Bleach kills it and that's about the only thing that fully does."

"One of the good things with the park district is you have to provide proof of vaccinations before you can get a pass to come into the park," said Carney. "That's very reassuring." 

The best thing for Jack is to keep him regularly vaccinated against Parvo and hope other owners do the same.

"We keep an eye on everybody else's dog," Carney said. "If somebody's dog looks like they're getting out of sorts, it's the topic of conversation."

Dr. Boozer says she's seen cases in adult dogs who are not properly vaccinated against Parvo. When they get the virus, it is usually much more severe. 

She says make sure your dog is regularly vaccinated. If they aren't, avoid the places there are a lot of dogs.   

Author: By Kelli Stegeman

Source: http://www.fox4now.com/features/4inyourcorner/Deadly-dog-virus-on-the-rise-in-SWFL-242686041.html

Funny Cats Sleeping