The warmer weather is finally here - YEAH! But with the warmer weather, we need to take proper care of our four-legged friends. There are certain precuations to take not only with the heat but with flea, ticks and chemicals that can be hazardous or even deadly to your pet.


CARS AND HEAT

Never leave your pet in a parked car- even if it is parked in the shade and the windows are open. Did you know the inside of a closed vehicle can soar from 70 degrees up to 120 degrees in a matter of 10 minutes? A dog or cat's temperature can rise rapidly and to a dangerous level within a few minutes in a hot car causing heat stroke, serious brain injury and even DEATH!

Symptoms of heat stroke are heavy, loud breathing, a staggering gait and a bright red tongue or gum tissue.

If you suspect heat stroke, get the animal to a cool place, put cold compresses on his belly or wet him down. This is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY-GET HIM TO THE VET IMMEDIATLEY!

Don't allow your pet to lean outside of your vehicle's window. Debris in the air can irritate his eyes and also hit and injure him as well. If your car window is fully open, he can jump out and the outcome can have serious consequences.

Don't allow your pet ride in the flatbed of a truck. Even if the pet is leashed, your pet may jump or fall out. He may become seriously injured or killed.

SUN

If your pet is kept outdoors for any length of time, please make sure he has a shaded place and plenty of fresh water to drink. Your pet needs more water in the summer to replenish what he loses by panting.

If you would like to exercise with your dog during the warmer months, do so at cooler times of the day (morning & evening are ideal). Your dog could overheat quickly and will have more difficulty cooling down. Let him drink frequently. Be more sensitive to your pet if he is overweight or older. Older pets tend to overheat more quickly.

Be more sensitive to Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos and Shih-Tzus as well as those with heart or lung diseases. It is ideal to keep them in air-conditioned rooms if at all possible.


ID TAGS

Pets are outside more often with warmer weather and can wander off. It is important to have a current license or ID tag so your pet can be returned to his home.

Make sure you do have your dog on a leash to decrease the risk of him wandering off. Use a harness to attach a leash for a cat- cats are very sensitive to being pulled by their necks.

SPAYING/NEUTERING

Springtime is when dogs and cats go into heat and unwanted litters of animals are born! Spaying and neutering are the ONLY EFFECTIVE WAYS to reduce the pet overpopulation crisis. There are many health benefits to spaying and neutering your pet. It eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer and decreases the chances of developing prostatic disease in males. It also helps with territorial and sexual aggression and inappropriate urination. For females, spaying decreases the incidence of breast cancer - the rate goes down to ZERO if it is done before the first heat cycle. It eliminates the chance of developing a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus. Spay surgery eliminates the heat cycle and messy spotting with dogs and the attraction of male dogs to your yard.


FLEAS, TICKS AND VACCINATIONS

A pet may pick up fleas and ticks while outdoors. Always check your pet for them. Deer ticks can cause lyme disease which can cause many problems for your pet. If your pet wears a flea collar, make sure to check for any reactions to the collar. Keep your pet well groomed. Daily brushing and combing allows you to check for fleas and ticks. Keeping your pet's hair shorter, but not down to the skin (your pet may sunburn), will allow your pet to stay cooler.

Be sure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date. Parvo virus, an illness that flourishes in hot weather, can be fatal to dogs that haven't received the vaccination. Make sure their rabies vaccinations are current. Encounters with wildlife are more prevalent during the warmer months because of pets spending more time outside. Make sure your indoor cat is vaccinated against rabies. If your beloved indoor cat escapes and comes in contact with a rabid animal, the consequences can be deadly.

POISONS

Clean up any spills of antifreeze. Because of its sweet taste, animals like it but it is DEADLY! Take your pet to the veterinarian IMMEDIATELY if you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze. Store the containers in a locked cabinet.

Insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers can be dangerous or poisonous to pets. Residue accumulates on a pet's paws when he runs on a treated area; she could become ill if she licks the chemicals off her paws. Freshly-sprayed lawns are a particular concern if your pet is fond of eating grass.


We love the warmer weather and enjoying it with out pets. Let's make sure we keep our pets safe during the Spring and Summer. Remember, our pets depend on us to keep them safe. Have a great Spring and Summer!