Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines.

• Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

• No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastics.

• Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

• Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

• The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.

• Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.

Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.

 

 

With the summer months in full swing, you may find yourself spending extra time outdoors walking your dog or leaving screened windows open for your cat to enjoy the breeze. However, the hot weather also means taking extra precautions for pets.

Fun in the Sun

• Make sure that your pet has protection from heat and sun (a dog house does not provide relief from heat) and plenty of fresh water when outdoors. Heat stroke can be fatal for pets as well as people.
• With more time being spent outside, make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag.
• Pets sunburn, too – use sunscreen on his nose and ears if necessary. Pets with light-colored noses or fur are especially vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
• Take care when exercising your pet. Adjust intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours and be especially careful with short-nosed dogs and those with thick coats. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Keep your cat indoors. Cats that are permitted to go outside unattended are at an increased risk of disease and injury from vehicles or other animals.
• Some small and furry animals are very sensitive to heat. Higher temperatures can be life-threatening. Chinchillas must be kept in an environment not to exceed 70 degrees F, rabbits not to exceed 80 degrees F. All animals should be kept indoors. Be sure to check the climate requirements of your specific pet.

Yard Rules

• People often fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens during the summer months, but be aware that certain plants, plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal if ingested by pets.
• Pets and pools can equal disaster – enclose pool areas to prevent free access and supervise pets when around the pool.

Parasite Prevention

• Take care in choosing flea and tick control products, as some can be harmful.  Only use products recommended by your veterinarian and not over the counter products.
• Dogs and cats are at an increased risk of contracting heartworm during the summer. Transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito, heartworm disease can be fatal if not treated. Check with your veterinarian for the best schedule for heartworm testing and preventive medication for your pet.

Riding in Cars with Pets

• Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to dangerous levels in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. If you see an animal in a parked car in the summer, alert the management of the shopping area or grocery store. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police.
• As idyllic and carefree as it may seem, do not allow dogs to ride with their heads out of the window since injury could occur from flying debris. Animals should be kept in the car in a crate or wearing a specially designed seatbelt harness for dogs.
• Dogs should never ride in the open bed of pick-up trucks, and some states have laws that restrict such transport. If forced to make a sudden or evasive driving maneuver, a dog could be thrown from the truck and seriously or even fatally injured.

In the summer months, we become are filled to capacity with litters of puppies and kittens, highlighting the need for spaying and neutering all year-round.  Spayed or neutered pets have significantly less risk of reproductive cancers and reduced potential for aggressive behavior.