Weather and Pets

Spring

   With the melting ice and snow, unsanitary refuse reappears. The thawing waste can be a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Be sure to clean your pet if you suspect exposure to a contaminated area. If you believe that your pet has a parasite, take a stool sample to your veterinarian. Most infections can be remedied easily and effectively with medication.
   The coming of warm weather means flea and tick season is just around the corner. Consult your vet about effective repellents and preventive care.
   Walking your pet daily is a great way to shed those winter pounds. If your pet does not get out much during the cold winter months, remember to start with shorter walks and build endurance gradually. Don't forget the leash and the plastic bags for clean-ups.
   If you plan to take your dog on more rigorous excursions, be cautious about over-exertion. Dogs may push themselves beyond the point of exhaustion to please their human companions. Warm days can unfortunately lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration for humans and pets. Be conscious of fatigue and sore paws, and give your pet plenty of rest stops and water along the way.
   Be sure that your pet wears an identification tag with your current name, address and phone number. If you are interested in a permanent identification device, ask your vet about implanting a microchip.
   Spring is the time for your dog's heartworm test. Call your veterinarian soon to arrange for a test, and don't forget the preventive medicine.
   Be sure that your pet is secure inside your fence. Check for holes caused by rotting wood, soft soil or ice damage.

Summer

   Fresh cool water is a summer essential. Don’t forget to keep that water bowl full for your outdoor or indoor pet. If you have an outdoor pet, make sure you have a well-shaded kennel and that your doghouse is in compliance with Minnesota statutes.
   Ticks, fleas and other parasites thrive in the summertime. Check your pet regularly for any sign of infestation. Also, consult your vet about medications designed to prevent ticks, fleas, Lyme Disease and heartworm.
   Chemically treated lawns and poisonous plants can be toxic to animals. Keep your pets away from newly treated yards and unfamiliar plants. If you suspect your pet has come in contact with lawn chemicals, rinse the paws right away to avoid further ingestion from licking. If your pet should swallow lawn pesticides or poisonous plants, contact your vet right away. Bringing a sample of the ingested item may be helpful.
   If your cat wears a collar, make sure it has a breakaway or elastic expansion feature. Cats’ necks are highly vulnerable to damage from collars, all of which can easily be caught. To avoid injury on a walk, use a cat harness instead of a collar.
   Fourth of July fireworks can startle or even injure your pet. Fright from loud noises or sudden bangs can cause unpredictable pet behavior. Never let your pets near fireworks of any kind, and keep them in a safe, enclosed area during the commotion.
   Automobile Reminders: Never leave your pet in the car on a hot day, even for a short time. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside your car can climb to 102 degrees--in just ten minutes. Before you get in the car with your pet, make sure that your pet can go with you to your destination. When traveling in the car, don’t let your pet lean out the window. The wind can cause debris to injure your pet’s eyes and paws can easily trigger automatic windows and car locks.
Exercise Reminders:
   If you are heading out for a walk, biking or skating this summer, please think about your furry friend. Sun-heated cement and blacktop can burn your pet’s paws. Avoid going out during the hottest times of day. Also, their extra fur and short legs may make biking or skating too strenuous. The increased speed on hot days can cause heat stroke or dehydration in a short amount of time.
Swimming Reminders:    Many dogs love a cool dip in the water. But, there are a few things to remember if you have a four-legged swimmer. Always keep an eye on your pet while swimming. There are many hazards in the water including watercraft, fishing lines and hooks. Also, never let your pet swim while wearing a choke or training collar. Debris can easily catch and pull a dog under water. Lastly, if you have a pool, remember that handrails and ladders were not designed for wet paws. Make sure your pet knows how to safely exit the pool.

   We understand you meant to be kind in taking your dog with you today, but you could be risking his life. On a hot summer day the inside of a car heats very quickly. On an 85 degree day, for example, the temperature inside your car--with the windows slightly opened will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes. In 30 minutes it will go up to 120 degrees. On warmer days it will go even higher. A dog's normal body temperature is 101.5 to 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. A dog can withstand a body temperature of 107-108 degrees Fahrenheit for only a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage--or even death. The closed car interferes with the dog's normal cooling process, that is, evaporation through panting. IF YOUR DOG IS OVERCOME BY HEAT EXHAUSTION, YOU CAN GIVE IMMEDIATE FIRST AID BY IMMERSING HIM OR HER IN COLD WATER UNTIL BODY TEMPERATURE IS LOWERED.

Fall

   As the sun sets earlier, walks with your pet will begin to take place in the dark. Investing in a reflective jacket for yourself and a reflective collar for your friend will help keep you both safe. A flashlight will add to your safety.
   Halloween is meant to be spooky, but not for your pet. Find a peaceful space for your pet while trick-or-treaters are out. Even though animals like the taste of chocolate, NEVER share it with your pet. Chocolate contains theobromine and is harmful to pets.
   And speaking of sweet, ANTIFREEZE has a sweet taste that may attract pets. Even a small amount can be deadly to an animal. Always clean anti-freeze spills immediately. Check out the new "pet safe" antifreeze products, too.
   Cats are attracted to warm car engines. Knock on the hood or honk the horn before starting the car.
   Be careful with holiday decorations. Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias may be toxic to your pet. Tinsel, ribbons, glass ornaments and lit candles should also be kept out of your pet's reach.
   Christmas trees should be secure so that your pet cannot knock them over Also, check for fallen pine needles, which can puncture the animal's intestines.
   Turkey, chicken or even steak bones can become lodged in your pet's throat, stomach and intestinal tract. NEVER feed them to your pet.
   One thing you CAN give your pet, especially during the hectic holiday season, is LOVE, LOVE and more LOVE! You can never give them too much time and affection!!
   Finally, keep the phone number of your vet handy, along with the phone number of an "all-hours" animal care facility in case of an emergency.

Winter

   ANTIFREEZE has a sweet taste that attracts pets. All antifreeze containers should be kept tightly closed and any spills wiped up immediately. It can take only a few teaspoons to be fatal to your pet.
   OUTSIDE ANIMALS need adequate shelter and plenty of fresh water so they don't become dehydrated. Check into a water dish warmer to prevent freezing. Old blankets in his dog house can provide added comfort to your friend. And remember, if there is an extreme drop in temperature, temporarily move your pet to a warmer area.
   CATS sometimes seek the warmth of a car engine, curling up to take a nap. Always warn them by knocking on the hood or honking the horn before starting your car. Cats can become injured or even killed if they do not get away from the engine before it is started.
   PAWS should be checked after a romp in the snow for bleeding and cracking. Always wash and dry paws with a warm cloth as ice-melting chemicals can irritate this delicate skin. Contact your vet if you suspect frostbite.
   COLLARS AND I.D. TAGS should be worn by pets at all times. Ask your vet about implanting a permanent I.D. microchip, This way, "Fido" or "Fluffy" can be scanned and identified by animal control or shelter authorities should they stray from home.
   EXERCISE is something we can all benefit from, but pets especially need this in the winter. Spend some extra time with them keeping them active and you'll both feel better!



		2007