Summer Pet Care

Summer brings change in the environment and you need to be aware of
special needs of your pet. With proper care your pet can be safe and happy.

Protect Your Pet This Summer Cats and dogs are only able to cool their bodies by special glands in their paws and by panting. Take these precautions to protect your pet:   

Never leave an animal in a parked car. Leaving the windows
       down a few inches is not enough ventilation. Read Dogs in Hot Cars (adobe acrobat)
   
 In warm homes and apartments leave air conditioning or fans on.
    Close drapes of sunny windows. 
    Provide plenty of water at all times. 
   
 For animals outside that are white coated or have low
    pigmentation are prone to sunburn, especially around ears and mouth.
Keeping your pet well groomed will help the hair do what it was designed to do:
protect from the sun and insulate the animal from the heat. If your pet has extremely
thick hair or a lot of mats and tangles, the fur may trap too much heat,
so you may want to clip the fur.

Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home. For more protection consider a permanent ID with a Microchip.

Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
The following can be signs of heatstroke. Contact a veterinarian immediately.
Panting
Staring, Anxious expression
Warm and dry skin, high fever
Rapid heartbeat or vomiting

Poison
   Exposure to chemicals used for lawns and flower can be very harmful to pets.      Refrain from using or let grass completely dry before animals go on or apply right before it rains. Be careful with using cocoa mulch as dogs are attracted to the smell
and they can become extremely ill if digested. Fertilizer, including plant "foods",
can be very attractive to dogs. Additives such as bone meal are enticing.

Consult with your veterinarian for the best course of treatment when your dog ingests any questionable substance, including humane medications and cleaning products.
Animal Control Poison Center 1-888-426-4435

Insect Stings
     Swelling will occur with stings. Remove stinger if present and make a paste of 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 pint of water, apply to area. If an animal is allergic it can go into shock so keep an eye on the animal for the next hour.

Emergency Care
     Make sure you have phone numbers handy for emergency veterinarians. 
     Check your phone book or have your vet recommend one.

Skin Care
    Animals outside that are white coated or have low pigmentation are prone
to sunburn, especially around ears and mouth.
     
Check skin often for fleas, ticks and fly bitten ears if they are outside a lot.
Flea Prevention is available through our Clinic

ALWAYS have identification on your pet
when at home or away!

Don't take your pets to crowded
summer events such as concerts or fairs.
The loud noises and crowds, combined
with the heat, can be stressful
and dangerous for pets.

For your pets well being,
leave them at home.
Be especially aware of these situations
during holidays, such as the
Fourth of July.



If you see an animal that does
not have adequate care, please call
412-321-4625 ext 216 or fill out our online complaint form.

Please leave animals home
when there will be fireworks.
Many become frightened and may run away.



Traveling with Your Pet

The following web sites provide
a list of accommodations that allow pets.
PetsOnTheGo.com
PetsWelcome.com
Traveldog.com