A Kenneling Alternative

Pet Safety

Summer Hot Weather Hazards For Pets

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As we head into July and August, hot temperatures can really have an impact on our pets. Let’s discuss some of the potential hazards that might be present in your surroundings as summer heats up.

According to the Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there are a number of things to consider during hot weather.

  • Heartworm. While heartworm may not be the first thing that comes to mind, heartworm is a risk factor. Moosquitos are out and they transmit the disease. Get your pet checked for heartworm and keep her on preventative medication.
  • Dehydration. Like humans, pets need to get plenty of water and have a shady or cool spot to keep their internal temperature regulated.
  • Parked cars. We know that it can heat up quickly inside a car. This means potential heat stroke or death. And, in some states it is illegal.
  • Pools. Pets shouldn’t be unsupervised. Not every pet is a good swimmer. And if you use pool covers, the potential for an unattended pet to get trapped is real.
  • Open, unscreened windows. Pets can fall out of windows that are open and unscreened. Also, if you live in a high-rise with a patio or balcony make sure your pet is never left unattended. A fall from a significant distance can be fatal and can potentially injure others below.
  • Asphalt. We know the road gets hot. If your pet is low to the ground, not only can they get an overheated body from absorbing heat into their belly, they can burn the pads on their paws.

For other hazards go to https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips.

Be safe and keep an eye on your senior pets as the summer sun raises the mercury in those thermometers.

Fireworks and Frightened Floofins

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As most of us prepare to return to a more familiar version of the 4th of July holiday, it is always good to emphasize the potential issues some pets may face from fireworks.

Even the most chill pets may be undone by the loud sounds of explosions. July 5th is one of the busiest days at animal shelters, according to American Humane Association.

The last thing pet parents want is to lose a pet during a fireworks display and risk injury, death, or separation from their home due to a panicked escape. Let’s cover some suggestions on how to approach the holiday with your pet in mind.

  • Indoor time is good. Keep your pet indoors during the display. And if you plan to head out to watch the fireworks outside your home, leave your pet at home. Some pet parents find that thunder shirts or similar products provide relief. But, not all pets will find relief that way.
  • Make sure your pet is properly ID’ed. Microchipping is great, but it never hurts to have additional ID tags on your pet just in case they slip out a door. If you have guests over make sure they are aware of your pet so they don’t inadvertently let them outside.
  • Barbecues are good for people, not pets. There are lots of opportunities for pets to get into products or foods that might cause them harm. Watch out for alcohol, table scraps that might upset tummies or cause more severe damage (we see you ribs and chicken wings), and any insect repellent product not specifically made for pets.

You can check out other ideas for safety from PetMD by clicking on the following link: https://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_top_ten_fourth_of_july_pet_safety_tips

Stay safe, have fun, and if possible, hang out with your floofin and make them as comfortable as possible.

Consider Microchipping Your Pet

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In the chaos of moving from a house in the suburbs to a condo in the city, I missed one very important step. In the hundreds of updates, decisions, and changes that relocating can involve, I had forgotten microchipping. I hadn’t updated the contact information registered to my dog’s microchip.

When adopting from a shelter, microchipping is a given in most instances.  However, if you haven’t microchipped your pet you might want to consider doing so. It is a great way to ensure identification of your pet in the event a collar breaks, your pet panics and runs away during fireworks, or if your pet is lost during a natural disaster. [Read more…] about Consider Microchipping Your Pet

Hey! Does Your Dog Bite?

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The answer to that question, I’ve learned the hard way, is always yes! Which isn’t to say that our dogs are out to bite down on any human in sight! Rather, it is something to be especially aware of in the age of pandemic pets.

The second week in April is Dog Bite Prevention Week. So, let’s talk about ways to minimize or prevent a bite wound. 

Dogs have a limited number of mechanisms to communicate to humans when they are uncomfortable. Most of their cues are nonverbal and humans aren’t always well versed in the language. Once they move to growling, the typical follow-up (if that doesn’t work) is a snap or lunge or a bite.  [Read more…] about Hey! Does Your Dog Bite?

Pet Hydration Month

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With the heat of summer bearing down upon us, we are all looking for ways to stay cool. Tall cold drinks look especially refreshing. But have you considered whether your pet is properly hydrating with you?

July is Pet Hydration month. It is the perfect time to take a look at how much water your pet is getting in their day and whether it is enough. We all know that the human body is primarily liquid, but did you realize that a pet has a higher percentage of water in its body than we do?

According to Springbook Animal Care Center in Naperville, even mild dehydration can have serious impact on the health and function of your floofin. They recommend that you watch for the following signs that might indicate dehyrdation:

  • Sunken eyes
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry mouth/gums
  • Depression

Make sure to keep your pet’s water bowls cleaned and constantly filled with fresh water. A pet should have approximately one ounce of water per pound. So, my 40 pound dog would need roughly 40 ounces, or 5 glasses, of water per day. 

Be sure to exercise your pet at a slower pace with as much shade and rest breaks as needed. Consider incorporating wet food into their diet as it has a higher water content than kibble. 

Further, remember to keep your birds, reptiles, or other pets out of direct sunlight and to keep them supplied with fresh water at all times. No one wants to make a trip to the emergency room for a case of dehydration. 

Keep yourself and your pet fully hydrated and remember to slow down as the temperatures go up. Episodes of heat stroke can occur in pets just as easily as in humans. Stay safe and drink up!