Spring/Summer Pet Care

Spring has Sprung

Spring is here and it's a beautiful time of the year as the earth rejuvinates after

a long winter and spring flowers are in abundance.  And, as beautiful as they may be, they can be toxic to your pets, and especially deadly for cats.  Plants such as lilies made the Animal Poison Control Center's top 10 pet poisons in 2009.  Because lilies are often associated with spring and given as Easter gifts, it's important to know the damage these beautiful flowers can cause.  A cat needs to only nibble on a lily to ingest enough toxins to cause life-threatening kidney problems. 

For a list of toxic and non-toxic plants go to:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants

To Cut Or Not to Cut - A Short Pet Haircut?

“Should my dog be clipped close for the hot summer months?” is a question asked by many pet owners at this time of year. The answer may be unexpected: it isn’t the length of the dog’s coat, but the pet owners’ willingness to devote time to caring for it that determines whether a summer haircut is needed.

If the animal is healthy, even the longest-coated dog can be comfortable in hot climates, according to Best Friends Director of Groomer Val Penstone. In fact, the hair on a well-groomed dog will actually keep him cool - because it acts as insulation against the heat. A dog’s coat also provides protection from sunburn and from parasites. This is true even for heavy-coated breeds, because coat thickness is not the primary cause of susceptibility to heat stress. In fact, obesity plays a larger role.

The key to answering the question of whether or not to cut, is the coat’s condition A matted coat will trap heat and moisture, causing redness, irritation and odors. It requires thorough and frequent brushing to prevent mats and the corresponding skin problems and discomfort. When hair becomes severely matted, even a professional groomer won’t be able to brush out the mats and a drastic clip-down becomes a necessity.

The best strategy, says Penstone, is to keep your pet’s coat trimmed year round -- unless you are willing to spend time every day brushing and combing, Most dogs need a haircut every six to nine weeks, and dogs with fluffy coats or long straight coats will need to be clipped even more often. Speaking with a professional groomer about your pet and your expectation is the best way to determine your individual pet’s grooming needs.

Other Hot Weather Advice

If you decide to proceed with a short clipping for summer comfort, it’s important to remember that, without his coat, your pet will need extra protection from the sun, flies and other parasites. In fact, in hot weather, precautions should be taken for all breeds. Dogs don’t sweat, and they don’t have an efficient way to cool themselves down. It’s important to curtail exercise in the hottest part of the day, and provide shade, access to a cool spot, or air conditioning to prevent heat stress related problems from developing.

In summertime, the living isn’t always easy for our animal friends. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy.

• A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.
• Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle-hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.
• Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.
• The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.
• Street smarts: When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog standing on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
• A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.
• Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.
• Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. 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, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
• When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. And please be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal.
• Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length-never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun-helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Having a backyard barbecue? Always keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets' reach.
• Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump.
• Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.