Welcome to this edition of Glanvet News!
This Edition's Petspective
Dog Days of Summer
Don't BUG me!!
Summer Treats
Top Ten Travel Tips
To Board or Not to Board
Hot Weather Tips for Your Pet
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Petspective - "Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this."~ Anonymous
Summer is here and so are all the animals we missed during the winter. For all those pet owners out there who know what its like when your dog or cat gets a hold of a skunk, it can be the hardest smell to get out. I’m sure you have all tried every Old Wive’s Tale out there. The product that we recommend is called 'Orange a Peel de Skunking and Deodorizing' formula shampoo, it is available at most pet stores or we can order it in for you.
Its that time of year again when we're all going to be bothered by the friendly neighbourhood mosquito. Make sure you've gotten your furry friend in for his/her heartworm test and picked up your prevention. Glanbrook Veterinary Service is recommending that prevention be given 9 months out of the year due to the warmer winter months.
Although they may be sweet, some treats are not good for your pets. The foods you want to keep an eye on are alcoholic drinks, chocolates, grapes, mushrooms and onions. Fruit pits, bones, ice cubes and shish kabob skewers can also be especially dangerous. It is best to keep an eye on your guests that may want to treat Fido or Fifi to too many treats. Obesity is a year round health concern and your pets deserve to look their best this summer.
For all you cottage owners who laid out rodenticide for the winter to help keep the pesky rodents at bay – BEWARE that when you open again for the season that you clean up all remains of the rodenticide before your pet finds it. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestion can lead to potentially life threatening problems like bleeding, seizures and damage to the kidneys and other vital organs. When laying rodenticide for the season be sure to list where it was placed and suitably clean those areas.
Traveling with your pet can be fun – here are some tips that can help make it easier:
- Ensure your pet has had all its vaccines before you make your journey.
- When traveling by car, plan for twice as many rest stops as you would for a small child.
- Avoid motion sickness by feeding your pet a small meal no later than a few hours before leaving on your trip.
- Bring plenty of fresh water as well as extra food and treats.
- Secure you pet in a crate, travel carrier or seatbelt.
- Research pet friendly hotels and have a full understanding of what accommodations are available for your pet.
- Make sure your pet has a strong collar and identification as well as destination information in case you get separated.
- Never leave your pet alone in a car on warm or hot days.
- Check with your airline to find out what information is needed before your pet can fly.
- Make sure you carry a pet first aid kit.
Here are some boarding tips to help make sure that Fluffy or Fifi are safe while you’re away.
- Visit the kennel ahead of time.
- Expect cleanliness, security and basic pet care services such as feeding and walking.
- Bring food from home to help ease a nervous tummy.
- Bring along a familiar toy or blanket to offer some reassurance.
- Most kennels require up to date vaccinations including Bordetella for kennel cough in dogs.
- It’s a little more difficult for a cat to leave its familiar environment so try boarding him/her for a couple brief periods (hours or overnight) before your first long trip.
Watch for signs of heat stroke such as rapid panting, excessive drooling, hot skin or vomiting.
Avoid midday walks or runs by exercising your pet in the cool of the early morning or evening.
Consider grooming your dog’s heavy coat down to a shorter length to help prevent overheating but still long enough to protect from the sun.Provide plenty of fresh water for your pet both in the home and outdoors
And most importantly…
- NEVER leave your pet in a parked car! Even with the window open slightly or parked in the shade a car can reach sever temperatures in minutes seriously harming you pet.
We all look forward to offering the highest standard of care for your pets. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact us at the clinic at (905) 679-6739 or by e-mail: drt@glanvet.com.
