July 22, 2008
· Filed under Educational Articles · Tagged dog safety, Dogs, pet safety, pet tips, summer, summer safety
We all love hanging out outdoors during the summertime, but we need to take special precautions when bringing our pets along! They love the outdoors as much as (if not more!) than we do, so don’t let the heat discourage you from outside fun with Fido. The HSUS offers these tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer:
- Never leave your pet in your car! If you will be running errands that are not pet friendly, leave your pets at home. Read more about the signs of heat stroke.
- Want to help educate others about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars? During the summer months (May through September) The HSUS has educational posters available for purchase ($3 for 10, $5 for 25) that store managers can post inside their windows to remind shoppers that “Leaving Your Pet in a Parked Car Can be a Deadly Mistake”. In addition, 4″ x 9″ two-sided flyers are also available (50 for $3.00). To order please send a check, your mailing address and the number of posters or flyers that you would like to receive to the following address: HSUS/Hot Cars, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. You can also receive a free sample flyer by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the above address.
- Don’t ride with your dog in the back of your truck! It is illegal in some states, and very dangerous in all of them.
- Summer time is great for gardening, but beware! Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. In addition, more than 700 plants can cause harmful effects in animals.
- Keep your pets on heartworm prevention medication. Heartworms, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, are be fatal in both dogs and cats. Read more on heartworms and prevention.
- Take precautions with your pool. Do not allow your pets to have free access to your pool. ALWAYS supervise your pets while they swim.
- Don’t forget to provide plenty of water and shade.
- Fleas are a problem in Mississippi year round, but are especially bad in the summer. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.
- Use sunscreen! Pets can get sunburned too. Apply a pet friendly sunscreen to his or her nose and ear tips.
Have fun and be safe!!!
June 28, 2008
· Filed under Educational Articles · Tagged dog safety, holiday safety, July 4, pet safety
Independence Day is just around the corner. While this may be a favorite holiday for many of us two-leggers, it can be a very stressful time for the four-leggers out there! Here’s a few tips for keeping your pet happy and safe this 4th of July!
- Keep your pet at home, and INSIDE (the smallest dog can jump the tallest fence if scared enough!) Most dogs are scared of fireworks. Give him a toy to keep him occupied, like a Kong. Turn on some calming classical music, or turn the t.v. on to his favorite channel!
- Don’t toss your pet scraps from the grill. The change of diet can upset his stomach. Be careful with your bones, they can be DEADLY.
- Keep your pet away from lighter fluid, and other flammables. Ingestion can be fatal.
- Don’t let your pet partake of your party favors!! Alcohol is poisonous to dogs, as is marijuana (not to mention illegal!)
- If the bugs are biting you, they’re biting your pet, too! Use sunscreen and bug spray on your pet if he’s hanging out with you outdoors. Be sure its marked safe for animals!
If your pet is exceptionally afraid of loud noises, give your veterinarian a call. They may be able to prescribe a medication to keep them calm, or offer you more advice.
Have a safe and fun holiday!
June 18, 2008
· Filed under Educational Articles · Tagged Cats, dog safety, Dogs, heat stroke, pet safety, signs of heat stroke
We’re in the midst of another Mississippi summer, which means HOT HOT HOT temperatures! This is the season to reconsider bring your dog along for the ride. He might fight to get out the door, beg, and plead, but put your foot down and let him stay home if you have to run to any dog un-friendly place for any amount of time. It’s best not to take a chance.
Parking in the shade and cracking the windows doesn’t help keep the car cool, despite popular belief. If it is an 85 degree Farenheit day, a car with the windows cracked can reach a temperature of 102 degrees Farenhiet in just ten minutes! At a temperature of 110 degrees Farenheit, your dog is at risk for heat stroke. Lethal temperatures can even be reached on more mild days. Check out this Stanford University study for more details.
Some signs of heat stroke are:
- heavy panting
- glazed eyes
- restlessness
- rapid heartbeat
- lethargy
- fever
- excessive thirst
- dizziness
- confusion
- vomiting
- deep red or purple tongue
- excessive salivation
Heat stroke left untreated can cause collapse, coma, then death. If you see a pet with the signs of heat stroke, head to the veterinary IMMEDIATELY. There are some things you can do along the way to help. Move the pet to a cool area, and begin wetting him/her with ROOM TEMPERATURE water, making sure to get the water on the skin. Gradually use cooler water. Rubbing cold water or alcohol on the pads of his/her feet also helps. Offer room temperature water.
If you see someones pet in their car, whether the windows are cracked or not, contact the authorities immediately. You just may save their life.
