Summer tips for pet owners

  • Some false information is making its way around online regarding inaccurate dangers associated with offering dogs cold water to drink. Offering dogs (and cats) ice water is not only a healthy way to keep your pet hydrated, but also a great way to help keep four-legged friends comfortable and cool during the hot days of summer.
  • Pets can get heatstroke.  Dogs and cats with short muzzles are more susceptible to heat stroke and have a difficult time breathing in extreme heat.  Keep fresh water available for pets at all times and never leave them in a car with the windows up or even cracked open, temperatures in a car can soar to deadly levels in as little as a few minutes.
  • If you take your furry friend to the beach, keep in mind that dogs can sunburn, so watch their sun exposure.  Don’t let dogs drink sea water, it could make them sick, and rinse your pets off at the end of the day to remove the extra salt off their coat.
  • As hurricane season nears, make sure to include your pet in your hurricane preparedness plans.
  • Fireworks can be stressful for animals.  Consider leaving your pet indoors during celebrations in a quiet area with a TV or radio to muffle some of the noise.  If you know your pet is overly anxious about fireworks talk to your veterinarian at your next appointment for tips on how to reduce their stress.  Make sure to keep your pets away from unused and used fireworks as they contain toxic substances – clean up any fireworks that were used after they are safe to remove to avoid hazards.
  • If you are grilling keep an eye on any barbecue skewers you are using to prevent your pets from ingesting them, and place all trash in covered bins to keep any tasty leftovers from becoming a hazard to your pet.
  • With warm weather comes insects, including fleas and mosquitoes, which can cause heartworms.  Consult your veterinarian about the best preventatives for your pet.  See symptoms of tick-related disease in your pet.
  • Florida veterinarians are reporting a troubling spike in cases of a potentially fatal bacterial infection among dogs — which can be spread to humans.  Have you vaccinated your dog against leptospirosis?
  • Did you know that your pet’s nutritional needs change throughout their lifetime?  See more information on different diets for your pet.
  • Could your pet’s behavior be due to a hidden illness?  Some common behavior issues are actually due to underlying medical problems. Some examples are nipping, scratching, litter box issues, leash pulling, meowing at night, urinating on the floor, and chewing shoes.  See more information about the connection between pet behavioral issues and illness.

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Animal Airwaves

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Animal Airwaves

Animal Airwaves is a daily radio series that features one-minute segments relating to animal health, ranging from insights into animal behavior to veterinary patient care breakthroughs and trends.

Animal Airwaves