Helpful Information for You and Your Pet this Summer

It's that time of year again! The flowers are blooming, trees are green, and there are plenty of activities for you to do outside with your pet. Summer is one of the best times of the year! It is also a time when your pet can get injured or sick. Follow the reminders below, so that you and your pet can have the most awesome and safest summer yet.

Heartworm

Although your pet can get heartworm disease year-round, mosquitoes are most prevalent in the summer. Mosquitoes are the ones that carry the disease and can infect your dog. Your dog should already be on heartworm preventative, but double check with the vet to make sure it is current.

Hot Pavement

Summer is the best time to spend with your dog, whether you are out taking a walk or playing fetch at the park. While it's great for your pet to be outside, be cautious of hot pavement. It is usually 10-15 degrees hotter than the temperature outside and can burn the pads on your dog's paws. If you need to walk on pavement with your dog, consider doggy booties for their paws. You can find them at your local pet store.

Leaving Pets in Hot Cars

NEVER leave your pet in a hot car, even if it's in the shade. You may have a quick, 10-minute errand at the store, but that's enough time for your pet to get overheated. A car on a 90-degree day is actually close to 105 degrees. There have been several cases of dogs left in hot cars that have died while their owners are absent. If you want to take your dog on a car ride, make sure the A/C is on full blast. If you are comfortable, your pet will likely be comfortable. Also, if you see a dog in a hot car unattended, please notify animal control.

Reptiles and the Sun

It is important for your reptile to have time in the sun. Reptiles use UVB rays from the sun to make Vitamin D, which keeps them healthy. If you can, let your reptile bask in the sun when the temperatures are over 70 degrees. Make sure to provide plenty of water and shade.

Hiking with Your Dog

It's always fun to take your dog hiking in the summertime. Make sure you bring plenty of water for him/her and let him/her rest in the shade, so he/she doesn't get overheated. Watch for rattlesnakes as well. Dogs are more likely to get bit by rattlesnakes than humans. If your dog does get bit, take him/her to the veterinarian immediately for the anti-venom injection.

Have a wonderful summer and remember these helpful tips to keep your pet happy and safe!

5 Tips for Making Your Pet Comfortable at the Vet

The veterinary clinic can sometimes seem like a scary place for your pet, especially if he or she has never experienced it before. It can also be stressful to make the trip for an appointment. But don't worry! There are ways to help your pet get accustomed to visiting the vet so that both of you can leave feeling satisfied.

Tip #1: Take your pet to the clinic multiple times before doing any exams or shots. Let him/her walk around and smell everything. It's important for your pet to get to know the staff on a non-invasive basis. Allow them to pet and dote over your loved one. Treats are a great way for him/her to associate the clinic with something good and positive. The staff will always have treats and are more than happy to give one (or two) to your pet. Then when you return for an actual visit, your pet will feel at home!

Tip #2: Prepare your cat for the car ride and vet visit. It's a known fact. Cats do not like cars, let alone the vet. But, there are ways to help them get comfortable with the idea. One thing that is important is get them used to the carrier. Leave it out somewhere in your house with treats inside and allow them to sniff and walk in and out several times. They will still likely hate the car, but at least they are familiar with and are safe in their crate. Again, try going to the vet a few times to get them familiar with a new surrounding.

Tip #3: If you stay calm, they'll stay calm (for the most part). Sometimes our clients can be just as anxious as their pets. It can be stressful to watch your baby being handled and given shots. However, it does not help him/her to see you just as fearful. To him/her, you are his/her protector and parent. If he/she sees you upset, this intensifies what he/she is already feeling. Try your best to be calm and do exactly what the vet tech and veterinarian tell you to do. They are trained professionals and do this on a daily basis.

Tip #4: Bring treats...lots and lots of treats. Who says you can't bribe your pet? Rewarding your pet for good behavior at the vet is encouraged. Also, allowing the vet and vet techs to give treats to your pet shows him/her that they can be trusted (at least a little).

Tip #5: Play with or take your pet on a walk before appointment. This will cut down on nervousness and get some of his/her energy out. It will also help prevent accidents at the vet.

Follow these simple tips and you have a greater chance of having a successful vet visit!

Keep Your Pets Cool This Summer

Utah has been experiencing record-breaking temperatures this summer, with a big heat wave that has blanketed across the Western U.S. With temperatures in the 100's and not much relief from heat, it is imperative to keep your pets cool this summer.

The most important thing you should know this summer is to NEVER leave your pet in a parked car. Parked cars are at least 10 degrees hotter than the temperature outside, even with the windows down. We've unfortunately heard of dogs dying in hot cars within minutes of their owner being gone. If you are running errands and will be out of your car for more than a couple minutes, please leave your dog in your air-conditioned home.

Although there are no laws in Utah that prosecute people for leaving their animals in cars, animal control takes this action very seriously. They witness hundreds of cases each year of dogs being left in hot cars. If you happen to see a dog or any other animal in a car, please contact your local animal control.

What can you do to keep your pet cool this summer?

• Keep plenty of water available. Pets can get dehydrated quickly.
• Know the symptoms of heat stress. In dogs, the symptoms include panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, increased heart rate, restlessness, collapsing.
• Don't shave your dog or cat. Although this may seem to keep them cool, they are at risk for sunburn and overheating. Their fur is a form of protection.
• Be careful when walking your dog. Asphalt is extremely hot and can burn the pads on your dog's feet. Limit the amount of time spent on asphalt.
• Make shade available for your pet. If your pet is outside, be sure they have plenty of shade to rest in.
• Take walks, hikes and runs during the cooler hours of the day.

What to do in the case of a heat stroke:

1. Get pet out of the heat.

2. Check for shock.

3. Take temperature.

4. Spray with cool water.

5. Place water-soaked towels all over body.

6. Contact nearest veterinarian.

We hope you and your pet enjoy the rest of the summer! By following these simple guidelines, your pet will stay cool and happy until winter comes, and that's when we will have to worry about the cold. 😊