Seasonal Health Care

Do Not Leave Your Dog Unattended In The Car

On a hot day, the inside of a car heats up very quickly. On an  average 85 degree F day, for example, the temperature inside your car - with the windows partially open, will reach 102 degrees F in 10 minutes. In 30 minutes, it will go up to 120 degrees F. On hotter days, it will go higher.

Leaving your dog in a parked car in the shade does not assure that your dog will not become seriously overheated. Shaded cars may still get very hot due to the greenhouse effect, and the sun may also move enough to change the shaded areas into sunny ones.

A dog's normal body temperature is 101.5 to 102.2 degrees F. A dog can only withstand hot temperatures for only a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage or even death. The closed car interferes with your dog's normal cooling process, that is evaporation through panting.

Both heatstroke and and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure, and even death in a very short period of time.

Short muzzled and thick-coated breeds and mixes are particularly vulnerable, although any breed may be at risk. Always bring cool water along when walking, running, or hiking with your dog during hot weather.

To cool off an over-heated dog, offer him plenty of water, then, wet the dog's body and paws with cool water, and fan. The dog should receive veterinary care as soon as possible.

The above applies to any animal left in a car during warm weather, a cat in a carrier, rabbit, pocket pet, etc.

Dogs left in cars alone also run the risk of being harrassed or stolen.

Chocolate

The toxic component in chocolate is called theobromine, and the level of toxicity is based on the quantity and and the type of chocolate consumed. Different kinds of chocolate have different amounts of theobromine; dark chocolate contains the  highest concentrations and "white" chocolate contains the least.

Early clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, and trembling. If you suspect that your pet has consumed any chocolate, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Lily Plants

The Easter Lily as well as other plants in the Lily family are common this time of year, and the plant is highly toxic to cats if ingested. The first sign are vomiting and lethargy, and if left untreated may progress to renal (kidney) failure and death. Please call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a Lily plant.

Rat Poison

The most common used rat baits are anticoagulants, which inhibit the ability of the blood to clot. Dogs and cats can also become poisoned by ingesting the rat or mouse that has eaten the poison.  Bleeding may be evident. However, most bleeding is internal with more subtle signs to include: difficulty breathing, bloody urine, bruising of the skin, white gums, and weakness.

The antidote for this type of poisoning is vitamin K1 for 30 days or more. A blood transfusion may be required. Keep your pets away from areas that house rat bait and be sure to inform your exterminator about your pets. If you think your pet may have ingested any rat bait, call your veterinarian immediately!

Spider/Insect Bites

Bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, and spiders are common during the warmer months. Most bites occur on the face and paws. Most reactions manifest as itching with swelling of the face, eyes, and ears. Often, they are raised circular areas (hives) in the skin. However, life-threatening reactions can result in difficulty breathing, white mucus membranes, and throat swelling. If this occurs, your pet will need immediate treatment. To minimize the possibility of insect bites or stings, survey your yard for any nests or hives and remove them if possible. At best don't allow your pet to access these areas. If your pet is prone to allergic reactions, discuss medications to kep at home to give when the first signs of itching or swelling appear.

Car/Truck Rides

Your pet is placed in harm's way when allowed to ride in the back of a truck or hang its head out of a car window. Any sudden stop, swerve, bump or acceleration could result in your pet being thrown out of the back of a truck or out of an open window suffering serious injury or death.