Spaying & Neutering Your Pet

Kootie Alert! -- Just because you can't SEE them, doesn't mean they don't exist, so don't forget to protect your pets from "Fleas, Ticks, & Other Nasties."  (Some really cool photos here!)

Stay Cool! -- Keeping your pets safe from the heat is part of any pet owner's job, and is particularly crucial in the Florida heat.  Be sure to understand how the heat affects your pet and learn how to keep him or her safe in the summer.  Here's a great article by ASPCA, "Top Ten Hot Weather Tips."

Children and Pet Safety

Focus on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Planning!

Many good articles about Hurricane preparedness and your pets from the Louisiana SPCA

Pet Plan--Hurricane preparedness tips from the National Hurricane Center

Animal Emergency Preparedness that includes tips for birds, small mammals, and reptiles.

Here are a few tips on what to consider when planning. Plan now, not later!

• Find out now, not before you have to evacuate, which shelters or inland hotels/motels accept pets during an emergency. If you're in Florida, here is a list of Hotels That Accept Pets During Disasters (Alachua County) and Hotels That Accepts Pets During Disasters (Florida)

• If you're riding it out at home, consider your dog's food and water needs when stocking up on supplies. Make sure to store enough clean water for your animals as well as for your family. Make sure your dog has enough food to keep him/her happy for a few days. "People" emergency foods, such as canned food, is not a good staple for your dog.

• If your pet is on any medication, make sure you have a 2 or 3 day supply on hand in case you're not able to get to your vet.

• If your dog is high strung or extremely anxious during thunderstorms or other loud events, talk to you vet about prescription medications or natural remedies that will calm him or her down temporarily.

• Since your dog may not be able to go outside to exercise, keep lots of toys on hand for indoor entertainment.

• Oops, no bathroom available? If your dog is stuck inside for hours, provide an "okay" place he or she can go. If you trained using newspapers, try some newspapers in a secure, closed in area like your garage and let him or her know it's okay with encouragement and treats.

• Afterwards, don't let your dog roam outside. Downed power lines, nails, and other sharp objects can be as fatal to animals as children. Watch out for emergency vehicles on the road. You don't want your dog in the way or worse, getting struck.

• If you're told to go to a basement or a bathroom area, take your dog with you!

• If you must leave your dog at home, make sure he/she has on proper identification, such as an address tag on his/her collar and his/her rabies vaccination status.

• If your animal does get lost in the excitement, be sure to notify your local animal control department as soon as possible.

Fall

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets

• Don't leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween: There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets on this night.
• Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets: Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
• Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin: Pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned.
• Don't dress the dog in costume unless you know he loves it. Otherwise, it puts a lot of stress on the animal.
• If you do dress up your dog, make sure the costume isn't constricting, annoying or unsafe. Be careful not to obstruct his or her vision
• Even the sweetest dogs can get snappy when they can't see what's going on around them.
•  All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours; too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog.
• Be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through the open door.

Winter

Pet Dental Health Care Month! -- In September and February, we offer 10% off anesthesia and dental cleanings for both dogs and cats. Pets need regular, professional dental care too. Just like people, pets are susceptible to plaque that contains large amounts of bacteria. Plaque turns into tartar that can destroy gums and result in the loss of the tissue and bone that supports the teeth.

Some small dog breeds and particularly older dogs are at greater risk for periodontal disease.  Ask us about instructions on how to brush your dog's teeth and about pet food formulations designed to maintain good oral health. Check out "Pet Dental" maintained by the American Veterinary Dental Society--Lots of great information and tips.

Cold Weather and Your Pets

As the weather gets colder and you start to bundle up, your should not forget your pet needs special care as well. The best bet is to keep your pet indoors when the temperature is below freezing. Here are a few other tips.

• Shelter & Environment

Pets need adequate shelter when spending time outdoors. This may be an insulated doghouse with cedar chips or blankets on the floor, and a protective shield or door. Pets that normally sleep on a brick, tile, or concrete floor should have a mat or bed to protect them from the cold floor. Make sure older pets don't sleep in a drafty area for they are more prone to colds and other ailments. It is also more important for older pets to have snow and ice cleared away from where they are going to walk, to reduce the chance of injury. If your pet walks on salted or sanded roads make sure their paws are cleaned frequently. Salt in particular can burn and irritate the paws.

• Feeding & Bowls

Make sure your pet has plenty of food and water. So long as your pet does not have a weight problem, give them extra food and treats during the winter months to help them keep warm. Don't use metal bowls outside during the winter. Your pet's tongue may accidentally stick to the bowl! 

• Sweaters

Consider a sweater for your dog if he or she is thin or a shorthaired breed such as a greyhound. Older or sensitive pets may also need special care and covering. Clean fur insulates your pet better, so keep you pet well groomed.

• Traveling Safety

As in the summer, don't leave your pet alone in a cold car during the winter. A car can cool down rapidly and cause serious health problems for your pet. Make sure antifreeze is kept away from your pets and your pets are kept away from where antifreeze can drip, such as garages and driveways. Pets often like the taste of antifreeze, but it is extremely toxic. Don't put your dog in the back of a pick-up truck when it is cold, to avoid frostbite.

Pet Safety During the Holidays

Pet safety is a concern during holidays. With just a little common sense and careful planning, your pet's holidays can be just as safe and enjoyable as the rest of the family's.  The link above will take you to a good short summary.  And, here is a great article: "Pet Poison Safety Tips for the Holidays," from the Cat Fanciers' Association.

Information contained herein is provided as a service to our visitors and as a general guide. It should not be substituted for professional veterinary or medical care. You should always consult a licensed professional with questions or concerns about your or your animal's health.