DOG CARE

 

• Keep your cat inside. If left outdoors cats are at risk of getting lost, being stolen, injured or even killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to fatal infectious diseases, including rabies.
• During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hoods of cars, where it is warmer. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. Before starting the engine, bang loudly on the car hood for a few seconds to give a cat a chance to escape.
• Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and can easily become lost or disoriented. They may also panic in a snowstorm and run away. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season.
• Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when the animal comes in out of the rain, snow or ice. Salt, antifreeze and other chemicals can hurt your dog if ingested (i.e. liking a paw). Also their sensitive paw pads may bleed from the snow or ice encrusted in them.
• If you own a shorthair breed, consider getting a warm coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck for the dog. Look for one that covers the dog from the base of her tail (on top of the animal) to the belly (underneath). While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. The animal could freeze to death.
• If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only long enough to relieve himself.
• Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. Take the dog outside only long enough to do its business.
• If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase the animal’s supply of food, particularly protein, to keep the fur thick and healthy.
• Antifreeze, even in tiny doses, is a LETHAL poison for dogs and cats. Unfortunately – because of its sweet taste – animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisonings, more and more people are using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than traditional products, which contain ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center if you suspect that your companion animal has been poisoned.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat in a longer style for winter warmth. Remember that such a style will require more frequent brushing due to dry winter air and static electricity. When you bathe your dog, make sure you dry the animal completely. It is not recommended to run with dogs during the cold. They can easily slip on the icy ground, as well as the dangerous ingestion of cold air into their lungs.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep far away from all drafts and off the floor. A dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow will provide an appropriate sleeping area.
• Contact your local Humane Society if you see animals outside for extended periods of time with no food water or shelter.
• Shelters should also have hay or straw in them, if possible. These as hold heat better than blankets or towels, which have a propensity to freeze. And remember, as well – water will freeze in frigid temperatures.
• Hot cars kill! Do not take your pets for a ride in the car. Should you get stuck in traffic with no air conditioning in your vehicle, it can be deadly to the animal. Countless dogs and cats suffer and die every summer after being left in cars. In as little as 10 minutes, a car’s interior can rise to 100 degrees on an 85 degree day. Within a 1/2 hour, temperatures can soar to 120 degrees. Cracking the windows will do nothing to alleviate this type of increase.
• Outside pets should have plenty of shade and water.
• Do not walk or run your pets in the heat of the day. Instead, wait until it is dark outside, or save the walk or run for a cooler day. Heat-related stress is especially dangerous to older animals.
• When indoors (if there is no air conditioner), make sure plenty of ventilation is available for the animal. Keep the water dish filled at all times.
• Your pet may pick up fleas or ticks while outdoors. Check with your veterinarian about new forms of treatments, and be sure to bathe your pet regularly.
• If you take your dog to the beach, remember that too much sun can cause illness.
• Never force your dog into the lake or ocean, as some animal's ears can become infected by water and sand. If you do go, make sure to clean your dog’s ears when you return. Also, give the animal a cool (not cold) bath to rinse off any bacteria.
• Make sure your pet’s collar is secure and that it is wearing identification tags with the proper updated information. In the event you and your pet become separated, tags can be traced to return the animal back home.

The following signs will indicate if your animal is overheated:

• Excessive panting
• Loud breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Staggering
• Abrupt stopping and collapsing

As a heat-stricken animal can die in minutes, immediate and correct response is essential in saving its life.
What you want to do:

• Get the animal’s body temperature down gradually by hosing the animal completely over with cool water.
• Get the animal into a cool place, preferably somewhere with air conditioning or a heavily shaded area.
• Place ice around the neck of the animal.
• Get to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Please be especially aware of animals left alone in cars and other vehicles during the summer months. Although dangerous to the animal at any time of year, under warm weather conditions, this type of neglect can become a fatal form of abuse in a matter of minutes.

Posted in: Pets Care Tips