Dogs can need sunscreen too

Pet information

Summer is officially over, but parts of the country are still hot and sunny. Did you know that dogs can get sunburned and get skin cancer just like humans? You shouldn’t use human sunscreen on pets, but there are pet safe versions created to fit their skin, and to be safe in case the pooch would lick it off.

Areas extra sensitive to the sun include the tip of the ears, the nose, the belly, and the groin – areas that typically have less hair coverage as well as thinner skin.

New findings show that humans should wear sunscreen every day around year – even on rainy days, during winter, and up north – and that UV rays can reach us even through windows and cloud covers. Knowing that, it makes sense to protect our furry friends at least when they’re romping about in the sun.

Dogs love their outside time, but they don’t know when enough is enough, and we need to control their time in the sun and heat. Even if the weather has cooled down a little it’s wise to watch for signs of heatstroke. Symptoms include panting, drooling, lethargy, fever, vomiting, and collapse. Breeds with short noses, senior dogs, and puppies are  more susceptible to heat.

If you think your dog might have heatstroke, do your best to cool it down, and call the vet at once!

Keep laundry detergent pods out of reach

Pet information

Laundry detergent pods are convenient for making sure you use the right amount of detergent. Just make sure you store and keep them out of reach of pets and children – they are highly toxic.

As an adult it’s often hard to predict what will be dangerous, because we think like adults. We know laundry detergent goes in the laundry machine and not in the mouth. Unfortunately, the pods can look like candy to small children, and like toys to pets. They look fun to kick around, hold between the paws, and chew on.

Laundry detergent pods are dangerous to pets and children

But, isn’t the detergent in plastic?

Not exactly. The pods are designed to hold detergent until the shell comes in contact with moisture – such as the water in the laundry machine or your child’s or pet’s saliva. The detergent in the pods is highly concentrated and much more dangerous than most regular detergents.

When released, the detergent can cause life-threatening damage to the respiratory system, burning of the stomach and trachea, and eye damage.

Symptoms of contact with a pod include drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory problems. Many times, the pod is gone – already swallowed – and it’s difficult to know what’s causing the symptoms.

The problem is easy to remedy. Keep your detergent in a secure shelf where your pets and children can’t reach it. Never leave a pod lying around the house, not even on top of a laundry pile.

 

Dog influenza outbreak in Manhattan

Pet information

Dogs aren’t usually susceptible to the same viruses that make us sick, and the other way around, but they do get illnesses that are pretty similar to human sickness. This weekend, dog owners in Manhattan were warned about an outbreak of canine influenza.

The virus is highly contagious and airborne, so if you’re walking your dog in the area and encounter coughing dogs it’s wise to stay away. Symptoms usually show up within a week of infection.

A mild infection will resemble a kennel cough. The dogs become lethargic, some stop eating, and for some the condition progresses into pneumonia. In severe cases, the dog can die from the infection. Symptoms beside the cough include a runny nose and fever.

If you’re in the area, keep an extra eye on your doggie. There is a canine influenza vaccine available, and vets recommend this for dogs who will spend time close to other dogs.

Bulldogs can’t swim

Pet information

Summer is turning to fall, but large parts of the USA are still blazing hot, and it’s still season for beaches, boats, and pools. Whenever water is involved it’s important to know that not all dogs can swim.

Dogs will automatically paddle when they are in water, but some breeds are so front heavy that it doesn’t do them any good. Bulldogs, for instance, cannot swim. A Bulldog in water will sink, no matter how much they try to stay afloat.

Bulldogs are the worst breed when it comes to water, but all breeds with large, heavy chests and short muzzles have problems swimming. It’s also worth noting that even amongst breeds who generally love to swim some individuals will have an aversion to water.

If you are by the beach or on a boat, it’s a great idea to get a life vest for your furry companion. If you have a Bulldog and a pool or pond, make sure the water is fenced off. There are also emergency monitors that will alert if something breaks the surface of the water. If you Bulldog falls in he won’t be able to stay afloat, and he won’t be able to get out of the water.

Prepare for emergencies

Pet information

Summer is a wonderful time, but can hold some extreme dangers such as hurricanes. Every year, families lose their pets in weather-related emergencies, and while some are reunited, other families search in vain for years. Here are some tips on preparing for emergencies, to make sure everyone is unscathed. 

Prepare in advance

Make sure all pets are microchipped, and that the information connected to the microchip is correct. Your vet can help you read the chip number, so you can double-check. Put a tag with your contact information on each pet’s collar.

If you don’t already have decals on your windows informing rescue workers that there are pets in the household, this is a good time to put some up.

Check your emergency kit

If you already have a pet emergency kit, look it over to make sure everything is up to date. If you don’t have one, make one, and keep it with your family’s emergency kit. Pack things in plastic zip-lock bags. Good ideas for your kit include:

  • At least two weeks’ supply of any pet medications.
  • Extra collar with ID-tag for each pet, and sturdy leashes.
  • Photocopies of pet health records, and a recent photo of you and your pets. In case the worst happens and you’re separated the photo will help you search, and help you prove that you’re the rightful owner.
  • Two week supply of water and food along with bowls.
  • First aid supplies. Many vets have good lists of things you might need. You should at least have bandages, tweezers, tape, scissors, and antibacterial ointment.
  • Crate with bedding and a toy your pet will recognize. This  can help your pet cope with stress and new environments.
  • Poop bags and similar supplies.

Have a plan

When something happens it usually happens quickly, and it can be difficult to make the right decisions in a stressful situation. The more you prepare in advance, the better your chances of everyone staying together and being okay.

Know where to go if you need to evacuate. If you need to leave your home, do everything in your power to bring your pets along. If it isn’t safe for you to stay, it isn’t safe for them, and animals left behind are often lost, injured, or killed.

Check emergency shelters in your area. Many don’t allow pets, and you need to find one where everyone is welcome. Make a list of relatives and friends that can shelter you and your pets in case you have to leave the area completely. Also make a list of pet boarding facilities, and keep all these numbers and addresses in your pet emergency kit.

If you stay at home during the emergency, keep your pets with you in a safe room. Put them in their carrier or on a leash ahead of time – if there’s a tornado you don’t have time to dig the cat out from under the sofa. On a leash or in a carrier you can bring your pets quickly, and you have them under control.

It can be difficult to stay calm, but do your best to keep your composure. If you’re anxious, pets and children will feel it and be anxious too.

National Check the Chip Day!

Pet information

If you pet goes walkabout or is stolen, the chances of getting him or her back increases if the pet is microchipped. However, the chip only works if the registration information is correct. Check the Chip Day is created by AVMA – the American Veterinary Medical Association – and the AAHA – the American Animal Hospital Association.

To update your pet’s registration you need your pet’s microchip number. If you don’t already have an account with the manufacturer you need to do that as well, so you can update the information if something changes in the futures. It’s particularly important that your phone number and address are correct.

Most animal shelters and veterinarians will search a big database updated by the chip’s manufacturer. If you have your chip’s number, you can try to search it here to see if the information is correct: //www.petmicrochiplookup.org

Police officer shows the danger of hot cars

Pet information

Every year, children and pets die in hot cars. Regardless of information campaigns, people keep leaving babies and dogs in cars, and Texas has topped the number of fatalities around the USA for the past twenty years. 

Texas Corporal Jessie Peterson made an experiment, and posted a video to YouTube of himself staying inside his parked patrol car in the sun. He held out for 30 minutes, and had to leave the car to recover. When the temperature outside nears 100 degrees, the temperature inside the car quickly jumps up to as high as 170 degrees.

Heat-related injuries can cause organ failures, seizures, and hallucinations, and if the exposure to heat remains, death.

Peterson is a trained officer in good shape, and did his experiment in a safe environment with help nearby. This is not something that should be tried at home. And please, do not leave your children or your pets in the car.

To read more about the experiment, follow this link.

Dogs good with children

Pet information

Girl and dogDogs and children can be a great combination, or an absolute disaster. Small children and dogs should always be supervised, and it is important to read the dog’s body language.

If the dog is licking, pulling its ears back, yawning, or turning its head away, it is probably uncomfortable. Never let a child hug a dog; hugs don’t mean the same thing to dogs as it does to humans, and even though they can be trained to accept it, it doesn’t come naturally.

Every year many children are bit and dogs put down, and the adults say, “It came out of the blue,” or “She was just hugging the neighbor’s dog.” Children don’t know and dogs can’t speak, so it’s the adults’ responsibility to watch over the situation.

That said, some dog breeds are better with children than others. Here are some breeds known to be patient with kids.

Beagles are sturdy and never too tired to play. They’re smart, cheerful, and friendly. They might feel that chasing other pets is a good idea, but other than that they get along with almost everything and everyone.

The Bulldog is loyal, friendly, and docile. Most Bulldogs get along well with children, other dogs, and other types of pets. They’re not exactly bundles of energy, but love to lounge on the sofa while watching TV, reading, or playing video games.

The Bull Terrier was bred to be a companion dog, and is frequently used for kids’ TV shows in many countries. In the USA, the Bull Terrier is probably best known for Target commercials. The average Bull Terrier is friendly, loving, and patient with rambunctious children.

Golden Retrievers are confident, smart, loyal, and kind. A typical Golden Retriever is patient and neither aggressive nor timid. They need a lot of exercise and love to play.

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the USA and many other countries. The Labrador is playful, loving, patient, protective, and reliable.

Newfoundlands are huge and loving. The breed has been nicknamed “Nature’s Babysitter” and is known for being kind, gentle, and patient. The Newfoundland is also very protective when it comes to children.

Poodles are extremely intelligent and gentle. They make great service dogs, and are wonderful, good-natured, and patient companions for children. While poodles require regular grooming, they shed very little.

The Vizsla requires a lot of exercise and makes a great breed for active and energetic families with older children. The average Vizsla is energetic but gentle, obedient, loyal, confident, and smart. It forms close bonds with the family and would be happy to follow the children everywhere.

 

Water safety in the pool

Pet information

A White Swiss Shepherd needs a large PlexiDor dog doorMany dogs love to swim, whether it’s in a lake or in a swimming pool, but even if your dog is a natural born swimmer he or she might need a little extra help. Here are some easy tips on staying safe in the pool.

Pay attention

Even if your dog is good at swimming, never leave a dog unsupervised in the pool. It’s easy to get distracted, but keep your eyes on the dog. If something happens they might not be able to bark for help. Drowning is a silent death both for people and pets.

Start slowly and build confidence

Most dogs are cautious the first times in a swimming pool. Start slowly and let your furry friend build confidence.

Keep track of the time

Swimming is great exercise, but it’s important to limit the time your dog spends in the pool. Especially older dogs and puppies often underestimate how tired they are. Even dogs in their prime might be using new muscles when swimming, and can tire quickly. Start with brief dips in the pool and increase the time gradually.

Teach your dog how to get out of the pool

Some pools have steps on one side. It is important to teach your dog where they are, because it’s impossible for a doggie to get from the water up on the ledge. Other pools only have a ladder. It is possible to teach a dog how to use a ladder, but it doesn’t come naturally to them, so this might take some time. Patient practice makes perfect!

Rinse

When the swim is over it’s important to rinse off all pool water – otherwise your dog might lick it off and ingest chemicals. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can also irritate the skin.  Also make sure to dry the ears. You can dab them gently with a soft towel.

Have fun, and enjoy the summer!

Keep your pets safe during the holiday celebrations

Pet information

Girl and dogHappy 4th of July! This is a wonderful holiday, and here are some tips to keep your family together. Everyone should be happy and safe, right!

With 4th of July comes celebrations, fireworks, and firecrackers. While all this can be great fun for humans, pets are generally less impressed. They don’t associate the flashes, noise, and smell of fireworks with something happy; most pets are very afraid of fireworks and many panic and run.

Every year on July 5th, animal shelters drown in pets that panicked and fled. They can’t find their way home, many are injured, and some die.

During holidays such as 4th of July, keep your pets inside, and keep an eye on them every time someone opens a door to the outside.

They might bolt through a crack in the door. Even if your dog is used to hanging out in the yard on their own, keep them indoors. They can hurt themselves, break restraints, and jump fences in an attempt to find safety from the scary bangs.

Naturally, don’t leave your pet in the car, and don’t bring them the fireworks displays.

Make sure your pet has proper ID. They should carry a tag with their name and your phone number, and they should be microchipped.

Summer safety tips for pets

Pet information
Most Chinese Crested require a medium PlexiDor dog door, but small individuals can get by with a small PlexiDor dog door
Hairless breeds such as Chinese Crested need to use sunscreen in summer. Be careful not to use human products as they can be toxic to dogs.

With summertime, holidays, and nice weather comes barbecues and other outdoors activities. It’s great to have pets join in, and some easy precautions can make the season safer for them.

Mosquitos are not just annoying; they’re dangerous. Dogs and cats should be on proper heart worm preventatives. Pets can get West Nile virus that is transmitted from mosquitos, and even if the disease generally isn’t deadly to them it’s still unpleasant. There is special insect repellents for pets. Never use insect repellents meant for humans on a pet.

Many use citronella-baed insect repellants, such as candles, oils, and similar. While these are great for keeping bugs away, they should be at a distance from pets. Inhaling the smoke can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. A pet accidentally eating them can harm their nervous system.

Pets can get overhead and/or get sunburn, and on hot days they should be indoors or at least in the shade. If your pet is with you in the sun, make sure they’re not overheating. Some breeds, such as Chinese Crested and other hairless dogs, have extra sensitive skin and should wear sunblock. Never use sunblock intended for humans; many kinds are toxic to dogs.

Never give pets alcoholic beverages. Even beer is toxic to them. Allowing a dog to drink beer or anything else with alcohol can lead to coma and in worst case scenario death.

Desensitize your dog to fireworks

Pet information

Many pets fear fireworksMany dogs suffer a fear of fireworks, and with the upcoming holiday it’s extra important to know about this, protect the dogs, and prepare them the best we can. Even a confident dog can be terrified by the loud and unpredictable noises and bright lights.

Pets should be kept indoors during 4th of July and other firework-holidays. There are some things we can do to help them manage the fireworks. The fear might never disappear completely, but we can make it easier.

Find a video of fireworks and play it on lowest possible volume a few times during the day. While you play it, give your dogs treats, cuddle, and play. You want doggie to connect the sound with positive things.

During the course of a few days, increase the volume slowly. Keep doing fun stuff every time you play it.

If your dog shows fear at any time when you play the video, turn the volume back down and keep the positive reinforcement with play and treats.

It might take time, but eventually your dog should be able to hear the sound at a fairly loud volume without being afraid.

Desensitizing takes time, and it doesn’t always make the fear go away. Keep your pets inside. Try to drown out the sound the best you can, and allow him or her to hide. Pulling them out or trying to coax them can reinforce the fear. Also, don’t coddle the dogs when they show fear; acting naturally shows there’s no danger.

Some dogs have severe firework phobia, and in these cases you should discuss the problem with your veterinarian. There are anti-anxiety medications that can help your pet get through the holiday.

Ice does not cause bloat in dogs

Pet information

Ice does not cause bloat in dogsBloat is a dangerous condition caused by a dog or cat eating too fast, sucking in air with their food or water. If this happens, the dog needs to see a vet immediately and might need emergency surgery.

Many people believe that ice or ice water causes bloat in dogs, and this is caused by blog posts and images going viral on Facebook and other social media platforms a couple of years ago.

The important thing to know is that ice does not cause bloat. Drinking or eating too quickly causes bloat.

If a dog slurps down ice water on a hot day, it’s easy to get a connection between the ice and the bloat, but it’s the speed of eating or drinking that’s the culprit.

When a dog is hot and thirsty, portion out water. Don’t let them drink too much at once. If a dog eats very quickly, portion out their food on several small meals during the day. Also, dogs who eat or drink quickly should avoid exercise for at least an hour after eating.

Prepare for serious weather

Pet information

Prepare for tornado seasonLarge parts of the USA anticipate summer with a mix of dread and joy. Summer is great, but would be better without tornadoes and hurricanes. Every year pets are separated from their humans during difficult weather. Some come back, other families keep searching for years with no luck.

One example is the Bring Hanah Home movement who has searched for a a dog ripped from her human’s arms in the Joplin tornado three years ago. Hanah has been spotted after the tornado, but despite offering large rewards she still hasn’t been found.

Tornadoes are scary because they arrive so quickly. Hurricanes usually give warning and time to prepare or leave the area. When it comes to weather, there are never any guarantees, but there are things to do that will improve the chances of getting out of severe weather unscathed.

Prepare for the pets

Make a pet-friendly emergency plan. Know not just where the nearest storm shelter is, but where the nearest pet-friendly storm shelter is. Also, put together a disaster kit with basic pet supplies and medications. It should contain enough to get by for three days.

If you have to go to the storm shelter, bringing the pet’s favorite treats, toys, and bedding can help ease some of the stress.

Know where you have your carrier

Smaller animals – particularly cats – have an eerie ability to disappear when you need to find them. Keep your carrier available and easy to reach. Put the pets in the carrier when the weather starts to look bad. It’s better to have them in the carrier and not have to go than to rush around the house looking for them.

Practice

It’s a good idea to take dogs to the storm shelter on a regular basis. If they’re used to the area and environment they won’t be so stressed when you have to be there.

Wear identification

Despite our best intentions, pets often get separated from their owners in emergency situations. Make sure they wear a collar or harness with their rabies tag and identifying information. Also, make sure that your pets are microchipped. It is a quick and easy procedure that can make the difference between going home or ending up in a county shelter where you might not find them.

Summer plants to watch out for

Pet information

Rhododendron is poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses.Most dogs are super-curious, and summer invites to investigation. That’s usually not a problem, unless you have one of those dogs that try to eat everything, or play catch with wasps and bees.

While many dogs wouldn’t dream of tasting a plant, others munch down on everything they see. Knowing your dog’s normal behavior goes a long way towards ensuring safety.

Some of the most common problem backyard plants for dogs are Oleander, Lilies, Daffodils, Tulips, and Rhododendron. Bulb plants cause problems for dogs who like to dig, because the bulbs are often toxic – and inviting to chew on.

Common signs of a pet ingesting something poisonous include slobbering, drooling, and pawing at the mouth. Also watch out for vomiting and weakness. A poisoning left untreated can have serious consequences and even lead to the pet’s death, so it’s better to be safe than sorry with calling a vet.

If you wonder about plants, the ASPCA has a great list that includes both toxic and non-toxic plants.