Health Care Tips

Cold Weather Tips

During the colder months, outside cats will sometimes sleep under an automobile´s hood for warmth. When the vehicle is started serious harm to the animal can occur. Before starting your automobile bang on it loudly, possibly giving the cat a chance to escape.
Always keep your animal on a leash. During a snowstorm, dogs can lose their sense of smell and can easily become lost. Please make sure that easily readable ID tags are on your pet, or that they are microchipped.
When your animal comes in from outside be sure to wipe the snow and ice from their paws and stomach thoroughly. They can ingest salt or other potentially harmful substances from normal grooming behavior.
Never leave your animal alone in the car unattended.
Coolants such as anti-freeze are deadly and should be stored in areas not accessible by your pets. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills.
Your pet should have a warm place to sleep. Bring outside animals in during extremely cold weather.

Warm Weather Tips

Ask your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention.
Discuss heartworm prevention with your veterinarian.
Never ever leave your animal in a vehicle. With in minutes the temperature can easily exceed 110 degrees. Hyperthermia can be fatal to your pet. Parking in the shade offers little protection.
When traveling with your pet whether in the car or hiking always carry fresh water.
The best time to play with your pet outside is during the cool of the early morning or early evening. Always have lots of water available. Avoid play time or hikes during mid day. Geriatric, obese, or bracycephalic breeds (bulldogs, boston terriers, etc) are more susceptible to heat stroke which can be fatal in all animals.
Swimming does not provide protection from heat stroke, animals playing and swimming vigorously can still suffer from the fatal condition.
Animals kept outside should have a well constructed shelter to protect them from the sun and have continuous access to cool water.