Summertime Safety for your best friend

1. Fleas - There are a multitude of flea control products for pets available. Choose the shampoo, topical treatment or spray that best suits you and your pet. Even pets that never go outside deserve a frequent inspection that will tell you if they have been attacked by fl eas or ticks. Dogs that are allowed to roam large areas and cats that are allowed inside and outside of the home should be treated with either Frontline or Advantage during the peak fl ea season. Flea elimination is more costly, time consuming and invasive than fl ea prevention! NOTE: We also sell Capstar in our store which is a pill that kills fleas within 30 minutes.

2. Heat stroke - A dog's normal internal body temperature is between 100.5 degrees F and 102 degrees F. Leaving a dog in a parked car in the summer (even with the window a few inches open), can cause heatstroke within minutes. Heat exhaustion is usually caused by over-exercising a dog during hot weather. Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure or even death in a short period of time. To cool off an overheated dog, wet the dog's body and paws with cool water, then fan. If the dog experiences heatstroke or heat exhaustion, he should receive veterinary attention as soon as possible. How do you recognize heat stroke in your pet? He'll pant like crazy, become exhausted or agitated, and start upchucking. At this point, you can usually cool him down by giving him ice cubes to lick (cold water will upset his stomach worse and hasten dehydration), sponging him down with a wet towel, and letting him lie in front of a fan.

3. Kennel Cough - Many dogs will be going to dog parks, attending obedience classes, going to the groomer, going to the pet store and walking in the neighborhood with other dogs. It is a good idea to get your dog vaccinated for Kennel Cough anytime it will be around other dogs. Kennel Cough is most commonly associated with a bacterial infection caused by the organism Bordetella bronchiseptica. The infection tends to be mild except for a very harsh cough that often prompts owners to think that their dog "has something caught in his throat." Cough suppressants can be used to control the cough and antibiotics may be

necessary for stubborn infections or to try to stop the spread of the bacteria in multiple dog households. The intranasal vaccine is pretty fast acting, providing some protection in as little as 5 days. The injectable version of the vaccine may provide longer immunity, though. Taken from http://www.vetinfo.com/

4. Weight Gain - Make sure to limit your dog's food during the summertime. Dog's spend more time laying in the shade so they don't burn as many calories and can put on weight if given the same amount of food as winter. Make sure you dog also gets regular exercise in order to maintain their fitness.

5. Summer food and drink - Paying attention to your dogs food and water is especially essential during the summer months. On hot days, dogs loose moisture through panting, which causes them to drink more than usual. Checking to make sure your pet has fresh water or perhaps an extra water bowl just outside the back door is a great idea. Remember that water

evaporates more quickly from water bowls when the weather is hot. Another good idea is to always remove any uneaten food as soon as the dog is fi nished eating. This prevents contamination from flies and spoiling due to the hot weather.