The hot summer months can be tough on your pet. Dogs and cats cannot sweat so it is hard for them to regulate their temperature. There are several ways that you can help your pet keep cool. Some animals with long, thick fur can be shaved down during the summer. They may look a little funny, but this really helps cool them off. Also here at Pet Supplies “Plus” we carry several different cooling bandanas that can be soaked in water and also frozen to help cool them down as well. Be sure to keep plenty of cool fresh water available at all times for your pet. (I like to put ice cubes in it.) And NEVER leave them in the car during the hot summer months because the temperature in your car almost doubles when the windows are left closed in a car without the air conditioning on. Be sure that when you are walking your pet that their nose is moist and cool. If your pet is panting profusely and has a hot dry nose he or she may be overheating. I recommend not walking your pet during the peak hot hours of the day. Trying these suggestions and making sure your animal is not overheated will make this summer cooler and healthier for your pet.
Amanda T, CPNA
Monday, July 26, 2010
HOT Summer Weather
ALWAYS make sure your pets have plenty of cool water throughout the day. Remember, animals can get overheated just like people do. Even if you have indoor animals like cats, hamsters or birds they will need to keep hydrated in the heat of summer. If you have outdoor pets like dogs or even farm animals, be sure to have a place for them to get out of the sun. A nice shady spot under some trees is ideal for dogs. You can also purchase or construct a "house" or shelter for your pets to escape to and keep cool. Here are a couple of tips to keep your pets safe in HOT summer weather.
• Always available water Secure the water dish to avoid an accidental spill. You may also want to consider adding another water bowl or two in your pet's area, just in case.
• Ouch - hot feet alert If you will be walking with your pet, remember that while paw pads are "tough" they are also sensitive, and can be burned while walking on hot pavement and tar. If possible, walk on grass or dirt, and check your pet's paw pads to make sure there isn't any redness or pain.
• Good grooming is important for your pet's health and comfort. Speak with a groomer or veterinarian to find out what is best for your pet. A full shave may not be the answer, depending on your pet's coat/breed, and caution is advised for white and light-skinned pets getting sunburned.
• Consider a cooling dog bed. When hot weather arrives, dogs sometimes abandon their comfy beds to seek out cold spots on tile or hardwood floors. But if you want your dog to enjoy that coolness and still have the comfort of a dog bed, you could buy a cooling dog bed. Some cooling beds can be filled with water, which is then circulated through the inside of the bed to keep it cool.
• Ice cream treats or Ice Treats – Many companies now offer Dog Ice Cream or Frozen treats for your pets. So when it’s a hot day outside, remember don’t forget about your furry friends they would probably enjoy a nice cool treat to help cool them down.
Caleb L, CPNA
• Always available water Secure the water dish to avoid an accidental spill. You may also want to consider adding another water bowl or two in your pet's area, just in case.
• Ouch - hot feet alert If you will be walking with your pet, remember that while paw pads are "tough" they are also sensitive, and can be burned while walking on hot pavement and tar. If possible, walk on grass or dirt, and check your pet's paw pads to make sure there isn't any redness or pain.
• Good grooming is important for your pet's health and comfort. Speak with a groomer or veterinarian to find out what is best for your pet. A full shave may not be the answer, depending on your pet's coat/breed, and caution is advised for white and light-skinned pets getting sunburned.
• Consider a cooling dog bed. When hot weather arrives, dogs sometimes abandon their comfy beds to seek out cold spots on tile or hardwood floors. But if you want your dog to enjoy that coolness and still have the comfort of a dog bed, you could buy a cooling dog bed. Some cooling beds can be filled with water, which is then circulated through the inside of the bed to keep it cool.
• Ice cream treats or Ice Treats – Many companies now offer Dog Ice Cream or Frozen treats for your pets. So when it’s a hot day outside, remember don’t forget about your furry friends they would probably enjoy a nice cool treat to help cool them down.
Caleb L, CPNA
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Summer Travel
Over the river and through the woods……It doesn’t matter whose house you are going to, your dog wants to come too! With summer travel and ‘Take your dog to work day’ this month, I thought I should share some travel tips to make your errands or holiday more fun for 2 and 4 legged family members.
1. First Foray or Vacation Veteran? Get your pet used to all types of travel with several small trips in and around town before you attempt a 3-day cross country jaunt. Pets react in different ways and knowing your pets’ travel preferences will save a lot of grief for all of you when you are on a schedule.
2. It should go without saying, but I feel I must, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR ALONE for more than 10 minutes! Hot or cold, your pet is not accustomed to temperature extremes, and adding that to the stress of travel and separation while you “Just run in for a minute” is often too much for our furry companions.
3. Kennel or buckle your family members! Pets are helpless in an accident. Having them in a kennel or buckled with a special harness into the seat belt (any Pet Supplies “Plus” has them) will keep an accident from turning into a tragedy.
4. Identification Please! Make sure to keep tags on all of your pets, but this becomes even more important when traveling! Under stress, the most obedient pet can slip out of a kennel or car door and run out into unfamiliar territory. Also, it’s a good idea to keep copies of their vet records along for emergencies!
5. Make sure you maintain regular flea/tick and heartworm preventative. I have found that parasite populations change dramatically in different areas and you don’t want to bring home extra pests along with your dirty laundry!
1. First Foray or Vacation Veteran? Get your pet used to all types of travel with several small trips in and around town before you attempt a 3-day cross country jaunt. Pets react in different ways and knowing your pets’ travel preferences will save a lot of grief for all of you when you are on a schedule.
2. It should go without saying, but I feel I must, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR ALONE for more than 10 minutes! Hot or cold, your pet is not accustomed to temperature extremes, and adding that to the stress of travel and separation while you “Just run in for a minute” is often too much for our furry companions.
3. Kennel or buckle your family members! Pets are helpless in an accident. Having them in a kennel or buckled with a special harness into the seat belt (any Pet Supplies “Plus” has them) will keep an accident from turning into a tragedy.
4. Identification Please! Make sure to keep tags on all of your pets, but this becomes even more important when traveling! Under stress, the most obedient pet can slip out of a kennel or car door and run out into unfamiliar territory. Also, it’s a good idea to keep copies of their vet records along for emergencies!
5. Make sure you maintain regular flea/tick and heartworm preventative. I have found that parasite populations change dramatically in different areas and you don’t want to bring home extra pests along with your dirty laundry!
4 Pet Myths Busted
As a CPNA (Certified Pet Nutrition Advisor) and pet professional for 12 years, I am amazed with the amount of misinformation that caring pet parents receive! I have decided to debunk 4 of those myths.
Whatever else you do…
1. Don’t assume that because a dog is wagging his tail, that he will not bite you! A wagging tail can be a sign of happiness, but needs to be taken in context with other body language and behavior. People laugh for various reasons, out of anxiety, fear, or even pain. Same goes with the dogs’ tail. Always use caution when approaching a dog you are not familiar with and teach children to do the same.
2. This ties in to… Cat’s purr because they are happy. Many experts agree purring is more of an expression of emotion, than the exact emotion of happiness. Cats have been known to purr when in pain, while giving birth, even while dying. I even had a cat that would always purr just before he would try to bite me (one of his favorite games). Once again, look for body language and situational clues to determine your pet’s true communication.
3. Spaying and neutering your pet makes them fat. Not necessarily!!!!! Although there is a legitimate decreases in caloric needs (as much as 25%), there are other things that need to be considered in determining a pet’s daily calorie consumption needs. Activity level being the greatest, but current and ideal weight will also need to be part of the equation! Stop by a Pet Supplies Plus store and ask to speak to a CPNA (Certified Pet Nutrition Advisor), they can do a body condition score as well as ‘do the math’ to determine the correct calorie range for your individual pet. And remember, no 2 pets are identical in their metabolism or nutritional needs.
4. A dog that ‘scoots’ his rear along the ground has worms. He might, or he might not. A dirty hind end, full anal sacs and itchy behinds (usually from fleas or allergies) are more often the culprit(s).
I hope you share this info with friends and help do all we can to debunk these myths from the pet community. Stay tuned for more myth-busting in the future!
Whatever else you do…
1. Don’t assume that because a dog is wagging his tail, that he will not bite you! A wagging tail can be a sign of happiness, but needs to be taken in context with other body language and behavior. People laugh for various reasons, out of anxiety, fear, or even pain. Same goes with the dogs’ tail. Always use caution when approaching a dog you are not familiar with and teach children to do the same.
2. This ties in to… Cat’s purr because they are happy. Many experts agree purring is more of an expression of emotion, than the exact emotion of happiness. Cats have been known to purr when in pain, while giving birth, even while dying. I even had a cat that would always purr just before he would try to bite me (one of his favorite games). Once again, look for body language and situational clues to determine your pet’s true communication.
3. Spaying and neutering your pet makes them fat. Not necessarily!!!!! Although there is a legitimate decreases in caloric needs (as much as 25%), there are other things that need to be considered in determining a pet’s daily calorie consumption needs. Activity level being the greatest, but current and ideal weight will also need to be part of the equation! Stop by a Pet Supplies Plus store and ask to speak to a CPNA (Certified Pet Nutrition Advisor), they can do a body condition score as well as ‘do the math’ to determine the correct calorie range for your individual pet. And remember, no 2 pets are identical in their metabolism or nutritional needs.
4. A dog that ‘scoots’ his rear along the ground has worms. He might, or he might not. A dirty hind end, full anal sacs and itchy behinds (usually from fleas or allergies) are more often the culprit(s).
I hope you share this info with friends and help do all we can to debunk these myths from the pet community. Stay tuned for more myth-busting in the future!
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