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  • Tips to Keep Your Pets Happy As Summer Heats Up

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    As June gets closer to July, which quickly turns into August, the temperatures are getting hotter and hotter. In fact, there are many days when it feels suffocating to step outside your home!

    Just as we have trouble in the heat, our pets can also. They can also get overheated and suffer from heat stroke. Just like it can be terrifying for us, it can be for them too. It can be deadly, so you need to be prepared to help your pets throughout these hot summer months!

    Here are some ways that you can help your pet this summer.

    Make sure that your pets have plenty of water. 

    Your pets need to drink plenty of water in order to cool down and stay hydrated. You may even want to add some ice cubes to your pet’s water to help keep him or her cool.

    Your dog may enjoy having a pool. 

    Just like we like to jump in the pool to cool down, there are many dogs who love splashing and playing around in a baby pool.

    This may help keep them cool, especially when they have been active outside. However, they may just enjoy it, even if they weren’t running around and playing. It can just be a nice way to cool off.

    Amazon offers many different doggie pools, like this one, to help keep your dogs as cool as possible this summer!

    Product Available on Amazon

    Do your best to keep your pets in the shade. 

    Lying around in the sun can be nice, but everyone needs a place where they can get out of it! If your backyard doesn’t have any shade trees, you may want to look into a dog house or shed where your pets can hide.

    If there aren’t many places to hide, make sure that you look under your vehicles before you leave. 

    Many animals will hide in the shade of a vehicle, and can get run over when their owners leave. For this reason, you need to look around before you drive off.

    Be careful with exercise. 

    On really hot days, you might not want to take your dog on his or her usual five-mile walk. That may be too much. You can take shorter walks instead. You may want to get up early before the day gets too hot, or wait until it is cooler in the evening. Some people may do a mile in the morning and one in the evening to still get their dog (and themselves) some exercise.

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    When you do go out, make sure that you take plenty of breaks. 

    Don’t overdo it. If you or your dog needs to take a break, do so. Take along plenty of water so that both of you can stay hydrated while you are out. And if you need to stop early, please do so for the health and safety of you and your pet.

    Never leave your pets in a hot car. 

    It is way too hot to leave your pets in the hot car, even with the air conditioner running. It doesn’t take long for your car to get over one hundred degrees, which can really hurt your pet (if not kill him or her).

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    The best way to keep your pets happy and healthy as the temperatures rise is to make sure that they have enough water. If you have a dog that loves to play outside, a kiddie pool may be the best. It is a good way for them to cool off after a good romp. You should also make sure that there is plenty of shade in your yard, so that they can get out of the sun if needed.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Choose The Right Kennel For Your Pet

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    As summer approaches quickly, more and more people are starting to plan their summer vacations. Many rush to different beaches where they can spend time lying in the sun and playing in the water. Others prefer to go to a remote cabin in the woods. Some people enjoy visiting amusement parks, while others prefer to explore different cities and cultures.

    Regardless of your plans, you will likely not be able to take your beloved pet with you. For this reason, you may be looking for the perfect kennel. Here are some tips to help you find one.

    Do your research. 

    Ask around to find out which kennels your friends have tried and liked. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian. Many veterinarians receive recommendations from their clients about kennels, and they can pass them on.

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    Start early. 

    Many of the good kennels fill up quickly, so you should book your kennel as soon as you book your vacation. In fact, you should be doing your research before you even do that!

    Many people prefer to use kennels that have both an indoor and an outdoor area. 

    This allows your pet to get plenty of exercise, no matter how busy the kennel is. If your dog is in a kennel all day and only gets a few short walks a day, he or she is going to be wound up when you get back home. This may be fine for a few days, but a week or more might be overwhelming for your dog, especially if he or she is really active.

    Will they let you visit the facility? 

    When visiting, you’ll want to take a look around and assess the cleanliness of the kennel. Though there are going to be times when multiple cages are getting cleaned at once, the kennels should be in good condition, one that you wouldn’t be afraid to take your dog.

    What about your dog? 

    Some kennels offer trial days, where you can board your dog at the kennel for a few hours to ensure they are comfortable with the place. That being said, if the kennel you want to use is too busy or full, you may not be able to try this.

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    With various diseases that can spread rapidly throughout a kennel, it is essential to know which vaccinations are required. 

    At the very least, you will want to ensure that all dogs entering the facility have a valid Rabies vaccine and one that protects against Kennel Cough. The distemper shot, for both dogs and cats, is also a good idea.

    Don’t hesitate to ask kennel owners about any certifications and licenses that they may have. 

    Though all states are different, kennels may need to have different licenses to operate. Many kennels want to ensure they have the right employees and may require them to hold certifications in first aid, among other things.

    You may also want to know how many caretakers are on staff at any given time, along with the number of pets being boarded. 

    If there is just one person to take care of forty dogs, he or she will have their hands full. That being said, you shouldn’t expect kennels to be fully staffed at all times.

    You may want to consider meeting the caretakers before you take your dog to the kennel. 

    Though many kennels hire high schoolers to help with the extra load in the summer, you are going to want to make sure that there are plenty of adults around so that your dog is safe with the kennel.

    You should ask about what they will do in case of an emergency.

     You want to know if your kennel will take your pet to the veterinarian in case of an emergency. Although they may have one that they work with closely, you may also want to find out if they are comfortable taking your pet to the veterinarian that your pet is used to.

    You may also want to inquire about their policies regarding dogs that are stressed or nervous in a new environment. 

    What will your kennel do to make sure that your dog is more comfortable? Are they able to spend more time with pets that are pretty scared? Can they walk the dogs around for those who are too nervous to do much of anything? Will they make sure that your dog eats?

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    Choosing a boarding kennel can be overwhelming, but when you find the right one, you can leave your dogs to go on vacation without worrying about them. For this reason, you need to take your time and ask around. Then, ask the kennel questions until you feel confident. You may even want to tour the facility and see if your dog can stay there for a few hours to make sure that he or she will do fine when you are away.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July

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    Although many people love the Fourth of July and all the fireworks that accompany it, it’s an entirely different story for our beloved pets. Many are terrified of the noises, which can persist for hours. In fact, with the holiday falling in the middle of the week, celebrations may continue from this weekend until the next one.

    So, what can you do for your beloved pet? Here are some tips to help.

    You may want to discuss medication with your veterinarian. 

    Many medications can help pets through fireworks and even storms. Many veterinarians prescribe Trazadone and Gabapentin. Some dogs or cats need only one, while others use a combination of the two. However, it is important to remember that these medications need at least two or three hours to take effect, so you will need to make sure that you give them when you anticipate fireworks.

    Since July Fourth is on a weekday, your dog or cat may need to take this medication all weekend and through next weekend! You may be able to give a smaller dose if you give the medications once or twice daily.

    Your veterinarian will recommend a trial to see how your pet reacts before you find yourself dealing with the fireworks.

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    Ensure that your dog or cat is in a safe location when the fireworks are going off. 

    You should never have your dog or cat outside when there are fireworks. Many dogs and cats are lost because they take off as soon as the fireworks start! These animals aren’t going to come out right away because of their fear.

    In fact, you may want to keep him or her in a room that is quiet. 

    You may want to choose a central location without windows so that your dog or cat can’t see the flashing lights of the fireworks.

    It may help to play music or have the television on so that your dog or cat is less likely to hear the fireworks. 

    You want your dog or cat to be comfortable, and the fireworks won’t sound as loud if there is white noise or at least some sort of background noise.

    Amazon offers a white noise machine for dogs, which may be perfect to keep your pet from worrying about the outside noise.

    Product available on Amazon.

    Some dogs do well with thunder shirts (or weighted blankets). 

    These are made to be worn during times of high stress. Many dogs are calmer when they are wearing these tight thunder shirts. If you don’t have one, a weighted blanket may help to comfort your dog.

    Amazon sells Thunder shirts in multiple colors and sizes to help your dog get through the holiday season!

    Product Available on Amazon

    It may help to wear out your dog or cat before the fireworks start. 

    Make sure that you spend plenty of time walking or playing with your dog or cat so that they are tired and ready to sleep before the fireworks start. A dog with too much pent-up energy is just going to be overwhelmed by fireworks, and who knows what kind of trouble he or she will get into?

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    If you know that your dog or cat has severe firework anxiety, the time to talk to your veterinarian is now! He or she may prescribe one or two medications to help take away the anxiety of fireworks. However, you need to conduct a trial to determine the correct dosage for your pet. These medications also need to be given a few hours prior to when they are needed, so it is important that you are ready before they happen!

    Otherwise, you are going to want to make sure that he or she is locked inside the house in a safe place. Too many dogs and cats run away and get lost because they are so scared. You may even want to turn the television on to help drown out the column. It may even help to wear your dog or cat out before they start so that they are more likely to get some sleep.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.