KEEP YOUR COOL Summertime Tips for Happy, Healthy Pets June marks the official start of summer, and with long, warm days on the
an eye on them when they’re near water. Never force your pet to swim, and if you find yourself near a pool, make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink so it doesn’t drink the pool water! The chlorine and other chemicals can make your pet sick. Also, beware of water getting in your dog's ears and setting them up for infection. Overheating and Dehydration This is one of the biggest dangers of summer, but with a little care, you can keep your pet cool all summer long. Make sure they always have fresh, cool water available to drink. If they spend a lot of time outdoors, ensure there are shady spots for them to retreat from the sun. Take walks and exercise your pet during the coolest parts of the day and never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle, as it can lead to heatstroke.
horizon, you’re probably making plans to have fun in the sun with your pets. But too much sun and heat can lead to dehydration or heat stroke, and there are other, lesser-known summer health hazards as well. Here are a few to watch out for this June. Pests We’re always reminding our clients about the power of preventive care to keep your pets healthy. If you haven’t already, get a checkup scheduled with us, and let’s talk about your pet’s needs to prevent heartworm, fleas, and ticks. As the weather warms up and pets get outside more, their risk of encountering pests increases. Water Swimming can be a great way to stay cool in the summer for humans and dogs alike! But if your pet isn’t a strong swimmer, be sure to keep
Finally, get acquainted with the symptoms of overheating in pets:
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Drooling
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Excessive panting Difficulty breathing
Weakness, stupor, or collapse Elevated body temperature
Increased heart or respiratory rate
If you notice your dog is panting a lot but isn’t exhibiting other symptoms, move them to a cool place to prevent overheating. If your dog is exhibiting several of these symptoms, take action immediately! Wet your pet with cool — but not cold — water. Offer drinking water, but don’t force them to drink until they’re ready. And, of course, give Dr. Jeff or Dr. Susie a call to provide further instructions or aid.
Chewy Cat Treats Inspired by JoyTheBaker.com
Clients Spreading the Word Thanks so much to these clients who referred new patients to us last month:
Turn your cat’s favorite meal into a scrumptious treat!
INGREDIENTS
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2 tbsp water
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1 large egg
Sonia Swartz Denise Massart Cora Johnton Cassandra Kelten
1 cup brown rice flour 1/2 cup rice, cooked
4 oz wet cat food
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
2 tsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. 2. In a medium bowl, combine egg, cat food, parsley, olive oil, and water. 3. Add flour and rice, stirring to blend the mixture together. 4. On a prepared baking sheet, spread the mixture evenly, about 1/3-inch thick. Bake for 12–15 minutes. 5. Let cool, then slice treats into bite-size pieces. 6. Bake for an additional 8 minutes. 7. Allow treats to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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