Month: July 2015

/ Janet L. Ackerman, DVM / 2 Comments

Bulldog dressed up      Keep Pets Cool This Summer!

We all know that summer heat can be as hard on our pets as it is on us. But did you know that it can be extra stressful for elderly pets, and those with certain conditions, such as heartworms, congestive heart failure, or anemia? Since dogs cool off by panting, it’s harder for certain breeds, especially those with super-short muzzles, like Pugs and English Bulldogs, to keep a normal body temperature. Heavy-coated animals will get overheated quicker than short coated breeds. It’s like they’re wearing a thick sweater, and can’t take it off! Persian cats have the double-whammy, with their short noses and long coat.
Horses, for the most part, adapt to our Southern heat, as long as they have access to shade, fresh water, and a salt block. Fans and water misters can help keep them cool.  Hose them down and use a sweat scraper to remove extra water after exercise, or any time they appear heat stressed.  Avoid riding during the hottest part of the day.

Take sensible precautions for your pets, especially those with special conditions.  Shade and fresh water are essential for outdoor pets.  Fans and kiddie pools can help keep  them from overheating, but they may need more than that when temperatures become extreme (you may need to bring them indoors).  Never, ever leave pets in a car when it’s warm outside, even with the windows down.  Get summer clips for heavy coated dogs, and even cats if they go outdoors much.  Walk your dog in the morning, before temperatures soar upward.

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Routine Annual Blood Work

/ Janet L. Ackerman, DVM / Leave a comment

Our furclipartry friends unfortunately age much quicker than we do. While we perform comprehensive examinations, we are unable to see what is going on internally. This is where routine annual blood work comes in.

We can catch early signs of medical conditions (such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease) that we would otherwise be unable to identify on exam, often before your pet is ever sick. When caught early many conditions can be managed or cured with a simple diet change or medication.

If the blood work is normal, then we will have a baseline should your pet later become sick.

Microchip saves a life!

/ Janet L. Ackerman, DVM / Leave a comment
Although Independence Day is a time of celebration for our nation, it can be quite scary for dogs that do not understand the bright lights and loud booms.  Pets can panic and do things they would not normally do.  We know of two dogs that did exactly that this past 4th of July.  Fortunately, both were reunited with their owners, but the stories could have had tragic endings instead.

In one case, Bo, an adult German Shepherd, escaped his yard, ran loose, and ended up in a drain pipe, very frightened.  Fortunately, the person who found him was able to take him to a local shelter, where he was later found by his owner and returned home.  Imagine if no one had made the effort to take him to the Rescue site.  In the other case, Bella also escaped, traveled at LEAST 3 miles, and was found by someone who noticed her Save This Life microchip tag.  The Good Samaritan Google searched the tag number, Bella’s owners were notified right away, and the family was happily reunited in less than 24 hours.

Pets can easily become separated from their owners, for many reasons.  Having a microchip put in your pet ahead of time literally can SAVE HIS LIFE!  And, give you some peace of mind, knowing you can be notified when your pet is found.

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