Pet Alerts

PET ALERTS!

Xylitol Poisoning Cocoa Mulch

Parvovirus

Anti-Freeze/Coolant Foxtails

Death Cap Mushroom Fireworks

Raisin Toxicity Tennis Balls Pain Medications

Christmas Tree Water Choke Collars/Cold

Lawn Fertilizers Blastomycosis Bloat

Clumping Litter West Nile Virus

Lawn Fertilizers Heat Stroke Airline Breed Bans

Pedigree vs. Adoption Common Poisons

Emergency Plan Poisonous

Emergency Stickers Pets vs. Feeders

Cat Toy Warning Pets as Gifts

Blood Donation Holiday Dangers

People Pills Ice Melting Chemicals/Salt

Chocolate Poisoning Salmonella - Toys

Anti-Freeze/Coolant Tie Outs

Airlines -Summer Travel Rawhide Chews

Trash Stealers Summer Safety

Intentional Poisoning Pain Relievers

Xylitol Poisoning - Xylitol is a new sugar substitute taking over the gum and mint market. It can also be found in baked goods, diabetic products, dental products and dietary supplements. Xylitol can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar causing loss of coordination, seizures, and vomiting. Smaller dogs may show symptoms quickly while larger dogs may show symptoms up to 12 hours after ingestion. In severe cases, it can cause liver failure. If you suspect your dog has ingested Xylitol, please call or take your dog to the vet immediately. Please see the links below for more info:

http://www2.aspca.org/site/DocServer/vetm0207f_095-100_.pdf?docID=10462

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/oct06/061001b.asp

Cocoa Mulch - Cocoa mulch is a product found at your local home improvement stores sold as mulch, fertilizer, and ground cover. It is made from the left-over ground up shells of the cocoa seeds. Obviously, it's popularity is related to the smell of chocolate. Chocolate is poisonous to most pets when consumed in large quantities. Generally chocolate will give your pet an upset stomach in small amounts but, in larger amounts, it can cause seizures and heart problems.

According to the ASPCA website, most dogs do not show an interest in the product but that puppies who are naturally curious, may eat it by mistake. With a product like cocoa mulch, it is better to err on the side of caution and do not use it in a yard with dogs or cats. If you think your dog or cat has ingested cocoa mulch, please take him to the vet asap. For more information visit the website below:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=0+1275&aid=3004

Death Cap Mushrooms - Unfortunately we recently heard a sad story of a puppy in the San Francisco area that accidentally died after eating a tiny amount of a Death Cap Mushroom....we hope that some good will come of this terrible accident by alerting our visitors to the dangers of mushrooms. Since a dog cannot distinguish between types of mushrooms, never let your dog near or even sniff around mushrooms! Even a tiny amount of the Death Cap Mushroom is fatal. Be sure to inspect your yard regularly and remove an mushrooms, keep your dog on a leash when walking in mushroom prone areas and contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog may have ingested a mushroom. Death Cap Mushrooms seem to be abundant this year due to the unseasonably cold weather in the San Francisco and Northern California area. Death Cap Mushrooms can be found mostly under shaded oak trees in the late summer to late fall months. Please check out the following websites for more information:

http://www.petfinder.org/journalindex.cgi?path=/public/animalcare/health/1.34.4.txt

http://members.aol.com/basidium/deathcap.html

Airline Breed Bans - American Airlines recently had an incident with a Pit Bull who escaped from a carrier and chewed through navigational equipment. Therefore, they have banned dog breeds known for aggressive behavior such as; Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers. Many airlines are following American Airlines. If you are have one of these breeds and plan on traveling...be sure to contact your airlines for specific breed restrictions.

Bloat - Bloat is a condition that is usually found in large breed dogs but occasionally is seen in smaller breeds. Bloat is a build-up of gases in the stomach which can cause severe bloating and discomfort. In severe cases, Bloat can cause a twisting of the stomach called Gastric Distortion which is life-threatening. Bloat is usually seen in dogs that eat very quickly and swallow air or play hard or run directly after eating. Males are more susceptible as well as dogs that are underweight and then suddenly over eat. Symptoms of Bloat include distended stomach or abdomen area, foamy vomit, and pacing or getting up and down. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from Bloat, you should take him to the vet immediately to avoid complications of a twisted stomach which can be life-threatening. There are several steps you can take to immediately reduce the chances of your dog getting bloat:

Feed smaller amounts twice per day.
Feed larger size kibble so that your dog has to chew his food well.
Do not exercise directly after eating.
Raise food and water bowls

Again, if you suspect your dog has bloat, take him to the vet immediately for treatment.

Tie Outs and Choke Collars - Many dog owners with no fenced property use tie outs as a way for their dog to have safe outdoor activity...however, there are many dangers associated with these types of products. Here are some simple tips to keep your dog safe:

Never use a choke collar to tie a dog. If the dog does become entangled, a choke collar can quickly strangle a dog. There are quick-release collars available at your local pet store.
Never tie a dog to a tree, car, clothesline, etc. They can quickly become entangled causing severe injuries to the legs. There are many products that have their own in-ground attachments.
Never tie your dog near a fence, tree, or other object that can cause strangulation. Keep away from driveways or streets where the dog can get run over. It is always best to tie in a open area with shade nearby.
Never leave your dog tied for long periods of time unattended. A bored dog will get into trouble.

Always supervise your dog and provide plenty of water.

Tennis Balls - Do you have a large breed dog that loves to chase and catch tennis balls? Although not a common hazard, tennis balls do pose a choking hazard for large breed dogs. Tennis balls are just small enough to become lodged in a larger dog's throat and cause suffocation. We recommend that if you allow your dogs to play with tennis balls, always supervise their play. If a tennis ball should become lodged in the throat, first try removing it with your hand. If it cannot be removed try the canine Heimlich

http://members.aol.com/henryhbk/acpr.html

Raisin Toxicity - Raisins are a fruit that is very high in iron. Iron overload causes kidney failure and has recently contributed to several canine deaths and is long known to cause liver failure in softbill birds. Two or three grapes or raisins do not seem to affect a dog but if a dog should accidentally get access to large amounts, it could be lethal. Signs of poisoning include gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and hunched over look. If your dog ingests more than a few grapes or raisins at any one time, please watch him carefully and take him to the vet immediately if he develops symptoms.

http://www.aspca.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6432

In softbill birds such as mynahs and toucans iron overload is a very real health concern. These types of birds are not able to eliminate iron from their bodies...therefore, it stores in the liver and over time becomes too much for the liver to handle. Be sure to feed your bird foods that are not high in iron.

http://www.oldworldaviaries.com/text/styles/Hemochromatosis.html

Choke Collars/Cold - If your dog lives outdoors during the winter season and has a metal collar, commonly called a choke collar, he could receive serious skin burns. During a freeze, metal collars attract the cold and become cold enough for the collar to stick to the skin and burn (probably a lot like sticking your tongue on a cold ice cube - do not try). It is easily cured by give your dog either a nylon or leather collar. If you use a metal collar and notice that your dog's skin has turned black around the neck, please take your dog to the vet immediately.

Christmas Tree Water - Christmas is a dangerous time of year for most pets. Besides the usual challenges of keeping your pets way from candy, pionsettias, ornaments, tree toppling, tinsel, and candles, you can add drinking tree water to a list of dangers. Freshly cut trees can ooze poisonous resins and some trees have been sprayed with chemicals and pesticides that may leak into the water stand. These types of poison and chemicals can upset a pets stomach. To prevent tree water drinking, wrap tin foil around tree stand and mold foil to trunk to prevent access.

West Nile Virus - We recently received some emails concerning the West Nile Virus and how it affects our pets. We have read several articles from Veterinarians, the CDC and several State Governments concerning the West Nile Virus. First, this is a virus that is found in wild birds, horses, bats, chipmunks and rabbits. Wild birds and horses seem to be the most affected. It can be deadly to birds and horses however, it is not generally lethal to a healthy pet or healthy human. Pet birds and horses are the most likely to be affected by the virus. Keeping your bird indoors and your horse adequately covered in equine approved repellent is the best prevention. It is transferred by mosquitoes. A mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then transfers the infected blood to another host (such as a dog or person). There is no transfer via any other method (airborne, saliva, etc). An infected mosquito can infect you or your pet with the virus, however, healthy people and pets do not generally show symptoms and are unaware that they are infected. There have been no confirmed reports of the West Nile Virus causing illness in pets. There are pets that have positive blood tests for West Nile Virus but do not show outward symptoms. There are confirmed reports of the virus being deadly to the elderly and to very small children. Below are links for more information on the West Nile Virus:

http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/animals/other_animals.htm

http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/health.htm

http://www.state.ct.us/doag/wnvfact2.htm

Our information is intended as a resource and is not meant to replace medical or veterinary care, advice or treatment. Your first resource should always be your doctor or veterinarian.

Blastomycosis - One of our visitors, Martha Yukich, was kind enough to tell us her story about her dog Charlie who was diagnosed with this dangerous fungal infection. She also suggested that we alert our visitors to this fungus and we agree!

Blastomycosis is a fungus that lives anywhere where there is damp soil such as along river beds, marshes and beaches. It is commonly found in the Great Lakes region and Eastern Shores. A dog (and also people) becomes infected when they inhale fungal spores. These spores cause respiratory infections that are difficult to treat. These spores can also get into open wounds causing ulcerations and lesions that won't heal. Symptoms can include high fevers that do not respond to treatment, coughing, shortness of breath, and abrasions that won't heal and chronically drain. A dog diagnosed with Blastomycosis has a poor prognosis and treatment can become quite costly. If you suspect your dog has been exposed to this fungus, please contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment. Below is a link to a website with additional information:

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/blstomyc.html

Cat Clumping Litter - Several of our visitors have recently asked about the health concerns of clay clumping litter and their cat. The common term for this health issue is Bentonite Toxicosis. Bentonite is a mineral ingredient found in any clay and clay product such as clay cat clumping litter. This mineral is prized for its absorbing and clumping qualities, thus why it is used in cat litter. It is believed that clay cat litter may be responsible for the rise in stomach problems in cats. The problem can begin when a cat gets the clumping material stuck to their feet or hair and proceeds to lick it off. Overtime, the product is said to "clog" the intestinal tract and cause irritations to the stomach lining. Symptoms may include; diarrhea, vomiting (with no hairballs), and irritable bowel syndrome.

If you are concerned enough to change cat litters, there are many products on the market from which to choose. Some types include; pellets of recycled newspaper, pine or grains, or litter pearls made from silica. We have recommended litter pearls in the past because of its absorbing qualities and minimizing of odors, however, it can be cost prohibitive.

From our research, it seems that there is a lot of disagreement as to whether or not this is an actual health problem. From our perspective, it does seem to make sense that a product that is like glue when wet, could be a health issue in the digestive tract. However, we have listed some links below that have more information on the topic:

http://www.thelighthouseonline.com/marina/articles/moredata.html

http://www.thelighthouseonline.com/marina/articles/clump.html

http://www.thelighthouseonline.com/marina/articles/hornfeldt.html

Common Poisons - We are frequently asked, after the fact, if a household product or plant is poisonous. Curious puppies, kittens and small animals are particularly susceptible to poisonings. Since the list of poisons is huge, we have decided to link to sites that supply information on various types of poisons:

http://www.avma.org/pubhlth/poisgde.asp (vet common list)

http://www.napcc.aspca.org/ (national animal poison control)

http://bullmastiffinfo.tripod.com/poison-plants.html (plants)

http://member.aol.com/shibalist/poison.htm (household list)

If your pet has come into contact with any type of poison or is showing the following symptoms; vomiting, confusion, convulsions, drooling, panting, etc... take it to the vet immediately.

Chocolate Poisoning - Chocolate is poisonous to most pets. Valentines Day and Easter are Holidays where people receive and eat the most chocolate. Most pets have a sweet tooth and will eat chocolate if given the chance. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination. Dangerous amounts of chocolate depending on weight are equal to one candy bar in small pets to 2 candy bars in large pets. If you suspect your pet has consumed chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately.

1/28/01 - Pros/Cons Pedigree vs. Non-Pedigree or Adoption -

Pedigree

Non-Pedigree

Adoption

Pros

Bred for specific characteristics and behavior

Saving a life, mix-breeds are hardier, longer lifespan and less costly

Cons

Costly, Inherited Health Problems, shorter lifespan, High Maintenance

Can have behavioral problems

1/23/01 - Emergency Plan - Before an emergency happens, it is very important to consider what you will do or what will happen to your pets in an emergency. The following is a guideline of what you should have on hand in an emergency:

1. Keep all collars and leashes in an easily accessible place. Keep extra collars, leashes and bowls in the car.

2. Have carriers/kennels in accessible place for easy access. These are very important in an emergency since animals can easily become frightened and lost. Be sure each pet has their own pet carrier.

3. Be sure to write down emergency numbers of shelter, poison control and veterinarians in several places such as your wallet and near the phone. Ask a family member or neighbor if they would be willing to care for your pets in an emergency, in case you are unable to return home.

4. Have a first aid kit for humans and pets. The first aid kit should contain gauze wrap, non-stick bandages, adhesive tape, towels, blankets, syringe (without needle) for flushing, scissors, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment and bottled water. You may also have use for a bucket which makes a great first aid storage container.

5. Always have on hand at least one week of food. Have an extra set of bowls available.

Click here to see our emergency sticker information

Pet CPR information: http://www.interpetexplorer.com/html/cpr.html

1/18/01 - Poisonous Fireflies - If you are a reptile owner and thinking of catching your reptile a special treat...watch out for those fireflies! Vets in the mid-west and the east are seeing a rise in the number of reptiles coming into their clinics with Firefly poisoning. Most animals in the wild that eat bugs stay away from Fireflies. The reason is that their bioluminescence is a neon sign that says steer clear, I am poisonous. The bioluminescence chemicals of fireflies are not the actual poison, but a self-defense toxin called Lucibufagins similar to toxins in toads. The bioluminescence of the fireflies serves as a warning to predators. If you would like some hand-caught insects for your reptile, try crickets, earthworms, and moths.

1/12/01 - Pets vs. Feeders - While not actually a "Pet Alert" we wanted to shed some light on a topic that is a sore subject with small animal owners and fish owners. We are all aware that feeders are for sale in our local pet stores as food for certain reptiles, but are unaware that in non-reputable pet stores these same animals are also sold as pets. A reputable pet store gets its feeders from a different supplier than its pet suppliers. Feeders are bred for this specific purpose and are not socialized in any way. Feeders are generally albinos and are kept in a separate area of the store. Pet stock should be well-socialized, kept in good health and not in overcrowded conditions. Pet stock comes in a wide array of colors and usually have specially bred traits selling for higher prices. Check with your local pet store to be sure that they are purchasing their pet stock separate from their feeder stock and that they are kept separate. Even though it can be distasteful, it is necessary for the health of most reptiles.

11/26/00 - Emergency Stickers - One of our visitors wanted to know where to find emergency stickers for family and friends with pets. Emergency stickers are put in windows near the front door and back door that alert emergency personnel ( in the event of an emergency such as a fire, earthquake, etc. ) as to how many pets are located in the house, the pet's names and type of pet. This is critical information if your pet is to be located in an emergency by emergency personnel. You can check with your local pet store to find out if they carry these stickers or call your local police or fire department to see if they give them out for free. You can also make them yourself by going to your local office supply store such as Staples or Office Depot and buying sticker sheets, magnetic sheets, or labels and print them out on your computer. Below are samples of what they should look like. Please feel free to use these graphics (please copy them to your hard drive). Cut and paste these graphics to your Word program by right clicking on graphic - select copy and then paste in Word (or other word processing program).

911

In Case of

Please save our family pets:

1 Fido 1 Ferret Fuzzy

1 Cat Fluffy 1 Sugar Glider Gizmo

1 Bird Tweety 1 Snake Slither

Below is a link to the ASPCA:

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=emergency

Holiday Dangers - Holidays can be a dangerous time of year for a pet, especially for puppies and kittens. All of the pretty decorations can be quite a distraction and look so appetizing.

Halloween

1. Keep your pets indoors as much as possible a couple of days before and after Halloween to prevent pranksters from harming them (especially cats).

2. During trick or treat hours, keep your pets in a closed room to prevent them slipping out the door when trick or treaters arrive. Try turning on a tv or radio to help soothe them with all the commotion.

3. Candles can cause serious burns to pets who might knock them over.

4. Do not leave candy accessible to pets. Eating Chocolate and entire bowls of candy can be lethal to a pet.

Christmas

1. Tinsel for a Christmas tree can be the most dangerous. When tinsel is ingested it can cause a blockage of the intestines and the tinsel's sharp edges can cut the intestinal wall. If you suspect your pet has ingested tinsel or other ornaments, call your vet immediately. Symptoms to watch for are vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. We recommend you do not use tinsel at all and keep your ornaments and decorations out of your pet's reach.

2. Candles are a popular decoration during the Holidays but when knocked over by an excited pet, the hot wax can cause serious burns and even fires.

3. Poinsettias are poisonous to pets, as well as holly berries and mistletoe.

4. Be sure to anchor your tree so that an eager cat or puppy cannot knock it over.

Have a Safe Holiday!

Cat Toy Warning - Fresh Step Cat Litter ran a promotion that distributed cat toys in its bags of litter. These cat toys pose a potential strangulation danger. It has been reported that the blue felt mouse contained in the litter packages has attached wires that have strangled two cats and seriously cut others. You should return the mouse toy to the company and in return will receive a free bag of litter. You can contact the company at:

Customer Service, Fresh Step

Clorox Pet Products Co.

1221 Broadway

Oakland, CA 94612

Pets as Gifts - This time of year it is so tempting to buy a cute pet as a Holiday gift. Unfortunately, many of these pets are a surprise and are unwanted. After the Holidays, the shelters are overwhelmed with these "pet gifts". Here are some ideas to keep in mind for the Holidays:

1. Wait until after the Holidays and then visit your local shelter to find the perfect pet.

2. Get as much information about the care and upkeep of the pet before buying.

3. Pets are not impulse items, wait a couple of days and think about it. Chances are you will change your mind.

4. Never give a pet as a surprise gift. Be sure to check with the recipient to see if they want a pet.

5. Give your family pet extra love and attention during the Holidays!

Blood Donation - Everyday, because of disease, injury, or surgery, blood or blood products are required on an emergency basis. Do you have an easy-going, large breed dog who would be willing to give a little time, and the much needed gift of blood to a fellow canine? Blood Banks are always in need of healthy dogs, between 2-6 years of age, weighing at least 55 pounds, currently vaccinated, and who have never given birth, to be volunteer blood donors. The owners are required to keep the donor current on vaccinations and on heartworm preventative medication, which are provide to you. If you have a cat, there is also a need for cat blood. However, cat blood does not store and is drawn as needed. Therefore, you can be put on a list to be called in an emergency. Cats must weigh at least 10 pounds to be a blood donor and can give between 40 and 50 milliliters each time. Similar health checks and observations are made for blood-donor cats. Please call your local veterinary clinic to see how your pet can become a blood-donor and help save other pet's lives.

Ice Melting Chemicals/Salt - It is starting to get cold and with cold comes snow. Many community areas such as sidewalks and roads are treated with ice melting chemicals and salt to remove the snow. These chemicals can cause severe chemical burns to your dog's feet pads. Avoid walking your dog where you know these chemicals have been used. It is important to wash your dogs feet after contact with these chemicals to prevent burning and ingestion of these substances. There are products on the market such as dog mittens and protective footwear that can protect the pads. For home use, try Safe Paws Ice Melter which is an ice melter that is safe for paws, eyes and skin. It is safe to use on decks, driveways, concrete and lawns.

People Pills - There have been a growing number of cases involving pets that accidentally ingest "people pills". Naturally inquisitive pets and pets that are able to climb on counters are the most susceptible such as dogs, ferrets, etc. People dosages can be many times more potent than a pet's dosage, creating a dangerous and sometimes lethal overdose. For the safety of your pets (and children), do not leave medicine bottles on counters, be sure to put child locks on medicine cabinets, check your floors for any dropped medications. Signs of an overdose include vomiting, drunken appearance, overly sleepy, convulsions, drooling, panting and stomach pain. If you suspect your pet has poisoned, call your vet immediately!

Halloween Hazards - Below are some things that can help your pet have a safe Halloween:

1. Chocolate is poisonous to almost all pets, as well as any type of candy can make an upset stomach. Keep your treat bowls out of reach of sniffing noses and sneaky paws.

2. On Halloween night, keep pets in a closed room or in a kennel to prevent them from slipping through an open door.

3. On Halloween night, if your pet is nervous around strangers or new things, keep them in a closed room or kennel to prevent any biting accidents.

4. Please keep your pets indoors (especially cats) as much as possible during the month of October to avoid them being stolen by pranksters or for satanic rituals.

Intentional Poisonings - Recently in our town, we have had news of intentional pet poisonings. This is a crime and could happen in any neighborhood. To prevent intentional poisonings; keep gates locked, keep animals indoors when unattended (if you can) or keep animals in pens when unattended, keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the neighborhood, and prevent your pet access to gates and the front of house where someone could give your pet contaminated food. Signs and symptoms of poisonings include; lethargy, vomiting, bleeding, and in severe cases; convulsions and paralysis. Some intentional poisonings are fatal (strychnine and arsenic). If you suspect your pet has been intentionally poisoned, wrap him in a warm blanket, keep him quiet and take him to the vet immediately for treatment and testing. Call the Police...this is a punishable crime!

Salmonella on Animal By-Product Chew Toys - This is not meant as a scare tactic, just as an information resource. Pig Ears are known to be susceptible to salmonella. Some manufacturers are now irradiating their products to protect their customers from this bacteria. Other chew toys that are suspected of caring salmonella are hooves and rawhide chews (used). Your best protection from this bacteria is to thoroughly wash your hands after playing with your dog and his toys.

Pain Relievers and other Human Medications - DANGER: Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, Aspirin and other pain medications, can be deadly to your pet! All types of pain relievers are poisonous to most pets, especially cats. Pets often get into trouble when they find medications, vitamins and herbal supplements on the floor or in the trash. It is easy for a small pet to be overdosed by a human sized dosage. Remember to keep medications in medicine cabinets and take special care when throwing them in the trash. Always call your vet prior to administering any medication. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has poisoned.

Lawn Fertilizers - It's Spring! Spring and Summer are traditionally the times of year when we fertilize our lawn the most, trying to keep it green. However, grass eating is a favorite pastime of our pets. This can be a dangerous combination. Grass stalks soak up the fertilizer creating a potential dangerous poisoning situation. It is recommended that you keep your pets off the lawn or keep them from eating the grass for about 2-3 days after fertilizing. If you must let your pets on the lawn, be sure to water it thoroughly and several times prior to letting your pets on the lawn. Symptoms of pets with fertilizer poisoning can be continued vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect your pet may have been poisoned, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Rawhide Chews - Rawhide chews are a great treat for your dog, however, keep in mind that too much of a good thing can be bad. Dogs have been known to swallow the rawhide whole. This can cause serious stomach blockages because when the rawhide gets wet from the stomach juices, it swells to twice its normal size. We are not saying that you should stop giving your pet rawhide chews, we are suggesting that you should supervise and take the rawhide away if your dog does not adequately chew the pieces.

Trash Stealers - This can be a particularly hard habit to break because once discovered as a source of hidden treats, your pet will return again and again. The danger to your pet, besides the nuisance it causes, are the many items you throw away which can be life-threatening. Bag and throw out separately the items listed below:

Aluminum Foil which can cause lacerations to the stomach lining
Plastic Wrap which can cause strangulation or blockages
Bones which can cause lacerations to the throat and stomach
Open cans with jagged edges can cause lacerations to the tongue and gums
Prescriptions which can cause an overdose

If you have a habitual trash stealer, check out our tip on how to break this habit

Summer Safety - We all love to take our pets with us and have them join in on the summer fun....the following are some tips to keep in mind for the safety of our pets:

Beach Safety - Running on the beach can make a pet thirsty...remember saltwater can make your pet vomit and become dehydrated. Always carry extra water for yourself and your pet. Many beaches are located near sewer outlets....these outlets potentially carry parasites such as coccidia and giardia that can cause severe diarrhea. Do not let your pet drink from these sewer outlets.
Boating Safety - As with humans your pets should wear life jackets. Although they may know how to swim, in the event they fall over board without being seen or you are in a boating accident, it is better safe than sorry.
Car Safety - Never leave your pet in the car unattended!! Any pet can die of overheating within minutes. During the summer it seems more people travel with their pets in their cars. Never leave your dog in a car for even a few minutes. The temperature in a parked car, even with the windows cracked, can be 20 degrees hotter than outside. As with humans, in an accident your pet can easily be thrown from the car or through a window. There are many types of seatbelts on the market for all types of pets. The next best way to transport a pet (specially birds) is in a kennel or carrier. Do not let your dog hang its head out the window. Many dogs are seen in vet offices for foreign objects in their eyes from flying debris and hematomas (a blood filled pocket or clot) on the ear flaps caused by their ears flapping in the wind. Don't forget to carry along a water container and water bottle.
Hiking - Hiking is hard work and will make your pet very thirsty. Do not let them drink from streams...they may be contaminated with parasites like coccidia and giardia that cause severe diarrhea. Be sure to take extra water for yourself and your pet. Always carry a first aid kit for those unforeseen emergencies.
Walking - Don't forget that sidewalks, streets and metal walking areas can become extremely hot in direct sunlight causing burns to your pets feet. If the pads should become burned, rinse with water, cover with a a clean sock and see your vet immediately.

Fireworks - If your pet is afraid of fireworks then they are not alone. The Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous nights for pet owners. Fireworks can cause pets to panic and run away, break through glass doors and windows, and cower under the beds. To help eliminate the stress of this loud holiday try these tips:

If possible, stay home with your pet, keep them indoors and close by your side.
Confine them to a bedroom or bathroom with background noise such as a radio or TV. Give them some new chew toys and treats to keep them busy. Try toys such as a Kong and put peanut butter inside.
If your dog is crate trained, this is their safe-haven. Put them in the crate with their favorite chew toy and treats.
If you have a bird, put them in a dark room, cover their cage, give special treats and play background noise.
Cats can also be put in their travel carrier in a dark room with some treats and background noise.

If your pet in the past has been terrified enough to cause damage to the house or to themselves, your vet can prescribe a sedative.

The best treatment is training. Training a dog during their state of panic takes a lot of patience. Please contact a reputable dog trainer to help you and your dog through this difficult process.

Heat Stroke - As the temperature rises so does our chance that one of our pets may become a victim of heat stroke. Pets left in cars or outdoors without adequate shelter or water are the most susceptible to heat stroke. Dogs and cats are not able to sweat efficiently and, therefore, are not able to cool their bodies through panting. Panting is not a very efficient method for removing heat and in very hot temperatures can lead to heat stroke. If a pet is starting to overheat, one of the first signs of heat stroke is an increased and noisy panting rate. Other symptoms include thick saliva, red mucus membranes, hot skin, dazed look, vomiting and diarrhea, and an inability to move or get up. If you suspect that your pet may be experiencing heat stroke try these first aid steps and take him immediately to your vet to prevent serious complications and even death:

Completely soak with cool water from the hose.
Ice packs can be place on the head and neck area.
Offer small amounts of water

A common misconception in pet owners and groomers is to shave your pet during the summer months to try and keep him cool. Dog and cat fur was designed as an insulator to protect him from the elements. The fur acts as an insulator against the sun, wind, rain and snow. Animals are designed to shed their fur when a lighter coat is needed. In most cases, shaving their fur can make them more susceptible to heat stroke.

The best preventative to heat stroke is supplying your pet with ample amounts of fresh and cool water, and plenty of shade. On extra hot days your dog may appreciate access to a baby swimming pool to cool off in or a run through the sprinklers. Try putting ice cubes in your cat's and dog's water bowl to keep them cool. Special summer treats include frozen yogurt cubes.

Anti Freeze/Coolant - It's that time of year when the temperature gets hot and our car's anti-freeze/coolant is working extra hard. It may be bubbling over onto your driveway making an enticing green puddle and creating a potentially lethal poisoning situation for your pet and local wildlife. Anti-freeze/coolant has a sweet taste that encourages a thirsty pet to continue drinking. A small amount of anti-freeze/coolant can cause serious and lethal problems. Symptoms of anti-freeze/coolant poisoning include; drunkenness (it is has a alcohol base), increased urination, increased thirst and vomiting. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned by anti-freeze/coolant, it is imperative you take your pet immediately to your veterinarian. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-548-2423.

There are anti-freeze/coolants available on the market today that have an additive that makes the liquid foul tasting. Check your local auto store today to find out which products carry this additive. We have heard of a product named Sierra which can be reached at 1-888-887-43772.

http://www.petshealth.com/dr_library/antifreeze.html

Airlines now have strict new restrictions on traveling with your pet during the summer months. Due to recent government regulations requiring airlines to disclose the amount of deaths among pets in cargo holds, the airlines have cracked down on when animals can safely travel. In cargo holds and on the tarmac during the summer months, pets are subjected to life threatening heat and many die from heat stroke. To combat this, most major airlines have instituted a policy of no pets allowed during the months from June - September. Your best defense against this policy maybe to book evening or overnight flights. Below are a list of the major airlines and their new policies regarding pets. If you have travel plans with your pet, be sure to call your airlines to find out their specific rules and regulations. Note that you are still allowed to have a carry-on pet (small pets).

American Airlines (800-433-7300) No pets from May15 to Sept 15 and no night flights either.

Continental Airlines (800-575-3335) Pet safe policy for cargo pets: They have pet tracking available, pets cannot be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees. They have limited travel available between June 1 and Sept. 4. May be able to travel on night flights.

Delta Airlines (800-221-1212) Call for special reservations in cargo for your pet. With special reservations, your pet will be kept in an air conditioned area until flight time. Your pet cannot be checked as regular baggage. Call Delta's number above for the cargo number in your area for special pet reservations.

Northwest Airlines (800-225-2525) $75 per direction, pet will be delayed due to hot weather and may not arrive with you. Can travel on night flights.

Southwest Airlines (800-435-9792) Does not transport animals at anytime.

TWA Airlines (800-221-2000) No pet cargo from June 1 - Sept 5, no night flights either.

United Airlines (800-241-6522) No pets in cargo June 15 - Sept 7 and no night flights either.