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Pet Health Issues

Pet Health Tips

There are many things you can do to insure good pet health and pet safety. Here are just a few tips that we all should look out for.

Do not let your pets follow your kids to school. When the school bell rings, don't let your pet go back to school. Many dogs and cats will naturally follow kids--or will be encouraged to tag along. Many become lost, injured, or cause a nuisance around the school yard. Keep your pet confined when children leave for school.

If you drive, don't take the pets with you. Animals learn quickly and may find their own way to school later on. Brief separations during the days just before the new school year will help those children and pets that are especially close. And if your pet is missing, call the school first.


Pet Health and Heat Stroke

Heatstroke may kill or seriously injure your pet's health — but it can easily be avoided. Never leave pets in cars on warm days; exercise during the cool part of the day; look for rapid breathing; loud panting; or staggering. Professional help may be needed, but in the meantime quickly get the animal to a shady ventilated area, and sponge off with cool water.


Flea Season

As a loving pet owner, you want to do anything you can to insure your pet health. You would do anything to prevent your cat or dog from suffering. After all, they're part of the family. Yet every year when flea season begins, the suffering sets in. It's like an old broken record. Fleas bite, and the scratching and chewing starts again. It's a painful and irritating routine for you and your pet's health.

Fireworks and Thunder

Protect your pet during the July 4th holiday. The sound of fireworks can terrify your animal. They may run away, perhaps into traffic. A pet's ears are more sensitive than ours. Explosive noises may damage your pet's hearing, or the pet may be injured by a falling firecracker. Remember, pets and fireworks don't mix.

Thunder is another threat to your pets. We don't think much about it ourselves but the loud crackling of thunder can send your pet into a panic attack. This too can cause them to run away trying to get away from the noise. You may find your puppy or kitten acting strangely during a thunderstorm. This is the first signs that they will grow more sensitive to the crackling of thunder as they age.

There are several things that you can treat your pet with for this stress. Some veterinarians have their own home remedies that work very well. Others will prescribe a medication to give your pet when they start to show signs of stress. Either way, do not ignore this as it only gets worse with age. It is much better to nip it in the bud at an early age. You will save your family many sleepless nights by doing so now.


Pet Health and Holiday Safety For Cats

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but can also be a time of trouble for your family cat! For example, mistletoe and artificial snow are poisonous; Christmas ornament fragments can perforate the stomach; string, ribbon, and tinsel if swallowed may cause painful intestinal problems; frayed light cords cause shock or burns. Don't spoil your holiday with a medical emergency.


Winter and Summer Accomodations

During the cold winter and the hot summer months approach, you need to take time to ensure that your pet has the proper housing where they will be protected from the elements if left outside.
Your dog should have a dog house or place to get out of the weather that is easily accessible to him at all times.
Don't forget your cat! They too need a comfortable place to weather the storms if left outside.


Keep an Eye out for Roaming Cats

Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.


Holiday Visiting and Pet Health

If you plan to take your pet with you during holiday visits, make sure that your pet is welcome first (with all the activity, it may be better to board your pet or hire a pet sitter). Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty food scraps, bones from fish, pork, and poultry, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate, can be harmful or toxic to pets.

Do not allow friends and relatives to give your pet special treats it could ruin everyone's holiday (including your veterinarian's).

Do not allow pets to play with ribbons, yarn, or six-pack beverage holders and don't put ribbons or yarn around your pet's neck.

If you want to decorate your pet, invest in a holiday collar. These last for many years, are more attractive, and are a lot safer!

Cover or tack down electrical cords.




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