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Winter Summer Old age Death

Winterizing Your Pet

Just like with your house, wardrobe, and car, the onset of the cold weather means taking a little care to ensure that your pets' winter is trouble-free. Here are a few tips that will keep them safe and warm.

Food

Pets spending time outdoors will need extra calories to help stay warm. It is not unusual for outdoor pets to put on a few pounds in cold weather. Make sure they have plenty of good food.

Water

As always, fresh water is important. In the winter, it is important that water does not freeze. Special bowls are available to keep water from freezing, or filling one bowl with hot water (while filling another as usual) will suffice in most weather.

Antifreeze

Most antifreeze is EXTREMELY toxic to animals. Just a few drops can kill a cat, and a small puddle can kill a dog. In addition, antifreeze is tasty and attractive to pets. I could write an entire article on the horrors of antifreeze (maybe next time) but for now remember to watch for spills, be careful with disposal of antifreeze, and keep your car maintained. One company, Sierra, makes a non-toxic product, and I would love to see this supported.

Shelter

Make sure there is some shelter available to your pet that is protected from wind and precipitation, and if you have more than one pet make sure they will share. Shelter alone may not be sufficient for short-haired breeds; consider a sweater or coat. One can be made inexpensively by trimming an old sweatshirt or turtleneck sweater.

Car Engines

Engines make safe, cozy resting places for cats. Make a habit of pounding on the hood of your car before starting it on cold mornings. You may save a cat's life.

Paws

Keep the hair trimmed from between your dog's toes, and keep your pet's paws free of ice and salt as much as possible.

Poisons

Watch out for special holiday dangers. Mistletoe berries can be very toxic -- induce vomiting and call your veterinarian if ingested. Holly leaves and berries can also be poisonous. Poinsettias have a reputation as being very toxic, but in reality only cause an upset stomach. Artificial snow and stencil sprays used for holiday decorations can contain methylene chloride, which can cause signs like carbon monoxide poisoning. Chocolate can cause restlessness, increased heart rate, vomiting, and diarrhea. In high enough quantities it can be lethal. This is especially true with baking chocolate and small dogs, so keep your holiday and Valentine candy out of reach.

Most of this information is common sense. Keep dangerous items out of your pet's reach, and remember that they are now domesticated animals, no longer adapted to life in the wild. Take care of them, and have a safe winter.

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Pets in the Summertime

The weather is finally warming up. Summer months are a great time for you and your pets to enjoy the great outdoors, but again there are some special precautions that all should be aware of when caring for pets in warm weather.

Water

As always, fresh water is important. Water evaporates and gets warm quickly in warmer weather. Make sure your pets always have PLENTY of fresh water, and try to keep the water someplace cool, such as a shady spot. Refill bowls frequently.

Antifreeze

Shelter

Make sure there is some shelter available to your pet. Your pet must have someplace shady to get away from the heat of the day. Make sure your pet can get to the shade, and that there is shade at all times of the day no matter where the sun is in the sky.

Plants

Some plants are toxic to animals. If you have a pet that likes to chew on plants, check with your nursery, poison control center, or veterinarian to find out if the plants in your house or yard are toxic. Plant awns and burrs can also pose special problems. They can get into ears and caught between paws, especially in long-haired pets, and cause irritation, pain, and abscesses. Check that your pet is not picking up plant material on the fur.

Exercise

Do not over exercise your pet in hot weather. Suddenly exercising a dog with a heavy coat is a good way to bring on heat stroke. Always bring fresh water if taking your pet out for exercise. Use the water for drinking as well as for cooling off your pet. Moistening your pet's paws is a good way of cooling them since this is one of the few places they have sweat glands.

Critters

Most parts of the country have some sort of poisonous snakes around. Bites by poisonous snakes require immediate veterinary attention. Many stinging and biting insects are also out during the warm months. Insect bites can cause anything from mild irritation to severe toxic reactions, which may not manifest for several hours after the bite. Any abnormal behaviors, especially problems breathing, should be reported to a veterinarian immediately. Insects, especially fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, also carry a wide variety of diseases, many transmissible to humans. Fleas can carry tapeworms and the plague, ticks can carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and mosquitoes can carry heartworms, just to name a few. Consult your veterinarian about the best way to prevent disease in your area of the country.

Cars

Never, never, never leave your animal in a closed, parked car in warm weather. Animals die needlessly every year from overheating in parked cars, and they can die in just minutes. Please don't let this ever happen to one of you pets.

Most of this information is common sense, but do remember there are dangers out there, some of them deadly. But by taking a few precautions, you and your pets can enjoy a warm and healthy summer.

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Special Care for Older Pets

Cats and dogs are living longer than ever before, many even past the 20 year mark. What can you do to ensure your older pet has the best chance at good health in its geriatric years? Here are a few pointers:

Provide appropriate food for your aging pet. Senior diets are usually lower in protein than regular diets, which make them easier on the kidneys of older pets. If your cat or dog is over 10 years of age, they would likely benefit from a senior diet. (If your pet is on a prescription diet for medical reasons, always ask your veterinarian before changing foods.)
Do not let your pet become obese in its older years. Excessive weight predisposes animals to some medical problems such as diabetes and will exacerbate signs of arthritis. Consult your veterinarian about specific weight loss diets if your pet is having trouble losing weight. Hypothyroidism is a common disease in middle age to older dogs that causes weight gain despite modest food intake. A blood test can rule this disease out as a cause of excessive weight in your dog.
Routine bloodwork is an excellent way to catch medical problems early in your geriatric pet. Your veterinarian may suggest bloodwork every 6 months to 2 years, depending on your animal's age. Finding a medical problem early, before it has progressed to causing clinical signs, may allow a greater chance at treatment and longer life.
Feel your pet up! Check your pet from head to tail monthly for any lumps or bumps. Many skin tumors can be hidden under long hair, so it is important to run your hands firmly across the animal's body. Although many tumors are benign, early detection is key in those that are not. If you find a lump, report it to your veterinarian.
Remember dental care. Cats and dogs can't brush on their own, but their teeth need it just as much as ours do. If possible, try brushing your pet's teeth at home. Your local pet store or veterinarian will likely have products to help you with this endeavor. Always use pet toothpaste, not our minty fresh kind. Other products such as tartar-control treats and toys are available for those pets that are not cooperative. It is very likely however, that at some point your older pet will need a professional teeth cleaning; many will need it yearly. Don't wait until your pet has gingivitis and loose teeth to schedule an appointment.
Don't forget love! Older pets may not be as playful or cute as puppies and kittens, but they deserve respect and love just the same. If your geriatric dog can no longer go on long walks with you, try other activities such as driving her places in the car or giving his coat a nice brushing

These are just a few things you can do to help your pet age gracefully. Good luck to all.

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Dealing with the Death of a Pet

The death of a pet is one of the most painful experiences that a loving pet owner must endure. Our pets play a vital role in our lives, and when we are separated by death the feeling of grief and loss can be almost overwhelming.

Because of the responsibility we assume for the care of our pets, we are often plagued by feelings of guilt at the time of their death. owners commonly burden themselves with an endless array of 'If I had only...", or 'why didn't I just...'. these reactions are common, but do nothing to help resolve the feelings of loss. It is important to understand that critical decisions concerning the care of a sick pet are often made under the worse possible conditions. in spite of this, the decisions we make almost always reflect the best, or perhaps the only, choice given the circumstances. It is important that you accept your decisions, and trust that you used your unique circumstances and your love for your pet as your guide.

It is also common to feel anger at the loss of a pet. Anger at the motorist who accidentally hit your pet, anger at a family member for not doing enough, anger at your veterinarian, anger at yourself. Although these feelings are normal, placing blame is seldom constructive and does not decrease the feelings of loss. Discuss your feelings with your veterinarian or family member without expressing blame. Remember, these people also cared about your pet and are saddened by the loss.

Pet owners are often surprised and disturbed by the intensity of their feelings after the loss of a pet. Many pet owners experience feelings of confusion because their daily rituals involving their pets are disrupted or gone. This is extremely common and completely normal, and only reinforces the importance that pets play in our lives.

Unfortunately, our society often does not recognize or sympathize with the intense feelings that some pet owners feel at the loss of their pet. It is common to hear even close friends and relatives say 'It was only a dog' or 'You can always get another cat'. it is important that you, the owner who is experiencing this pain, not allow such comments and attitudes to prevent you from expressing your feelings. Let your friends and family know that your pet was an important part of your life and that you will need time to grieve and recover from your loss. Seek support from clergy, friends who have experienced similar feeling, or a support group.

The following veterinary facilities have programs and specially trained volunteers to help pet owners who are experiencing intense or prolonged feelings of grief:

1-888-478-7575 Iowa State University
1-530-752-4200   University of California
1-630-603-3994   Chicago Veterinary Assn.
1-800-404-PETS   Pet Friends, Inc.

petloss@osu.edu   Ohio State University
www.petsforum.com   Delta Society
www.healthypet.com   AAHA