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Summer Tips for Your Pet The sun is shining and the temperature is climbing. This means more time spent outside with your pets. But being overeager in the hotter weather can spell danger for our furry companions. Here are some simple precautions recommended by the ASPCA to help keep your loved one healthy and safe during the hot summer months. Visit Your Veterinarian Today -Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccines. -Make sure your pet is on a good veterinarian recommended flea and tick prevention. -Make sure your pet is on a good veterinarian recommended heartworm prevention. -Make sure your pet is microchiped due to being out doors more. Keep Pets Cool -Always have clean, fresh, cold water available. Pets, much like people, can become dehydrated very quickly. -Be careful not to over exercise. -Be sure outside pets have plenty of shade. -Keep inside on extremely hot days. -Light weight haircuts (never to the skin). -Brush cats or longer haired dogs more often to help remove excess hair. -Be cautious when walking pets on hot asphalt. The excess heat can cause serious burns to the paw pads. Also being closer to the ground allows pets to pick up heat off the ground. NEVER LEAVE A PET IN A CAR! -Even on a cloudy day with the windows cracked the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 120 degrees within minutes. -In some states it is illegal to leave a pet inside of a vehicle. -Can cause a fatal heat stroke. Heat Stroke Warning Signs -Increased heart rate and or respiratory rate -Excessive panting -Difficulty breathing -Drooling -Mild weakness -Stupor -Collapse -Glazed eyes Can include: -Seizures -Body temp greater than 104 degrees -Bloody diarrhea -Vomiting If you suspect your pet may be suffering a heat stoke please contact your veterinarian. ============================================================ More Summer Tips for Your Pet The sun is shining and the temperature is climbing. This means more time spent outside with your pets. But being overeager in the hotter weather can spell danger for our furry companions. Here are some simple precautions recommended by the ASPCA to help keep your loved one healthy and safe during the hot summer months. Hiking -Make sure that your pet is current on all vaccinations, on a good vet recommended flea and tick prevention as well as a good heartworm prevention. -Make sure your pet is microchiped in case of separation. -Make sure to know local leash laws -Don’t overdo it …. Pets can get very painful blisters on their paws. -When a pet starts falling behind and slowing down …. Slow down with them or give them a quick rest. -Crucial to bring water and a collapsible bowl. -Hike early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day -Be careful of using puddles, ponds, lakes, and streams as a source of drinking water due to nasty parasites and toxins that may live there. Water Fun -Never leave pets unsupervised around water…. Not all pets are good swimmers -Make sure your pet has its own flotation device when riding on a boat -Make sure to rinse salt and pool water off your pet….also dry ears and paws after each dip. -Do not allow your pet to drink pool water….could cause upset stomach. -Do not allow your pet to drink salt water….could cause upset stomach and serious dehydration. Sun Protection -Sun protection is very important to pets. -Consider applying sunscreen to light skinned dogs or to any pet that has been shaved. -Make sure to only use sunscreen that is labeled for animal use. -NEVER use any sunscreen or insect repellent product on your pet that is not labeled for animal use….DEE in many repellents can cause neurological problems….ingestion of these products can cause upset stomach. -For dogs the use of “Doggles” (doggie sunglasses) can help protect a dog’s eyes from cornea and retina damage due to ultraviolet light. Indoor Pet Safety -Make sure that if you are opening windows/doors that the screens are secured in place…..Falling out of windows or doors can cause serious or fatal injuries. ============================================================ Travel Tips for Your Pet The summer season is in full swing. Kids are out of school. Parents are taking their much needed vacations from work. People are traveling to different areas to spend time relaxing with loved ones. And what is the only thing that can make summer traveling even better? Taking your pet along with you!! Whether you travel by air, land or sea, keeping your pet safe and healthy is very important. Here are a few tips from ASPCA and Bark Buckle Up to ensure yours and your pet’s safety during travel. By Air: - Always check with airline how they require transportation of pets
- Book flights either early in the morning or late evening to help avoid flying during the hottest part of the day ***(some airlines will not fly pets when forecasted temperature are above a certain point)***
- Book direct flights when possible.
- Tell any airline employee that you come in contact with that you are traveling with a pet.
- Make sure and place “LIVE ANIMAL” on the crate/carrier as well as arrows to show the up-right position.
- Make sure your pet is microchiped in case of separation.
- Carry a current photo of your pet in case of separation.
- If traveling outside of the United States, make sure to call the Foreign Office to check on health care requirements.
- All airlines require that a pet be examined by a veterinarian prior to departure (no more than 10 days prior).
- Have health and rabies certificates handy at all times.
By Land: It is estimated that between 2007-2008, 29 million people traveled with their canine companions. Only 20% of those used some form of restraint (carrier/crate, seat belt, seat harness, etc.). - Be sure and use some form of restraint while traveling with a pet in a moving vehicle. Without proper restraint, a sudden stop or accident can cause a pet to become a flying projectile that can injure you, your passengers or them self.
- Pick a type of restraint that works best with your pet’s size and temperament. As well as the size of the vehicle.
- Crates should be large enough to allow pets to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. Make sure crates/carriers are secure and can’t slide around.
- Make sure your pet is familiar with the type of restraint you choose before going on long trips. Start with short drives around your area to get them comfortable.
- NEVER leave a pet alone in a car!
- Make sure your pet is microchiped in case of separation.
- Carry a current photo of your pet in case of separation.
- Feed a light meal 3-4 hours before departure. Make frequent stops to allow your pet to eat, drink, use the restroom, and stretch their legs.
- Always travel with vaccine papers, food, bowls, leash, waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medications, doggie first-aid kit, toys, pillows/blankets, and any other objects that would make your pet feel safer.
**Train- Amtrak does not allow any pets except for service dogs. Local and commuter trains have their own policies. Call and ask before planning travel. **Bus- Greyhound and other companies do not allow any pets except for service dogs. Local buses have their own policies. Call and ask before planning travel. By Sea: - Some cruise lines allow pets on-board. Ask about pet policies when booking.
- May not be suitable for pets that do not handle confined quarters well or for pets that do not do well with decreased physical activity.
- Make sure that your pet has their every own life preserver (approved for pet use). Look for ones in bright colors and that have a loop/handle along the back (allows for easier pick up out of water).
- Make sure and have health and rabies certificates on hand at all time.
- Make sure to bring along food, water, toys, medications, doggie first-aid kit, pillows/blankets/beds, etc.
- Be careful of saltwater. Do NOT allow your pet to drink saltwater. And ALWAYS rinse your pet with fresh water after swimming, to help prevent skin problems.
- Monitor your pet’s sun exposure. Use sunscreen that is approved for pet use.
- For potty breaks make sure to use designated areas only.
- Although it is rare, some pets might become sea-sick during your voyage. Ask your veterinarian to prescribe a medication that you can have on hand.
Summer is the perfect time to spend with family and friends. Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy more time with your furry friends and family!! ============================================================ 
Help us raise pet food for Meals on Wheels! Some local animal clinics have joined together with Haywood County Meals on Wheels program to help provide food to recipient’s pets. Please help us by making a donation of cat food and/or dog food (any brand, any size, wet or dry) to one of the following locations during the months indicated…. 
Animal Hospital of Waynesville: August, September, and October
Location: 91 Depot St , Waynesville Maple Tree Animal Hospital: November, December, and January Location: 1855 Russ Ave , Waynesville Country Lane Animal Hospital: February, March, and April Location: 9019 Carolina Blvd , Clyde Balsam Road Animal Hospital: May, June, and July Location: 1628 South Main St , Waynesville 
Any questions please call Kim at (828) 456-9755. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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