Posts in Category: You & Your Pet
It’s Hot! Here is How You Can Help Dogs in Hot Cars This Summer
As the temperature rises, the danger it can pose to pets goes up too. If you see dogs in hot cars this summer, don’t panic. There are things you can do to help!
Why is it dangerous?
To begin, let’s look at why hot cars are so dangerous for dogs. First, is to understand just how hot it actually gets inside a car during the summer. When it is a nice, sunny, 75 degree day here in Minnesota, a car can get up to temperatures as high as 113 degrees! On an especially hot day, where it is 90 degrees out, it can get up to 128 degrees inside of a car!
This extreme heat is already very hot for us, and when you add fur on top of it with a dog, it gets even worse. The high temperatures put dogs at risk of developing heat related conditions, such as heat stroke. Some breeds, such as those that are flat faced, are at even higher risk of this.
Signs of Heatstroke
- Heavy panting
- Restlessness/anxiety
- Clawing at the window
- Trembling
- Collapse
- Foaming at the mouth
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
What should you do?
If you see a dog inside a hot car, no matter how long it has been, you need to take action right away. Time is extremely critical for getting the dog out of the car.
- First thing to do is call 9-1-1. In Minnesota, the police have the ability to assess if force is needed to get a dog out of a hot car, so you will need their assistance if it becomes necessary to break the dog out of the vehicle.
- The next step is to find the owner. If there is a business nearby, notify them and ask the to us their loud speaker to request the owner immediately. Best case scenario, the owner is near by and can help get the dog out of the vehicle immediately. Inform them of their pets condition, and your concern for the pets safety.
Don’t try to lecture them or ridicule their decision to leave their dog in the car. It can be frustrating to deal with an owner who left their dog in a dangerous situation, but its important to protect yourself too. Keep the focus on saving the pet to minimize the chance of confrontation or fall out after the situation is resolved.
What can Law Enforcement Do?
The next step is understanding Minnesota laws. In Minnesota, there are several laws and statutes that cover leaving an animal inside a car (Minnesota Statute 346.57) by classifying it as endangering an animals health or safety. When the police arrive, the officers will be able to determine if a law was broken, and the repercussions from there.
If it is determined that the dog is in danger of overheating and heat stroke, than the officer may decide force is necessary to remove the dog from the car. From there, police will begin working to care for the dog, and you can offer assistance if they need it.
The police will focus on cooling the dog down slowly by:
- Moving pet to a shaded area where it will be cooler temperatures
- Offering fresh water (but not forcing the pet to drink)
- Drenching the pet in lukewarm water
- This should not be cold water
- Cold water constricts blood vessels in the skin and slows the body’s ability to cool itself
- Apply wet rags under the dogs arms, on their stomach, and on their neck
- Placing the pet in their vehicle with the A/C on
- Bringing the pet to a nearby animal emergency hospital
- There, the pet can receive IV fluids and further cooling measures
A second officer, if present, may begin their investigation, including trying to find the owner, talking to you as the caller, talk to other witnesses, and so on. This is to determine what laws, if any, have been broken.
Stay informed
Overall, the best thing you can do for a dog, or any pet for that matter, left in a car is call for help. Stay informed as laws develop and change on the topic, and be ready to stick around to help the police once they have arrived. You can also help by educating people you know about the dangers of leaving their dog in their car.
For more information on the dangers of hot cars, you can check out this article by The Humane Society of the United States. For a tasty way to keep your dog cool this summer, check out our blog on Summer Dog Treats!
Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.
Things to Consider When Adopting a Pet
Adoptng a new pet is an exciting time! Whether you get a young puppy or kitten, or an older dog or cat, there are a variety of things to consider before you bring your new furry family member home. Here is a list of some important considerations before your first day home with a new pet
Veterinary Costs
To keep a new pet healthy, you should take them to the veterinarian at least once a year. During this visit, they will get necessary vaccinations against illness, and make sure there are no signs of health issues. You will need to set up an appointment for your pet to discuss being spayed/neutered if it hasn’t been done already. Fun fact: Getting your pet “Fixed” can have several health benefits! In addition to preventing unexpected puppies or kittens, you also can decrease the chance of your pet developing illnesses, including certain cancers!
Pet Insurance
Some veterinary costs are unexpected. Your pet may get hurt accidentally, hit by a car, or some other possible illness or injury that needs costly veterinary care to treat. To offset these greater costs, you can invest in pet insurance. Pet insurance works as a reimbursement program, and typically you can choose what you want to pay for monthly or annually, and how much coverage your pet gets. It’s good to shop around for the best options to fit your needs, and to get pet insurance early in your pets life.
The Commitment
Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition, and the quality of care of our pets, they are living longer than ever, depending on size, dogs can live anywhere from 7 years to 16 years, with cats living from 12 to 18 years, and many may even live into their 20’s.
Pet Care
The biggest consideration before adopting a new pet, is the care that goes into it. Who will be feeding the pet? Who will be helping it get exercise through walks or play time? Will the pet need grooming? All of these factors add up in both time and money, and should be discussed thoroughly with your family before adopting a new cat or dog.
Lifestyle
You will need to think about your lifestyle before adopting a new pet. Are you a very active, outdoorsy person? Or do you prefer to be a homebody and read a good book? Different pets have different needs, and could either fit well or clash greatly with your lifestyle. An active person should consider an active breed of dog that enjoys exercise and time outdoors. Someone who is more of a homebody, should consider a cat, or a dog breed with lower energy levels.
Bringing a new pet home is a life changing thing, but it can be life changing in a good way. Make sure your ready for a new ball of fur and sunshine in your life! You can find additional information on preparing for a new pet here. For information on introducing a new puppy, you can check out our blog!
Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.
Pet Poison Prevention Week – Keep Your Pet Safe!
By Katie Meneses
This year, Pet Poison Prevention Week Runs from March 17th to March 23rd. To help you learn more, we have listed some common hazards that come around every year in the springtime. From gardening materials to plants, there are many things to be aware of!
Fertilizers
As things warm up, people will start prepping their gardens with various fertilizers. Most only cause mild symptoms, like upset stomachs, but there are some that are toxic and can be fatal if ingested by a pet. Here are a few!
- Blood Meal – A great organic fertilizer, blood meal can be very upsetting for your pets stomach. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and in more severe cases, pancreatitis!
- Rose and Plant Fertilizers – many plant fertilizers contain a compound known as disulfoton, or other organophosphates. One teaspoon of this chemical can be fatal to a 55lb dog! Symptoms from ingesting this compound include drooling, urination, defecation, seizures, difficulty breathing, hyperthermia, and more.
- Iron – Iron is a common additive to fertilizers. Iron can lead to toxicity in your pets! Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, shock, elevated heart rate, panting, and tremors.
Common Poisonous Plants
There are hundreds of poisonous plants out there, both inside and outside of the home. With more than 700+ plants out there that are a threat, it can be important to be aware of some of the common ones.
- Autumn Crocus
- Azalea
- Aloe
- Hyacinth
- Lilies
- Oleander
- Bird of Paradise flowers
- Daffodils
- Sago Palm
- Tulips
Household Cleaners
With warmer weather comes spring cleaning! As you start opening up your home and deep cleaning, it can be important to protect your pets from possible hazards caused by common cleaners at your home. Some products lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. More severe cases may show skin burns/lesions in their mouth, face, or body. It’s important to keep household cleaners out of their reach.
- Drain Cleaner
- Concentrated dishwashing chemicals
- Lime-removal products
- Oven cleaners
- Grill cleaners
- Concentrated toilet cleaners
- Bleach
This list is just a small collection of common hazards to watch out for with the warmer weather. For more information on toxins and poisons that can harm your pet, visit the Pet Poison Hotline. You can also learn about toxins in some of our other blog posts! Check out our blog on Lily Toxicity.
Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.
Fruits and Veggies that Double as Dog Treats!
By Katie Meneses
When picking up treats for your pet, it can be easy to forget that there are healthy options that you can give not just your pet, but yourself too! There are many foods that you and I eat, that are perfectly safe for your canine companions too. Here is a list of healthy fruits and vegetables to treat your dog with, as well as a few yummy recipes for homemade dog treats!
Apples
Apples are a great treat for your dog. They are full of vitamins A and C, and are a good source of fiber too! Low in protein and fats, they are especially good for senior dogs. Just remember to remove the seeds and core before giving it to your dog. Here is an easy recipe for making baked apple chips for your dog!
Bananas
Dogs can have bananas, though they should be fed in moderation. Banana’s are very sugar, so they should be used as a special treat, rather than becoming a part of your dogs everyday diet. That being said, they are also rich in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper, making them a great source of nutrients for your pet. Here is a recipe for making your own banana and peanut butter dog treats, right at home!
Blueberries
Blueberries are a superfood for humans and pets alike! They are full of nutrients that can benefit your pup. If you want to teach a new trick, or even just train your dog to catch food in the air, than blueberries are a great option as a treat. You can mix them with a plain yogurt, or make this easy dog biscuit recipe!
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great snack for your dog, but especially those that are trying to lose weight. Not only are they a great source of hydration for your dog, but they have little to no carbohydrates or fat. Plus, they are full of vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin. They are a great snack for your dog, and can be frozen for a fun enrichment snack!
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is very healthy for dogs, containing antioxidants and helping dogs with easily upset stomachs. If you are buying canned pumpkin, make sure you check that it is 100% pure pumpkin. Alternatively, you can roast pumpkins in your oven and peel it, for a delicious treat for your dog. Here are some great pumpkin treat recipes for your dog too!
Carrots
Yes, dogs can eat carrots! Carrots are a great, low-calorie snack that can help your dog feel fuller, longer! It is a great vegetable to add to your dogs daily food to help with weight loss plans as well. Carrots are high in fiber and beta-carotene, and they are great for your dogs teeth too! They are a great crunchy treat to provide your dog.
Unsafe Foods
This list is a small sampling of the many possible healthy treats you can give your dog right from your own kitchen. The most important thing to do before giving your pet a new human food as a treat, is to make sure it’s safe. While they may eat anything offered to them, there are many foods that are dangerous if ingested by your dog. Some of these foods include:
- Grapes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- And many more
Now that you have some ideas to treat your pup, what are you waiting for? Go get some yummy and healthy treats for your dog! For more recipes, check out our blog on summer treats!
Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.
