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By Katie Meneses

January is National Train Your Dog Month! With the cold outside, it makes for a great time to teach a new trick to your new puppy, or your dog. Every dog, big or small, old or young, can learn new tricks. Here are a couple tricks, as well as some tips to teach them to your dog.

Trick 1: Handshake

A classic trick, handshake, is great for beginners. Start by placing a treat in your hand, and closing it into a fist. Then, hold your hand out to your dog, palm up but fist still closed. Your dog should naturally paw at your hand to get to the treat. When they do, immediately open your hand to let them get to the treat, and begin praising them. Repeat this, giving the command “shake”, or your chosen command cue, until your dog starts to understand the command. Then, you can start phasing out the treat, offering it instead after they put their paw in your hand.

Trick 2: Speak and Quiet

A common behavior problem among dogs is excessive barking. One great way to solve this is to teach the “Speak” and “Quiet” commands.

The best place to start is with the “Quiet” command. The first step is to set up a situation that will cause your dog to bark, such as knocking or a doorbell ringing. Once barking, go to the window and look outside briefly to acknowledge their concern. Then, return to your dogs side with a treat or toy and get their attention. Once they stop barking, give them the treat or toy and say “Quiet”, or your command cue of your choice. Repeat this, saying the command when they stop barking, but gradually increasing the time between when they get quiet and when you give the treat. This can take some time to teach, and should be practiced frequently, but briefly each time.

On the other end of this process is teaching the “Speak” command. Begin by encouraging your dog to bark naturally, as with the “Quiet” command. When your dog barks, give your command as “Speak”, or the que word of your choice, in a clear and upbeat voice. Then, praise your dog and give them a treat or toy. Repeat this process until your dog begins to understand.

Once your dog learns the commands separately, you can begin using them together. Practice by starting with the “Speak” command, and getting them to bark a few times before giving them the “Quiet” command.

Trick 3: Back Up

Teaching your dog to back up can be a fun trick to show friends, or a nice way to keep your dog from crowding you in the kitchen, or at the door. This trick does have to start with the stay command first. If your dog knows stay, it will make the new trick easier to train.

To begin, start by commanding your dog to “Stay”. Then, take a few steps away and turn to face them. Begin moving toward your dog. Some dogs will take a few steps back immediately when you approach. If your dog does not back up right away, continue stepping forward until they do, leaning forward slightly. When your dog backs away, you can say the command “Back up”, or your chosen command cue. Follow the command with praise, a treat, or a toy.

Continue to repeat this process until your dog picks up on the command. Most dogs pick up on this command quickly, and just need to practice a few times a day to get this trick under their belt!

Tips for Teaching Tricks

1. Treats or Toys? – Every dog is different. Some prefer treats as rewards, while other prefer play.
2. Training Clickers – Many dogs do well when a training clicker is used in the training process. Giving a few clicks, followed by a command, and then a treat, can help lead to quicker training sessions for some dogs.
3. Positive Reinforcement – It is important to use positive reinforce throughout the training process. Keep your voice happy and upbeat, and never punish a pet for getting a trick wrong.
4. How often? – Training should be worked into daily life. Make it apart of your routine, spending a few minutes a day revisiting the tricks your pet knows, or beginning to train the new ones. This keeps the training fresh for your dog.
5. Consistency – the biggest part of training your dog is consistency. You must keep the training the same, especially when addressing problem behaviors. Consistency makes the training process easier throughout the process.
   

Make the best out of January, and celebrate National Train Your Dog Month by training your dog with some of these new tricks.

For more tips on training your dog, checkout this Hill’s Puppy Obedience Guide. You can also check out one of our blogs, Training Talk: Bringing Home a New Puppy, for some tips specific to puppy training.

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

by Katie Meneses, HR Manager

We put out blog posts every month of the year, covering pet topics from veterinary care, to general pet topics. Let’s look back through 2023 at some of our top posts with our Year in Review!

Year in Review Number Five – Why Grooming Your Dog is Important

Number five on the list of blogs is Why Grooming Your Dog is Important. This blog covers the different aspects of dog grooming, and why each one is important to your dogs health and general wellbeing. From nail trims, to taking care of their skin and the fur coat they wear, this article covers it all!

Number Four – Leptospirosis: A Risk to Pets and People!

Number four, is our article this year about Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis, or Lepto, is an illness that can effect both people and pets alike. This article warns about the ways you can get infected, typically in area’s with high levels of wildlife, and drinking, swimming, or walking through contaminated water and soil. Your dog can also pass it to you directly if they catch it from playing in some mud. This blog does over the symptoms of Lepto, as well as treatment and prevention through vaccination.

Number Three – Canine Influenza

Coming in at number three is our blog about canine influenza. Last year, Minnesota had an outbreak of canine influenza, centered primarily around the Twin Cities. We shared important information about how it spreads, as well as the signs and treatments through this blog post. The post also discusses prevention through vaccination, helping to protect your dog from illness.

Number Two – Get Your Dog Ready for Hunting Season

A big part of Minnesotan life is covered in our number two blog for this year, hunting season! Many people have dogs that they train and take out hunting with them every year. This article covers the important steps to take to keep your hunting companion protected and safe. From parasite protection, to vaccination, and exercise, this blog covers all the ways to keep your hunting dog healthy!

Year in Review Number One – Pet Arthritis is Common and Treatable

Finally, our number one blog for this year, is Pet Arthritis is Common and Treatable. Arthritis is a very common illness among pets. Cats and dogs alike can suffer from arthritis, starting at early ages. However, we have had new medications released in the last two years, plus pain management and other treatments available. This blog covers it all, from diagnosis to treatments.

Which of these blogs interests you the most? Keep an eye out for more educational blogs from ZimmVet in 2024!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses, HR Manager

Every year, people across the country set New Years resolutions for themselves, from getting healthier, to completing new career goals; However not many people think of making resolutions for their pets too! Use this New Years to make new resolutions about the care of your pet and their health!

A New Year’s Resolution for Your Dog

A great resolution to set for your dog is to take them on longer walks. Walks are the best source of exercise a dog can get. It helps burn off excess energy and keep their bodies healthy. It also gives you the benefit of longer walks too. In fact, longer walks can give your dog a longer life.

A 20-30 minute walk is great for healthy dogs, and shouldn’t be a problem for an already healthy dog. If your pet is obese or has health issues, then do smaller 10-minute walks throughout the day, to help build up their strength. You can also build up the length of the walk over time.

A New Year’s Resolution for Your Cat

Cats are very active creatures, even if they do appear sleepy during the day. Cats are nocturnal creatures, and are always looking for something to entertain themselves. This year, you can make a New Year’s resolution for your cat by finding more ways to enrich their life.

There are many ways to enrich your cat’s life. You can place a bed in front of a sliding glass door, or put up a window cat cot perch. The window should be in front of a tree, or a bird feeder so the cat can watch. Food and toy puzzles are also a great option to keep your cat mentally stimulated, and gain a little exercise Scratching posts and cat trees are also beneficial, giving your pet a place to climb and dig their claws in, instead of doing so on your furniture.

A New Year’s Resolutions for All Pets

There are many New Year’s resolutions that you can set for any type of pet. The first of these is to spend more quality time with your pets. Social animals, like cats and dogs, can benefit greatly from some down time with you, or from some play time.

Another important resolution to make is to keep up with regular wellness checks. Annual and bi-annual  visits are very important for your pets. Talking regularly with your veterinarian can help to catch the early signs of illness. It also gives you a chance to talk about a healthier diet for your pets, and keep up on your pets dental care.

Add one or a few of these resolutions as we enter the new year.

For more idea’s of new habits for yourself and your pet, check out AVMA’s suggestions here. Or, check out another of our blog posts on Improving your Pets Lifespan.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses, HR Manager

Snow is on its way

As winter settles in around us, we are going to see increases in cold weather, snow and ice. It is important to protect your dogs paws when the cold is here. Here are some things to do to protect your dog this winter!

Protect Your Dog From Snow

The first, and perhaps the most obvious hazard your dog will face in the winter is the ice and snow that builds up on the ground. Just like a person’s hands and feet, a dog’s paw pads are sensitive to hot and cold. Walking on top of cold snow can put them at increased risk, and as a result they can develop frostbite and dries out their paw pads.

Check your dogs paws for build up of snow, which can easily get caught between their paw pads and toes. Additionally, keep their feet well groomed, to minimize the amount of extra fur the snow may stick too. Another option you can also purchase products to help protect your dog, such as paw pad balm. Balms can both moisturize and protect your dog’s paws from cold and the build-up of snow between their toes. The image below is a paw with balm applied

Protect Your Dog With Boots

Another option is to purchase dog boots. It is important to purchase the correct size for your dog. They will need time to get used to them too. Once they are used to the boots, they will be safe from snow and the damage it can do to their paws!

If you aren’t able to purchase paw balms or boots for your dog, you can still help protect their feet by washing them off after a walk or time outside in the snow. Removing the cold pieces of snow and ice that build up can make a world of difference.

For more information on things you can do to protect your pets, check out this article by the Animal Humane Society. For idea’s to keep your dog entertained this winter, check out one of ZimmVet’s previous blogs here!

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses, HR Manager

Thanksgiving is a mark that the year is almost over, when you get together to have food with your family, enjoy the big game, and relax over a long weekend. Our pets can enjoy the holidays too, especially the foods and family. But, there are risks they face that don’t affect us, especially when it comes to food. Here are risks to your pets health, as well as tips to keep things safe for your pet.

Dinner and Dessert Dangers for your Pet

There are a lot of delicious foods at every holiday get together. From the Turkey, to the pies, everyone gets excited for dinner. However. our pet can be harmed by eating the same foods we enjoy, as they pose a danger for your pet.

• Fatty foods like turkey can lead to a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis. The bones, although tasty, are dangerous too. They can cause GI obstruction, oral trauma from sharp shards, or even fracture teeth as the pet chews on them
• Common cooking ingredients during the holidays are also dangerous to your pet. Dangerous foods include: onions, garlic, raisins, and grapes.
• Yeast Dough is common in many households that bake bread during the holidays. If ingested, it can lead to painful gas and dangerous bloating in pets.
• Chocolate is dangerous for your pet, and is often found in desserts during the holidays.
• Artificial Sweeteners, like Xylitol used in sugar-free baking, are dangerous too. It can be deadly if consumed by cats and dogs.

Safe Foods for Your Pet

While there are dangerous foods during Thanksgiving, there are also some great pet-friendly treats you can give your pets. There are many healthy, safe foods for your pet, including raw fruits and vegetables you can share with your furry friend.

Safe options include:

• Baby carrots
• Green beans
• Apples
• Chunks of sweet potato
• Plain pumpkin puree (unsweetened, and not spiced)

Clean Up to Keep it Safe for Your Pet

Make sure to keep the trash far away. The turkey carcass is dangerous for pets. If it is left sitting out on a counter, table, or even in the trash, is a deadly temptation. Make sure to dispose of it, including bags, strings, bones, and packaging, in a secure trash bag, in an outdoor container. Alternatively, make sure it is tucked safely behind a closed and locked door.

Know the Signs

It is important to know the signs that your pet has ingested something dangerous.

 Signs include:

• Abdominal Pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hypersalivation
• Depression
• Muscle twitching or seizures
• Changes in behavior that occur suddenly, such as increased agitation or restlessness

If you notice any of these symptoms, move quickly to help save your pets life. Call an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. You may also choose to call the Pet Poison Hotline (855-764-7661) for assistance.

Prepare for Visitors

The holidays bring family and friends together. If you plan to have a full house Thanksgiving weekend, you will need to prepare to keep your cats and dogs from finding their way through the front door. Gates are a great way to keep your front door separate from your pets as people come and go. Alternatively, you can keep them on a leash, or in another room while the door is open, to prevent daring escapes.

Another precaution is to ensure your pets identity tags and microchip are up-to-date. If they do get out of your home, they are more likely to be returned to you. If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, contact your veterinarian about the simple procedure to get it done.

For more information on food safety for your pet, check out the Pet Poison Hotline for ways to keep your pet safe from toxins. If you plan to go hunting this season, you should also check out tips for keeping your pets safe, and how to Get Your Dog Ready for Hunting Season.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Is your pet fear free at the vet?

Veterinary visits are part of keeping your pet healthy, and keeping them fear free is beneficial. With a positive attitude and a little bit of training it can be a better experience for your fluffy friend. Ask your veterinary team to find what works best for your pet. Ask for medication to make visits go smoothly.

Treats

One way to help your pet stay fear free is using treats. Round up your pet’s favorite treats and wear your training treat pouch when visiting your veterinarian. A reward of small pieces should be given regularly during your pet’s veterinary visit. Cats may warm up to catnip or a small amount of canned food fed on a spoon during the visit. Talking in a calm voice and having your pet on a comfortable harness, such as the easy walk harness, can help.

Avoid aversive methods such as jerking on the leash, using prong or choke collars, electric collars, yelling or physical punishment. Dogs exposed to these methods are 2.2 times more likely to be aggressive to people outside the home.

Come for Positive visits

Pets should be brought to the veterinary clinic for positive visits. Come to just sit in the lobby for a minute and give treats to your pet. Or practice having your pet sit on the scale while giving treats.  Try to do this at times when it is less busy. Choose a time when there are not a lot of other pets around such as mid-week during the middle of the day. ZimmVet currently has limited lobby space due to the remodel. We recommend waiting until the construction is finished for positive visits.

Medications

Medication and sedation are not reserved as a last resort. If your pet is fearful and will not take a treat at your veterinarian’s office, your pet would benefit from additional training along with anti-anxiety medications. There are different options for dogs, orally before the appointment. Dogs commonly benefit from Trazodone, an oral medication, administered 2-3 hours prior to the appointment while cats respond well to gabapentin. Discuss with your veterinarian what will be best for your pet. Pets that have high anxiety levels even with oral medication will benefit from an injectable sedative once they arrive in the clinic. There are natural options include the thundershirt, rescue remedy and pet pheromones such as adaptil and feliway that can help with mild cases of anxiety.

Know Your Pet

If your pet gets worked up around other animals, request to go immediately to an exam room. At ZimmVet we have a side entrance that pet owners can avoid the lobby completely. Slippery floors can scare pets, bring a rubber yoga mat for your pet to sit on while waiting and in the exam room. Some pets are more comfortable on their owner’s laps or on the floor vs exam table. Make sure to voice what works best for your pet.

Safety First for Fear Free

Any pet can scratch and bite. Even pets that are easy going can react when painful and sick. If your pet is too distressed, stopping the appointment and coming back at a later time along with using medication therapy if needed.

For more tips on how to help your pet be fear free, you can check out the fear free website. If you’d like to learn about how fear and anxiety are related to behavior issues, check out our blog post here.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Pet arthritis can affect any age, sex, or breed of dog and cat. Research shows that arthritis is diagnosed in 25 percent of dogs in their lifetime, and x-ray evidence shows arthritis in 60 percent of dogs. In one study, 90 percent of cats over 12 years of age had x-ray signs of osteoarthritis. As your pet ages, wear and tear on their joins can lead to primary arthritis. Secondary arthritis is the result of an injury that once damaged the joint cartilage. Some pets can be born with poor joint that don’t line up properly, making them more likely to develop arthritis, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and more.

Diagnosis of Pet Arthritis

Veterinarians make a diagnosis of arthritis based on what they find during a physical exam, as well as tests like x-rays, and symptoms at home.

Exam Findings in Dogs

Limping is the most common sign in dogs. It may happen occasionally, progressively (gets worse over time), or be ongoing. Stiffness is common sign after periods of rest. Stiffness and lameness may decrease when the dog warms up a bit with some activity. A dogs limping may become worse after it has played or gone on a walk.

Exam Findings in Cats

As opposed to the limping seen in dogs, many cats become less active, begin to hide, or develop behavioral changes. They may become more irritable, have decreased grooming, or difficulty getting into position in the litterbox. A veterinarian may move the cats join, but it is possible that there will not be any outward signs of pain.

Treatment of Pet Arthritis

The goals with pet arthritis management are to decrease your pet’s discomfort and to slow down further changes to the joint. Multiple types of treatment are usually necessary to manage pain, stiffness, and discomfort. It is best to work together with your veterinarian to find what treatments would be best for your pet. Pets will need additional medications over time as the arthritis progresses. Many of the common treatments include weight loss in overweight pets, glucosamine and omega fatty acid supplements, laser therapy, alternative therapies such as chiropractic, and oral pain medications.

In cats there are less options for treatment due to organ sensitivity to drugs long term. Solensia is a new product on the market for cats. This medicine helps to stop the pain and progression of arthritis in cats with a monthly injection. Solensia has been used in Europe, and was recently released for use in the US.

Surgical Treatment

Some Joint conditions need surgery to treat them. Examples are cranial cruciate ligament rupture, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, joint incongruity, intra-articular fractures, and joint instability. If your pet has severe hip dysplasia, your veterinarian may suggest a total hip replacement or femoral head/neck ostectomy.

For information on how age and pet obesity play a roll in arthritis, check out some of our other blog posts, Living with a Senior Pet and Pet Obesity.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet 763-856-4848

Many people enjoy hunting as a hobby with their dogs. A little preparation can make the time fun for you and your dog. It’s time to get your dog ready for hunting season

Flea & Tick Prevention

Fall is peak time for transmission of Lyme disease from adult ticks. It is also when many pets become infested with fleas. There are a variety of products on the market including topical and oral options. Talk to your veterinarian about what product is best for you pet. Check out this blog post from ZimmVet on preventatives.

Internal Parasites

Hunting dogs are at higher risk to contract roundworms and hookworms from the environment. These parasites can then be passed to people. The University of Minnesota has a great article on internal parasites. Heartworm prevention, such as Sentinel or Simparica Trio®, deworms for these parasites and should be given once a month.

Vaccinations

Make sure your pet is current on vaccinations such as Rabies, Lyme and Leptospirosis. Hunting dogs are at increased risk of these easily preventable diseases. Also, if your dog is going to be hunting with a group of other dogs, its distemper combination, Bordetella and Influenza vaccinations should be up-to-date.

Exercise

Just like a person, a dog that is not properly conditioned before working hard can suffer from performance injuries such as pulled muscles, sore joints and strained or torn ligaments. Gradually increase your pet’s activity over a couple weeks prior to the start of hunting. In addition, be sure to allow your pet time to rest while hunting.

Food

Overweight pets are at an increased risk for performance injuries as well as exhaustion. Get your dog ready for hunting season by making sure they are an ideal weight prior to the start of hunting season. Weight loss occurs safely over several months when a pet is more than a few pounds overweight. Contact your veterinarian to make a weight loss plan for your pet. During hunting, a dog’s calorie intake increased. Feeding small frequent meals can help your pet keep up to the demands of hunting.

Paws

Many dogs can wear down their paw pads and form painful ulcerations. Keep protective boots on hand for your dog to wear. Dogs can suffer from cuts and debris in their eyes, especially in grass and wooded areas. Keep an eye saline solution with you, along with some bandaging material to stop bleeding until you can get to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you put together a first aid kit for your pet or you can purchase a premade kit.

Senior Hunters

Senior dogs can often remain active and healthy with the help of your veterinarian. Older pets benefit from a daily glucosamine supplement such as Dasuquin. One month before hunting, start your dog on this supplement if you don’t already have them on it year round. Senior dogs do well on pet pain medication started a day prior to the hunt and continued daily. The goal is to control the pain before it builds up. If your pet is already on a daily pain medication your veterinarian can prescribe additional medications to help during hunting. Contact your veterinarian to make a plan to keep your senior hunter comfortable.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – Zimmvet (763)856-4848

Advances in medical technology and preventative care are allowing pets to live longer, happier lives.  It is not uncommon for cats to reach 20 plus years of age, and small dogs to live 14-16 years.  More often pets are seen as a family member and people are looking for ways to spend as much time as possible with their beloved pets.  Owners can improve their pet’s lifespan and quality of life with a few simple care guidelines. Improving your pets lifespan.

Weight Management – Add 2 years of life!?

Extensive research has been performed to evaluate the effects of obesity on lifespan and medical conditions, such as arthritis.  Data shows that an ideal weight pet will live on average two years longer as compared to its obese littermate.  Since pet owner’s control their cat or dog’s feedings, lifespan is directly influenced by an owner’s ability to regulate calories and provide adequate exercise.

There are many resources available for pet owners to help their pet’s lose weight. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to set a goal weight for your pet, calculate their calories needed for safe weight loss and create a weight loss plan.

There are many tools available to help pet owners achieve their pet’s weight loss goals. Talk to your veterinarian about what works best for your pet.

Regular Home and Professional dental Care-Add 4 years of Pet Life

Dental Care – Improving lifespan by up to 4 years!

Regular oral care and keeping a pet’s mouth healthy has been documented to add 4 years to their lifespan.  Dental disease causes more than just oral pain and infection; it also impacts your pet’s organs, such as heart, liver and kidneys.  Daily home dental care with products approved by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral health Council), will help keep your pet’s mouth healthy. This can include daily brushing, using a chew or water additive.  Besides home care, pets also need professional dental cleanings, just like humans who go to the dentist. Your veterinarian will examine your pet’s mouth during their wellness exam and indicate when a dental cleaning is necessary.

Preventative Care/Annual Wellness Visits

Your veterinarian is available for more than just taking care of sick pets, he or she is your pet’s partner in preventative medicine.  Yearly exams for pets under 7 years of age and twice yearly exams for pets over 7 years of age can identify problems before they become severe.  Part of the wellness visit should include bloodwork to screen major organ functions such as your pet’s liver and kidneys.  Any program to keep your pet healthy will include administering appropriate vaccinations, deworming and using products to prevent common illnesses such as Lyme disease.

For more information on dental cleaning please visit https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-cleaning-in-dogs. Interested in learning more able pet Obesity? Please visit our other blog post at https://www.zimmvet.com/blog/pet-obesity/

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

When a dog’s internal body temperature is above 105 degrees F, the dog may be suffering from heatstroke. Dogs have only a couple of ways to cool off—blood vessel expansion and panting. When dogs pant, they evaporate moisture from their tongues, nasal passages, and the lining of their lungs, and this cools them down as air passes over the moist tissue. They also cool off via vasodilation. Blood vessels, especially in the ears and face, expand, bringing overheated blood closer to the surface to cool down.

Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke in pets! Heatstroke in dogs is life-threatening and can also result in very serious complications. Recognizing early signs of heatstroke may help you remedy the condition before things get too serious. Early signs of heatstroke include:

• Heavy Panting
• Rapid Breathing
• Excessive Drooling
• Dry Mucous Membranes
• Bright red gums and tongue
• Skin that is hot to the touch
• High Heart Rate

Affected dogs become hyperactive and may have difficulty maintaining balance. As exposure to excessive heat goes on, the dog’s condition worsens and includes signs of shock, pale mucous membranes with white or blue gums, a very rapid heart rate, and a drop in blood pressure. The dog hyperventilates, and dehydration becomes more severe. Pupils dilate, the pulse becomes more irregular, and the dog has muscle tremors. They may become lethargic and unwilling to move, urinate or defecate uncontrollably, collapse, and become comatose.

Why Does Heat Stroke Occur?

Heatstroke generally occurs during the hottest part of the year, especially when it is humid. Contributing factors include: breed, age, physical fitness, if a pet is overweight, medical disorders and being in closed conditions such as a car.

How to Treat Heatstroke

Heatstroke therapy involves immediately trying to lower the dog’s body temperature. If you notice signs of heatstroke in your dog, it’s critical to stop any activity and help your dog cool down by:

• Walking or carrying the dog to a well-ventilated, cool area.
• Spraying or sponging the dog with cool (not cold) or tepid water, especially on the underside. Do not immerse the animal in cold water.
• Using a fan to blow cool air on them.

If at home cooling does not bring your dog’s body temperature below 103 degrees bring your dog to your veterinarian or local pet emergency clinic. Severely affected dogs require fluids, medication, support, and oxygen. Complications may not occur immediately, so it’s important to let your veterinarian determine the type of follow-up treatment required.

Conclusion

Heatstroke in Pets! Immediate action and correct treatment are so important because they can mean the difference between a swift and complete recovery and long-term complications.

Always provide plenty of cool fresh water, shade, and frequent rest periods when it’s hot. And never leave your dog in the car.

Please visit the AAHA website at https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/how-can-i-prevent-heatstroke-in-my-pet/ for more information. More information on heatstroke and summer fun with your pet please visit our other blog post https://www.zimmvet.com/blog/wp-admin/post.php?post=885&action=edit.