Kick the Ticks!

As summer finally arrives, so do our least favorite bugs. Ticks are here, hiding in the woods and grass, eagerly waiting for a meal. The victim? You and your pet. 

Pet owners should keep in mind that it has to be VERY cold to kill a tick, at least 10 degrees F, and it has to stay at that temperature for some time. All it takes is temperatures of around 40 degrees F for ticks to be active. For that reason, we should take precautionary measures for ourselves and our pets should be on a flea and tick preventative year-round!

What's worse than a tick? A boat load of ticks. According to Dr. Susan Little, expert in veterinary parasitology at Oklahoma State University, there has been a considerable increase in tick populations in the last ten years.

There are many reasons that the tick population has risen:

• Warmer winters
• Suburbanization
• An increase in white-tailed deer
• Migratory birds
• The use of fewer insecticides

Not only are ticks nasty to look it, they carry several diseases that could infect you or your pet - the most well-known being Lyme disease.

The deer tick is the culprit. A good indicator of a deer tick carrying Lyme disease is a bull's eye rash around the bite. Other symptoms of Lyme disease in humans include fatigue, fever, headache, joint pain, and enlarged lymph nodes. In your pet, you may notice lethargy, limping or stiffness when walking or laying down/getting up.

The good news is that Lyme is treatable in both humans and pets. Consult your doctor if a bull's eye rash appears or if you have symptoms of the disease in the weeks following a bite. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has ticks or shows any of the symptoms of the disease.

There are things to do to reduce the chance of you or your pet getting a tick bite:

• Wear long pants and long sleeves when out in the woods or tall grass.
• Use monthly flea and tick preventative on your pets
• Always check your pet and yourself for ticks after being outdoors.
• If you find a tick, use tweezers to pull it out. Other methods, such as petroleum jelly, nail polish remover or burning matches, don't work.

For more information about ticks and Lyme disease, go to the Centers for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/.

Dog Days of Summer

The summer months are finally here! It's officially time for fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it's also the time of year when our furry companions are at risk for heat stroke.

Did you know that dogs don't sweat? At least not the same way humans do. They expel heat through the pads of their paws and by panting. Unfortunately, panting is not always enough when it is extremely hot and humid.

Hyperthermia, or heat stroke, is an elevation of body temperature. This is a severe and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention in both humans and dogs alike. Once a dog's body temperature reaches 106 degrees, damage to the body and organs may be irreversible.

Learn how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and prevent it from happening to your dog.

What to watch for:

vigorous panting

red/dark pink gums

tacky/dry mucous membranes (specifically the gums)

lethargy, unwillingness to get up

collapse

disorientation, staggering

vomiting

diarrhea

How to prevent heat stroke:

1. NEVER leave your dog in the car on hot days. We understand pets are part of the family and that they often accompany us on various outings. No matter how well we plan ahead, it seems we always have to run a quick errand or two along the way. But remember, even if it doesn't seem that hot, the internal temperature of a car can reach well above 100 degrees within minutes. If you have to bring Fido along for the ride, family members should stay with the car and the dogs, keeping doors and windows open. If you are alone, the above scenario isn't possible. Get creative! Use the drive-thru. This is an easy option at many restaurants, banks, and pharmacies. Shop in pet-friendly stores. Most pet stores allow pets, and they often carry drinks and snacks if you are in a hurry.

2. Always provide fresh, cool, easily accessible water to keep your dog well hydrated.

3. Steer clear of long walks and prolonged exposure to the sun. If you want to exercise your dog, do so in the morning when the temperatures are at their lowest.

4. Use a sprinkler or doggie pool when out in the yard (of course, do not leave pets unattended in the pool).

5. Grooming can also play a part in summer health. If your dog has long or thick fur, talk to your groomer about the coolest summer cut.

6. For animals that are indoors only, be sure to use air conditioning or cooling fans. Access to the basement often provides a naturally cool place to retreat from the summer heat.

What to do if you suspect heat stroke:

1. Move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.

2. Place wet rags or washcloths on the foot pads and around the head, but replace them frequently as they warm up. DO NOT use ice or ice water! Over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems.

3. Offer your dog cool water. Try not to let your dog drink excessive amounts at a time.

4. Call or visit your vet right away. 

These tips can help keep your pets cool and happy. Happy Summer!

5 Surprising Perks to Pet Ownership

     Our dogs and cats are like family. Not only do they provide us with endless entertainment, but they love us unconditionally - when we're sad or angry or even when we're having a bad hair day. They keep us laughing, keep us company, and certainly keep us on our toes. We already know that pets enrich our lives and bring us joy, but there are many other benefits to pet ownership that you may not have realized (as if you needed another reason to love your furry friends.)

1.) Improved Social Life

Animals are an instant icebreaker! Owning a pet can lead to simple but direct interactions (think puppy classes, dog parks, outdoor cafes.) According to USA today, studies show that pet owners scored higher than non-pet owners in gaining trust, making connections and helping out their neighbors!

2.) Battle Loneliness

We all experience loneliness at some point in our lives. Separation, divorce, and death of a loved one are among the many experiences in life that cause us to feel sad or alone. Our pets help us get through those hard times. Having a companion to care for gives us a sense of purpose. What's more, being with our pets encourages production of higher levels of endorphins and dopamine (our body's natural stress reducers.)

3.) Get More Exercise!

Our pets need exercise! Whether chasing the cat away from your houseplants or going for a jog with the dog, pets motivate us to be more active. Did you know that dog owners walk almost twice as much in a week than non-dog owners? In a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, dog owners responsible for walking their pups are less likely to be obese.

4.) Prevent Allergies?!

Yes! According to WebMD, the more time children spend around pets, the greater their chance of avoiding pet allergies as an adult. Children exposed to animals early on even tend to develop stronger immune systems. Who knew?

5.) Our Pets Truly Are Lifesavers!

According to the American Heart Association, pet ownership is associated with decreased risk of heart disease! Spending time with Fluffy or Fido can help lower blood pressures and lessen stress. Dogs and cats have even shown the ability to detect illness in humans. Some animals can sense a seizure before it happens. And there are dogs that have been trained to detect cancer!