Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke (or hyperthermia) occurs when a pet is unable to keep its body temperature at a normal range. During the warmer months, dogs become more susceptible to heatstroke because of their inability to sweat all over their bodies like people do. Instead, a dog's primary way of regulating their body temperature is through respiration (or panting). Heat stroke can occur in dogs under several conditions such as being left in a car in hot weather, strenuous exercise in hot humid weather, and being left out in the sun without shade or water.1 Although normal ranges for dogs do vary, a body temperature between 99.5 degrees and 102.5 degrees is usually a healthy range.

How to Prevent Heatstroke?
Heat stroke can be easily prevented if you take these precautions:

• When in warm temperatures, always make sure your dog has shade and plenty of fresh water.
  

• Constantly monitor your dog’ behavior in hot weather. Restriction of exercise may be necessary.
  

• Do not muzzle your dog in the heat, or do anything that may restrict its breathing. Panting is their main method of temperature control.
  

• NEVER leave your dog in a parked car for any amount of time on a hot day, even if it is in the shade or the windows are open. 

What to Do if You Suspect Your Pet Has Heatstroke
If you suspect that your dog has heatstroke, it is very important that you contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the circumstance, it also may be necessary to cool your dog down before you can get to a veterinarian. This can be done by pouring cool or tepid water (not ice cold) over the body. The additional use of a fan blowing cool air will also help.1

If you notice a distressed animal in a hot, parked car, 

contact animal control or the police immediately.

1. http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-health/heat-stroke-in-dogs

7 Tips for a Safe Memorial Day with your Pets

Planning to spend Memorial Day with your furry friends? 

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Keep your Pet Indoors
Fireworks, and other loud noises can cause some pets to become terrified and anxious; which could cause them to break their restraint, or jump a fence in an attempt to find a safe and quiet environment.

2. Never Leave your Pet in a Hot Car
Even if you are running into the grocery store for a “quick second" to get those last-minute ingredients for your famous potato salad, you should never leave your pets inside of a car - not even if the windows are cracked and your car is parked in the shade. It only take 15 minutes for a pet to die from heat stroke.

3. Carry IDs!
Whether you are traveling or not, be sure that your pet is microchipped, or fitted with a collar that has an ID tag containing identifying information, or both. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

4. Provide Plenty of Water
Pets can become dehydrated quicker than you think, so it is very important to provide plenty of fresh water.

5. Keep Alcoholic Drinks Away
Most pet parents know not to give their pets alcoholic beverages; however, alcohol poisoning is very common due to pets eating foods where alcohol can be found such as: unbaked dough containing yeast or rum-soaked cakes.

6. No Table Food
Although it may be tempting to throw a few table scraps into your pet’s bowl, any change in your pet’s diet could result in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Common foods found at BBQs like onions, grapes, avocado, and chocolate are especially toxic to pets. 

7. Keep Pets Clear of Matches, Candles, and Fireworks
Before you light up that grill or spark up those bug-zapping candles and festive fireworks, be sure that your pet is out of harms way. Matches, citronella candles, and fireworks are very easy for pets to ingest and are extremely toxic - not to mention, the loud noise of fireworks can cause great stress and fear in pets.

If your pet does have an emergency, Rau Animal Hospital recommends the following emergency clinics:

• CARES (Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Service) - Langhorne, PA
• 215-750-2774

• Metropolitan Veterinary Associates - Morristown, PA
• 610-666-1050 (M-F 8am-6pm); 610-666-0914 (All other hours)

• VSEC (Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center) - 2 locations
• 215-750-7884 (Levittown, PA)
• 267-800-1950 (Philadelphia, PA)

Make a Disaster Plan for Your Pets

When disaster strikes, it is always a good idea to be prepared. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes the second Saturday in May as National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Here are some helpful tips from our doctors and technicians that you may want to consider when making a disaster plan for your pets:

1. Microchip Your Pet
“Pets can lose their collars and IDs. A microchip implanted under the pet’s skin is the best permanent identification. I recommend a microchip even if your pet never leaves the house. A flood, tornado, hurricane, or even a surprise bolt out the door can separate you. A microchip is a small electronic chip with a unique ID number, in a capsule the size of a grain of rice. When a pet is found, the ID number is read by a hand-held scanner and the microchip company is notified. The company looks up the ID number in their database to find the owner. A microchip will only reunite you with your pet if you’ve registered your current contact information.” – Dr. Meg Murphy

2. Get a Rescue Alert Sticker
Having these stickers on hand will let people know that pets are inside your home.Be sure that these stickers are in a location that is visible to rescue workers, and includes: 1) the types and number of pets in your home; 2) the name and phone number of your veterinarian. If you must evacuate and are able to take your pets with you, if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the sticker. 

3. Locate a Shelter
Like people, arranging a safe haven for your pets ahead of time is equally important. “It is always a good idea to check if the local shelters will take pets because there are many that do not allow pets.” – Tasha McNerney, CVT, BS. In the event that you cannot find any local, pet-friendly shelters, contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels, or ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take your pet. 

4. Prepare a Disaster Kit
“When I think of an emergency evacuation kit, I think of leashes, cages, food, medical records, and medications.” – Jody Weaver, CVT and Practice Manager
Here’s a complete list of what your pet’s disaster kit should include:

• At least five days worth of food and water for each pet — “Pet owners should reserve at least 1-2 gallons of water for their pets to drink, in addition to the water they reserve for themselves and family members.” – Dr. Michelle Bishop

• Medications, medical records, and a first-aid kit — stored in a waterproof container

• Cat litter box, litter, litter scoop, and garbage bags

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transports pets safely and ensure they can’t escape.

• Photos of you and your pet — “Current photos of you with your pet and a description of your pet should also be kept in your disaster kit. If you are separated from them, a photo of you and your pet will help others identify them, and will also prove that they are yours once you are reunited.” – Vickie Byard, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)

• Written information about your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pet or place them with someone other than yourself

• Pet beds and toys, if you can take them, to reduce stress

5. Prepare an Evacuation Plan
If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, it is always good to assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

• Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.

• Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.

• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.

• Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

1.https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness
2. http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pet_disaster_preparedness_kit.html