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COLD WEATHER TIPS
The following guidelines will help you
protect your companion animals when the mercury dips. |
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Keep your cat inside.
Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen,
injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are
exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from
other cats, dogs and wildlife. |
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During the winter, outdoor cats
sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor
is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan
belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly
on the car hood before starting the engine to give the
cat a chance to escape. |
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Never let your dog off the leash
on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs
can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs
are lost during the winter than during any other season,
so make sure yours always wears ID tags. |
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Thoroughly wipe off your dog's
legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow
or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially
dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw
pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. |
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Never shave your dog down to the
skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.
When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure
to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.
Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat
or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage
from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs,
this is regulation winter wear. |
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6. |
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Never leave your dog or cat alone
in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator
in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal
to freeze to death. |
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Puppies do not tolerate the cold
as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak
during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive
to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside.
If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness
or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself. |
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8. |
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Does your dog spend a lot of time
engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food,
particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in
tip-top shape. |
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9. |
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Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal
poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up
any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products
that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information. |
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10. |
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Make sure your companion animal has
a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all
drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow
is perfect. |
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HOT
WEATHER TIPS
In summertime, the living isn’t
always easy for our animal friends. Dogs and cats can suffer
from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating,
dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions,
you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and
healthy. |
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A visit to the veterinarian
for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to
that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round
preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions?
Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and
tick control program. |
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Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia
can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile
can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the
shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during
the day. |
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Always carry a gallon thermos filled
with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet. |
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The right time for playtime is in
the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after
a meal or when the weather is humid. |
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Street smarts: When the temperature
is very high, don’t let your dog standing on hot
asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive
paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. |
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A day at the beach is a no-no, unless
you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water
for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after
a dip in the ocean. |
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Provide fresh water and plenty of
shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed
doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during
the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house. |
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Be especially sensitive to older
and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or
snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers,
Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart
or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned
rooms as much as possible. |
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When walking your dog, steer clear
of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides
or other chemicals. And please be alert for coolant or
other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals
are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a
small amount can be fatal. Call your veterinarian or the
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if
you suspect that your animal has been poisoned. |
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Good grooming can stave off summer
skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving
the hair to a one-inch length—never down to the skin,
please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun—helps
prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often. |
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Do not apply any sunscreen or insect
repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically
for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can
result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.
The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead
to neurological problems. |
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Having a backyard barbecue? Always
keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect
coils out of pets' reach. |
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Please make sure that there are no
open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through
which animals can fall or jump. |
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SAFE
CAR TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET
For some pet parents, a trip’s
no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t
come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and
your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can
ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the
animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving
long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following
tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip: |
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Keep your pets safe and
secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are
a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers
available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large
enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around
in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to
the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip. |
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Get your pet geared up for a long
trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually
lengthening time spent in the car. |
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Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule
should start with a light meal three to four hours prior
to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving
vehicle—even if it is a long drive. |
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Never leave your animal alone in
a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open,
a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and
heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act
as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the
animal to freeze to death. |
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What in your pet’s traveling
kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a
waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication
and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow
to give your pet a sense of familiarity. |
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Make sure your pet wears a collar
with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well
as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination
phone number, and any other relevant contact information.
Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please. |
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Don't allow your pet to ride with
his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner
ear damage and lung infections, and he could be injured
by flying objects. |
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Traveling across state lines? Bring
along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some
states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings.
While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s
always smart to be on the safe side. |
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When it comes to H2O, we say BYO.
Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs.
Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could
result in tummy upset for your pet. |
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If you travel frequently with your
pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners
and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers. |
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TOP
10 TIPS FOR A LIFETIME OF GOOD HEALTH FOR YOUR PET
Our advice isn’t intended to replace
regular visits to your veterinarian—just to offer some
practical ways to ensure that your pet remains in the best
possible health throughout his or her life. |
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SPAY OR NEUTER
Talk about preventive medicine! Removing the ovaries and uterus of a female
dog or cat—otherwise known as spaying—helps prevent breast
cancer and pyometra, or infection of the uterus, and stops the animal
from going into heat. (Female cats, by the way, can go into heat every
3 weeks!) And ASPCA experts believe that many aggressive behavior problems
can be avoided by neutering a male, or removing the testicles, by the
age of six months. The surgery also prevents testicular cancer, prostate
disease and hernias. |
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VACCINATE
When your pet was born, he received protection from many diseases from
antibodies passed in his mother’s milk. These antibodies dissipated
by the time he was about three months old, leaving his immune system
vulnerable. That’s where you come in. The ASPCA recommends that
cats receive a three-in-one vaccine that protects against feline calicivirus,
rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia, as well as a rabies vaccination.
Ask your vet if vaccinations for feline leukemia, chlamydia, feline
infectious peritonitis and ringworm are recommended for your kitty.
Dogs should receive a five-in-one vaccine against several infectious
diseases, including distemper, leptospirosis and parvovirus, as well
as a rabies vaccination. Ask the vet if vaccinations for kennel cough
and Lyme disease are recommended for your dog. |
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SEE YOUR VET!
You go to the doctor regularly—and so should your pet. Annual checkups
give your veterinarian the chance to notice any developing illness and
take care of it right away. Your vet will want to know about your pet’s
behavior, eating and exercise habits, and will check her temperature, pulse
and respiratory rate. The doctor will also inspect her gums and teeth,
heart and lungs, and assess the health of her internal organs. If it’s
been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make that appointment
today! |
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FIGHT FLEAS
But do it safely, please! These little pests can cause big problems for
your pets, including skin disease, anemia, scratching, allergies and
tapeworms. There are many products available to help you control the
fleas on your pet and in your home, but it’s of utmost importance
that whatever you use is approved for use on your pet’s species.
In other words, don’t use products for dogs on your cat, and
vice versa. Cats especially are extremely sensitive to insecticides,
and many pets die annually from improper use of flea control products.
Ask your vet for a recommendation, and don’t forget—when
fighting fleas, you’ll need to treat ALL the pets in the household,
not just those who are obviously infested. |
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PREVENT HEARTWORM
It’s difficult to treat and sometimes fatal, but heartworm infection
is easily prevented. Your dog should be given a blood test for heartworm
every year in the early spring, and your veterinarian may prescribe a preventive
tablet to be given once a month throughout mosquito season. (Some vets
may recommend the medication year-round.) Although dogs are natural hosts
for heartworm, cats can also contract this disease, transmitted through
the bite of an infected mosquito. Talk to your vet if you think your kitty
is at risk. |
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GET MOVING
Not only will daily exercise keep your pet physically fit and mentally
healthy, it helps channel aggressive and destructive behavior. Regular
activity also burns up calories and increases muscle mass and cardiovascular
strength. When it comes to canines, individual exercise needs vary
based on breed, sex, age and level of health, but a couple of walks
around the block every day is probably not enough—especially
if your pooch is an adolescent or a member of the sporting, herding,
hound or terrier breeds. And if your cat has fallen into bad exercise
habits (i.e. sure, she can run—to her food dish!), you will have
to engage her in supervised fun and games. Always start slow, though,
and limit beginning sessions to five minutes or so. |
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BATTLE THE BULGE
Not enough exercise and too much food will cause any animal to gain weight—especially
pets, who rely on you to regulate nutrition and activity levels. Excess
flesh can cause health problems, including arthritis and liver and heart
disease. Overweight pets face increased risk during surgery, and really
fat cats can get a form of diabetes. What’s the best way to tip the
scales in your pet’s favor? Gradually decrease her food intake while
increasing her activity level. You can switch to a reduced calorie food
or make a cutback in the portion size of her regular food. We recommend
a gradual reduction of 10 to 25 percent for cats, and 25 to 33 percent
for dogs—but it’s always a good idea to check with your pet’s
vet first. |
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DO A WEEKLY HEALTH CHECK
Regular home checkups are a great way to nip potential health problems
in the bud. Plus, they’re as easy as one, two, three: 1.) Check
under your pet’s fur for lumps, bumps, flakes or scabs. 2.) Check
your pet’s ears and eyes for any signs of redness or discharge.
3.) Make note of any changes in her eating or drinking habits. If something
seems off, call the vet. |
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MEMORIZE OUR LIST OF FOODS
TO AVOID
Our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center urge you to avoid
feeding the following foods to your pet: Alcoholic beverages, avocado,
chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, macadamia nuts, moldy or spoiled foods,
onions and onion powder, raisins and grapes, salt, yeast dough, garlic,
and products sweetened with xylitol. |
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DON’T FORGET YOUR PET’S
TEETH
Does your pet have morning breath—all day long? This is a major indicator
that your pet is in need of dental care. Particles of food, saliva and
bacteria—what’s commonly called “plaque”—can
build up on the teeth and gums and cause infection. If left untreated,
infection can result in tooth decay—and even move into the bloodstream
and affect your pet’s heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bones and joints!
Check your animal companion’s teeth and gums at least once a week,
and ask your vet how you can further prevent gum disease by regular brushing
with a toothpaste formulated especially for your pet’s species. |
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A
POISON SAFE HOME
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Foods
to Avoid Feeding Your Pet
- Alcoholic
beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled
foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic
- Products sweetened
with xylitol
Medication
Common examples of
human medications that can be potentially
lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:
- Pain killers
- Cold medicines
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Antidepressants
- Vitamins
- Diet Pills
Non-Toxic Substances for
Dogs and Cats
The following substances
are considered to be non-toxic, although
they may cause mild gastrointestinal
upset in some animals:
- Water-based
paints
- Toilet bowl
water
- Silica gel
- Poinsettia
- Cat litter
- Glue traps
- Glow jewelry
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Warm Weather
Hazards
- Animal toxins—toads, insects,
spiders, snakes and scorpions
- Blue-green algae in ponds
- Citronella candles
- Cocoa mulch
- Compost piles Fertilizers
- Flea products
- Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
- Swimming-pool treatment supplies
- Fly baits containing methomyl
- Slug and snail baits containing
metaldehyde
Cold Weather Hazards
- Antifreeze
- Liquid potpourri
- Ice melting products
- Rat and mouse bait
Holiday Hazards
- Christmas tree water (may contain
fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the
stomach.
- Electrical cords
- Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged
in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—most
often occurs with kittens!)
- Batteries
- Glass ornaments
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WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS
POISONED
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Please
note: If your animal is having seizures, losing
consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing,
telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your
local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary,
he or she may call the APCC.
Be Prepared
Keep the telephone number of the ASPCA
Animal Poison Control Center—(888) 426-4435—as
well as that of your local veterinarian, in a prominent location.
Invest in an emergency first-aid kit for your pet. The kit should contain:
- a fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide,
3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)
- a turkey baster, bulb syringe
or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)
- saline
eye solution
- artificial tear gel (to lubricate
eyes after flushing)
- mild grease-cutting dishwashing
liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)
- forceps
(to remove stingers)
- a muzzle (to protect against fear-
or excitement-induced biting)
- a can of your pet’s favorite
wet food
- a pet carrier
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Always
consult a veterinarian or the APCC for directions on how
and when to use any emergency first-aid item.
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