Summer Time
Heat Stroke
Signs of Heat Stroke to watch for are rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles, a
dazed look. If you notice any of these signs wrap your pet in a towel soaked in cool
water (not cold or iced). In severe cases place them in the bathtub. Heat stroke can be fatal. Be sure to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible after you've taken these
emergency steps.
Never Leave Your Pet In A Parked Car
Not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. The temperature can rise to
over 150° in minutes, even on a comfortable day. Leaving pets in the car is the #1 cause of heat stroke related deaths.
Vaccinations
Keep vaccinations up-to-date. Summertime is when most pets come in contact with other animals, at parks, camp grounds, etc.
Hydration
Always provide plenty of fresh water. Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their
feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps
lower body temperature in the summer. Bring water with you when you take your dog to the dog park.
Hot Pavement and Beaches
Sensitive and young paws burn easily. You may not know that your pet has sore or
blistered paws until he stops playing. Since our temps in the summer are consistently
above 85°, pay special attention to how hot the pavement is when walking your dog,
particularly a puppy!
Avoid Sunburn
Sunburn can affect short-haired pets and those with pink skin and white hair. Find cool shady spots for your pets.
Swimming
Not all dogs swim well. When introducing a pet to water for the first time, ease them
into it, never throw them in. Don't let them drink from the ocean, streams or even from
pools. Ocean water can cause skin irritation if pets are not rinsed with fresh water
afterward.
Shaving a heavy coat
While shaving a heavy-coated dog's hair to a one-inch length helps prevent overheating,don't shave the hair down to the skin or you will rob your pet of protection from sunburn.
Winter Time
Cars
Cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars for the warmth. When the car is started,
the cat can be injured or killed. Bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
Snow
Although we don't worry about snow in Baton Rouge, if you travel to the snow with your pet you should be careful. Dogs can lose their scent and become lost.
Chemicals
Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when they have been out in wet or
snowy conditions. They can ingest salt, anti-freeze or other chemicals while licking their paws. Thoroughly clean up any anti-freeze spills from your vehicles, anti-freeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats.
Protect Your Pets From the Cold
Is your pet a short-haired breed or sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed
type? Consider getting them a coat or sweater or keep them indoors. Be aware that
puppies do not tolerate cold as well as adults dogs.
Coat Length
Never shave your dog to the skin in winter, their coat is needed for warmth.
Bathing
When you bathe your dog, be sure to completely dry him before allowing him outside.
Sleeping
Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from drafts. If
your pet sleeps in a crate or on the floor, be sure to provide a pillow or cushion for him to lay on.
Why NOT to travel with your pets
If you choose to travel with your pets make a conscious effort to keep their best
interests in mind. Follow all DOs and DON'Ts and your pets can be excellent traveling companions. If you leave your pets at home with a professional pet sitter you can travel free from the worries and stress of caring for them on the road.
Emergencies & Veterinarians
Knowing pet first aid is important to your pet surviving a medical emergency. If your pet requires emergency hospitalization, do you have local referrals for the area you are visiting?
Leashes & Laws
All states have leash laws that are ticketable offenses. Know the local laws, keep your
pets leashed and obey the laws or leave them "Safe At Home".
Dangers, Diseases, & Illness
This ranges from allergies to ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, skunks, snake bite, poisoning and giardia (protozoans, or tiny, one-celled parasitic life forms with the potential to cause serious illness).
Food & Water
Drinking local water and changes in diet while traveling can cause stomach upset and
diarrhea.
Streets
Don't let your pet roam, your pet is no match for a car. Make sure your pet is licensed
and wearing an ID collar at all times. For additional identification, have your pet
micro-chipped. It is inexpensive but invaluable.
Identification
Trying to find a lost pet in a strange city may be impossible. Pets lost away from home
are at greater risk because the strange sights, sounds, and smells disorient your pet.
They are at greater risk of being lost, killed, injured or picked up by strangers.
Car Trips
Danger does exist if your pet travels with you in your vehicle. Keep in mind the dangers of heat stroke, and an unrestrained pet becomes projectile in an accident. A pet who hang its head out of the window is in danger of insects or debris flying into its eyes and ears.
Airline Travel
Check in advance for airline requirements and conditions. Do you have the correct size
crate for transporting your pet or will you need to purchase one? Can you get a straight point-to-point flight or will there be a layover? If your pet is small enough you will be able to carry him on board with you, but you are not allowed to remove the pet from the carrier while on board or during any layover. Cargo holds are not heated, cooled or sound proofed. These extreme conditions can cause stress, injury or possibly the death of a pet. Beware of medicating pets prior to boarding, check with your vet.
Accommodations
Read the fine print. Some hotels only allow small pets, ones that weight less than 20 lbs. If you have a medium or large sized animal they may not qualify. Pets cannot be left alone in hotel rooms and there is usually an extra charge for their stay with you. If you are traveling with a dog, and will be away from your hotel room during the day, find a pet sitter in the city you are in who offers "Doggie Day Care".
Parasites
Take care of external and internal parasites before there is a health problem. Keep
your pet on a flea and tick preventative program. Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in
warm, humid environments. Be sure your dog has been heart worm tested and is on a
preventative program.
Yards
Be cautious of pesticides and herbicides used on the lawn and plants. Some pets are
highly allergic to these chemicals. Keep them away from freshly treated areas.
Have a Professional Pet Sitter care for your pet!
Hire a professional pet sitter for peace of mind while you are traveling. Your pet will be in familiar surroundings with little or no stress. A professional pet sitter will give your pet consistent, personnel care and attention on a daily basis. Your professional pet sitter can handle emergencies through your local vet while not only taking care of your pet but keeping your home safe and secure!
______________________________________________________
SAFE AT HOME, LLC
Pet Sitting & Boarding
216-3540 or 937-5448
LICENSED & INSURED
