Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The rainy season, musquitoes, puppy website.

I'd swear the hungry little pests are everywhere since it's been raining every day.  I have more welts than I care to admit, and that's with the bug spray I've been using (and normally don't have to).  So on that note, make sure to give the heartworm preventive monthly, the more musquitoes, the more likely we'll pass heartworm and increase our pets risk.  An important reminder also, don't use human products on pets, they are toxic and can result in severe and life-threatening reactions.  The flea and tick preparations for dogs are great for them and work for the full 30 days.  Obviously, the more parasites in your environment the more likely to find a live one, still check your pet on a regular basis.  If you have small critters around your pets they are at more risk than an indoor or isolated pet.
On a different note, I found a new puppy site for people thinking of adopting.   They talk about breeds, things to watch for when buying a puppy, and other tidbits that are a must-read for first time and "re" adopters.  The site is www.pupquest.org and is headed by a veterinarian.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

It's too hot!

Indoors or out, it's too hot for our friends to be without shade and water.  Make sure they have a hide away spot that gets them out of the sun, and if possible cooled off.  Even the pocket pets are drinking more during this.
Don't leave an animal in a car, even with the windows open in the shade.  15 minutes in a parked car in 70 degree weather can exceed 100 degrees in the car.  Heat stroke is fast and deadly, whether due to heat extremes or exercise in the heat. 
Be careful of crossing the street on really hot days, since the blacktop can hurt their paws.  Be aware of metal strips also, they get seriously painful and can cause blistering.
For more http://cals.arizona.edu/mohave/master_gardeners/kingman/articles/heatstress_in_smallanimals.pdf, has a great article.  Also a lot of the vet schools have great, and correct, information.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

recalled cat foods as of early July due to Salmonella

Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food in 6.3 lb bags with "Best By" date of Aug 2012; Production code 10331083 13; UPC 17800 11320
Friskies Grillers Blend Dry Cat Food in 3.15 lb bags; "Best By" date of Aug 2012; Production code 10381083 06; UPC code 50000 08450
Friskies Grillers Blend Dry Cat Food in 16 lb bags; "Best By" date of Aug 2012; Production Code 10381083 06; UPC 50000 57578