Health

While fireworks can add a lot of fun and excitement to a celebration, the bright flashes and loud noises can make it a scary time for our pets. Check out these top tips from the SPCA on how to keep your pet safe, calm and out of harm’s way when you or those around you are celebrating with fireworks. • Stay home with your pet – they will be less stressed with someone they trust close by. • Keep them indoors – they won’t see the flashes and the bangs will be muffled. Close doors and windows and draw the curtains. Turn up the volume on your radio or TV to help drown out loud bangs with familiar sounds. • Make sure that your cat or dog has somewhere safe and comforting to hide such as an igloo, box, crate or somewhere they feel safe to retreat to. • Put a collar and registration tag on your dog. Both cats and dogs should be microchipped and have a collar and identification tag with your contact details on it. If your pet panics and runs away, it will help rescuers reunite you. • Comfort your pet – This could mean cuddling them if it helps or giving them space, depending on what your pet needs. Try to behave in a calm and reassuring manner. Take special care of elderly or nervous pets and if you know that your pet gets very stressed when fireworks are being let off then consult your vet for advice on keeping them calm. • Move horses and farm animals away from fireworks – and make sure all fences are secure. Stable horses where possible. • Never punish your pets when they are scared – This will only make their fear and stress levels worse. • Play music to mask the noise. • Try a compression wrap. • Exercise your dog early in the day to avoid being out in the dusk and fireworks. • Consider the use of ADAPTIL for dogs and FELIWAY for cats that are nervous. • Don’t forget small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs or chickens. Have them tucked away or even inside for the night. • Keep in mind that for some animals this is a real phobia and should be treated with medication they should speak to their vet for options before the fireworks start. Share these tips with your family and friends and let’s do our bit to keep our pets safe, happy and out of harm’s way.

Heat stroke is a serious condition for pets as well as people. Learn how to prevent heat stroke and what to watch for in your own pet. Heat Stroke Summertime is for sun and fun, but it’s not without its dangers. While the warmth may feel great on your skin, it can also lead to heat stroke — a common and dangerous condition for dogs and cats as well as people. The normal temperature for a dog or cat is around 38.61 °C. Heat stroke is caused when your pet’s core temperature rises to 40.56°C or higher. Pets — especially cats — are notorious for hiding their discomfort. They don’t have the means, motivation, or ability to complain like people do. So it’s our responsibility to look out for them and watch for signs of their discomfort. Behavioural Signs of Heat Stroke Dogs and cats are especially vulnerable to heat stroke because their furry bodies cannot sweat to dissipate heat. Instead, they pant or breathe rapidly to cool themselves. When they are unable to effectively cool themselves, their core temperature rises rapidly. This can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications including seizures, organ failure, and clotting problems. Any animal suspected of having heat stroke is experiencing a medical emergency and must receive immediate veterinary treatment. If not promptly treated, heat stroke can lead to loss of consciousness and death, so it’s important to keep an eye out for the symptoms: • Excessive panting and salivating • Obvious discomfort • Vomiting and diarrhoea • Disorientation • Seizures What to Do if Your Pet Has Heat Stroke The Veterinary Information Network recommends first aid for hyperthermia in pets. If your pet has become overheated, move your pet to a shaded and cool environment, and direct a fan towards him or her. If possible, determine the rectal temperature and record it so you can share this information with a vet. Begin to cool your pet’s body by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin region. Make sure to change the towels regularly for fresh cool wet towels as if left they can get warm quickly and cause your pet to overheat even more. You may also wet the earflaps and paws with cool water. Then transport your pet to the closest veterinary facility immediately. Even if you are able to remove your pet from the hot environment and initiate first aid, he or she will still need to be treated. Many of the complications from heat stroke do not begin to appear until several days after the incident — but prompt veterinary care can potentially prevent or treat some of these complications. Safety and Prevention Keeping your pet hydrated is key so make sure they always have access to plenty of clean, cool water. Pets can suffer heat stroke from exercising too much on hot, humid days, or if they’re stuck in the sun without shade for too long. Some dog breeds — like Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa Apso’s and Boston terriers — are predisposed to heat stroke. Because their noses are short, these dogs have airways that are not as efficient at cooling when they pant. Overweight or obese dogs are also prone to heat stroke, as are dogs or cats with other airway problems. Cats are often subjected to heat stroke by sneaking unnoticed into parked cars or hot attics, then becoming trapped. It is important to account for all your animals after spending time in an area that could be a heatstroke trap. The most common cause of heat stroke is still the unthinkable — leaving a pet inside a parked car, with or without the window opened. Leaving a window opened is never sufficient protection, as the temperature can still climb quickly inside a car even on moderately warm days. Learn more about why you should never ever leave your pet in a car, along with other ways to keep your pet safe in the summer heat. Have fun this summer, but have it safely — and don’t forget the sunscreen for yourself!

Diabetes Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin, the hormone that regulates how sugar is absorbed and used by cells and tissues in the body. It most often afflicts dogs between the ages of five and seven, and female dogs are more susceptible to it than males. If you notice your dog is suddenly extremely thirsty and urinates more than usual, consult your veterinarian, as these behaviours may be signs of diabetes. Allergies and Intolerances Environmental contaminants, such as dust and mould, can cause allergies in a dog. So can his food, although it takes time to make that diagnosis. Usually, a veterinarian will put a dog on a food elimination diet to determine if he has a food allergy. That means the dog spends eight to ten weeks on a special hypoallergenic diet. If his clinical signs improve on the hypoallergenic diet, he is then challenged with his original diet. If the dog is truly allergic to his food there is likely to be an increase in clinical signs, such as itching and inflamed skin. If these appear, further testing will be needed to determine which specific ingredients trigger the allergy symptoms. Digestive Health Digestive upset is one of the most common reasons dogs are brought to the veterinarian. There are many causes for digestive problems in dogs, including dietary indiscretion, infections, and allergies. Some dog digestive problems may resolve once the dog’s digestive system is given a chance to rest, but more serious conditions could result in weight loss, dehydration and debilitation. If your dog has a digestive problem, contact your veterinarian and they can determine the appropriate treatment.

With all the excitement of your new puppy coming home, there’s lots to think about. Remember that regular vet check-ups are vital. You can discuss things like vaccinations, de-worming, address any worries you have and ask about any aspects of puppy health you’re not sure about. Vaccinations also play an important role in the first stages of your puppy’s life. If you notice any of the symptoms below, take your puppy to the vet right away instead of waiting for the next check-up. Even between visits, keeping an eye on your puppy’s health can do the world of good. In between visits to the vet, a quick check of your puppy’s appearance and overall mood is easy to do, and it’s a great way to monitor overall dog health. Here are some things to look out for: Nose • Healthy -Generally a healthy puppy’s nose is cool, clean, slightly moist, and free of discharge. • Consult your vet- If there are any scabs or rashes or if their nose is running with mucus or other discharges. Eyes • Healthy - Your puppy’s healthy eyes should be clear and bright. They shouldn’t look irritated, and your puppy won’t try to rub them with their paws or on the carpet. • Consult your vet -If your puppy’s eyes are red, tear stained, or have discharge, consult your vet. Ears • Healthy -A puppy’s ears should be pink and clean, and free from any discharge and odour. • Consult your vet -If your puppy’s ears have dark wax resembling dried coffee grounds in the ear canals, if their ear canals are hot or inflamed, have pus or odour, or if they try scratching their ears or shakes their head regularly. You can check your puppy’s ears weekly as part of your puppy health care routine. Skin / Coat • Healthy -Healthy puppy skin is free from lumps, fleas, flea dirt and ticks. It should be pink and clean, and their fur should be thick, shiny and silky (depending on their breed). His skin is a good overall indicator of their health, so make checking it part of your puppy care routine. • Consult your vet -Redness of the skin, bald patches, greasy coat, lumps, fleas, flea dirt or ticks, or Itchiness. Mouth • Healthy -In general, when you’re checking your puppy’s mouth you should notice pink gums, fresh breath, and white teeth. • Consult your vet -Your puppy’s mouth shows signs of redness or swelling at the margins of their teeth, inflamed gums, breath odour or dirty teeth. Regular dental care and a healthy, balanced diet can help maintain their dental health