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Safety Tips for Keeping Pets Cool in Summer
July 18, 2024 By Kelsey Hokit

While you might be thinking about all of the fun you can have with your pets this summer, it is important to remember that the heat can affect them too. Here are our top tips to keep your pets happy and healthy throughout these warmer months.

1. Don’t Leave Your Pet Unattended in Direct Sunlight

Heatstroke can occur quickly in animals and it is important to never leave your pet unattended in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle. If you see an animal in either of these situations, be sure to take note if they are panting, drooling, or have a rapid breathing rate. This means the animal is in danger and needs help as soon as possible.

2. Always Have Access to Fresh Water

Be sure to always give your pets access to fresh water in the warmer months. They are more likely to become dehydrated and it is important that you give them the opportunity to drink fresh water as often as they want to.

3. Get Your Pet in For a Check-Up

It is always a good idea to get your pet in for a routine check-up prior to the summer months, especially if you plan to have them outside with you frequently. Your vet will be able to make sure that everything is up to date and they are in good health prior to you taking them on your summer adventures.

4. Don’t Let Dogs Linger on Asphalt

When the temperatures begin to creep up, do not let your dogs walk or linger on hot asphalt. This can quickly burn the pads on their paws and cause extreme discomfort. Ensure that you keep them in the shade when walking outside and try to walk in the early mornings or late evenings.

Keep these tips in mind when you are preparing for the summer months with your beloved fur babies! This will help keep them healthy and safe through the warmer months.

Potential Dangers of Herbal Supplementation in Pets
July 06, 2011 By Kristen Polo

Recently one of our clients brought her two dogs to Princeton Animal Hospital for wellness examinations and routine vaccinations. The dogs were acting normally at home and the owner reported no problems. On physical examination the dogs appeared healthy. They owner reported that they were taking heartworm preventive medication and topical flea/tick control. Routine vaccines were administered and wellness bloodwork for both dogs was sent to our lab for analysis.

The next day the blood work for both dogs returned showing an abnormality in a liver enzyme (ALT). This is an unusual finding for two young, unrelated, seemingly healthy dogs. It can indicate liver damage or damage to red blood cells.

Dr. Polo called the owner at home and told her of the unusual finding, inquiring about potential toxin exposure or supplementation. At that point the owner mentioned that she had been giving both dogs garlic supplements with their morning meals, after reading that garlic can act as a natural flea preventative.

Unfortunately, garlic can be toxic to dogs and cats. It damages red blood cells, the first sign of which is an elevation in this particular enzyme. If the supplementation had continued, the dogs would have become anemic, and potentially very ill. The owner immediately stopped supplementing the dogs with garlic, and on recheck bloodwork several weeks later the enzyme level had returned to normal.

Onions are another food that can cause similar toxicity in dogs and cats. Cats are more sensitive to these toxicities than dogs. Dogs can generally tolerate a small amount of onion and garlic ingestion as long as it occurs infrequently, but even small amounts will damage some red blood cells, so it is safest to avoid these foods completely.

Moderated by Stephen Tracey.

Brushing Your Pets' Teeth At Home
March 18, 2010

Importance of Oral Care

According to the American Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. This can lead to even more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease. Ensuring your pet receives proper dental care from an early age is critical.

In addition to oral examinations and dental cleanings performed by your veterinarian, there are several things you can do to ensure the mouth of your dog or cat stays healthy.

Brushing at Home

Brushing your pet's teeth daily helps prevent a multitude of oral and other health problems. It is best to introduce dental home care early with your new puppy or kitten. During your first veterinary visit, request a demonstration of how to properly and effectively brush your pet's teeth.

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to brush your pet's teeth at home.

1. Start with a healthy, comfortable mouth by having your veterinarian perform a dental cleaning. Existing problems may cause pain leading to an uncooperative dog or cat.
2. Start slowly by letting your pet become comfortable with you working inside their mouth with your finger. Gently rub along the gumline. Start at the front and move toward the back upper and then lower teeth and gums.
3. Pull his lip up to rub the outside of the teeth and gums.
4. Pull his head back gently to encourage him to open his mouth so you can clean the inside of his teeth.
5. Repeat on the opposite side of the mouth.
6. After your dog or cat becomes comfortable with your finger, place gauze over your finger and rub their teeth in a circular motion.
7. When your pet can handle the gauze, introduce a toothbrush during the next brushing session. It is important to make this switch because a bristled toothbrush cleans below the gumline where gauze or pads cannot reach.
8. Apply the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the surface of the tooth. Using small, circular motions, brush around the outside of the teeth ensuring the bristles get under the gumline. Brushing the sides of the teeth is not as important, as dogs and cats typically do not have tartar build-up between teeth like humans do.
9. Gradually add toothpaste designed for dogs or cats. Do not use people toothpaste or baking soda as both can upset your pet's stomach.
10. Place your hand over your pet's muzzle gently squeezing from the top.
11. Help keep your pet calm by praising your pet, speaking reassuringly and keeping the brushing sessions short. Remember, you will not always have a perfect teeth brushing session, but it's important to be consistent and keep trying.

Other Considerations for a Healthy Mouth

Hard food and teeth cleaning biscuits can help keep your pet's mouth clean in between brushings.

You should also be sure to regularly examine your pet's mouth for signs of periodontal disease. Brownish teeth, consistently bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums and pus between the teeth and gums are all warning signs. If your dog or cat has these symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

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