Well folks, it's going to be a scorcher!

When temperatures start to rise, the heat poses a risk not only to humans but to our pets as well. It's important to keep your beloved companions cool and safe during the hot summer months to avoid things like heat stroke, dehydration, or even water related injuries.

Below are some tips to help keep your furry friends happy and healthy this summer!

DON'T LEAVE YOUR DOG OR OTHER PETS IN THE CAR. 
While this may seem like a no-brainer, many pets are left unattended in hot vehicles all the time. At 80 degrees outside, even with the windows cracked or rolled down, temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly reach over 100 degrees within minutes.  This can quickly lead to heat stroke, which is often fatal. If you absolutely MUST bring your pets with you bring someone to stay in the vehicle with them with the air conditioning on, or call ahead to your destination to ask about their policies on bringing pets with you. However, the safest thing is for them to stay at home.

OUTDOOR PETS.
If it's hot to you, it's hot to them! In and ideal world, every pet would have a comfy, air conditioned, indoor area to relax in during the hottest hours of the day but we know that's just not possible. But there are some things we can do to help keep them comfortable outdoors. Fresh, cool water, plenty of shade and an area that isn't so enclosed as to stop any breeze. You can also give your pets treats such as frozen low sodium chicken broth, green beans, or just plain ice cubes. Many dogs also appreciate a shallow kiddie pool to splash in as well! 

RABBITS.
Rabbits are much more sensitive to the heat than most domestic animals. Their dense fur traps their body heat next to their skin and with their somewhat fragile systems this can VERY quickly lead to over-heating an death. Rabbits should be kept in a temperature regulated enclosure or indoors if possible once it's over 80 degrees outside. Wild rabbits can burrow underground to stay cool but most pet rabbits don't have that option. If there is no way to keep your bunny indoors there are still some ways to help keep them safe. Fresh, cool water, shade, ceramic tiles, frozen 2 liter water bottles, damp towels over the top of their enclosure, and frozen treats are all ways to help keep your rabbits temperature down. For more information on caring for rabbits in hot weather click here.

WATER SAFETY.
Many dogs love the water. But did you know that some breeds can't swim well enough to keep their heads above water? Brachycephalic, or short snout, breeds such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apso have an especially difficult time with swimming. Having a life jacket on your pet while they are in the water is one of the best ways to avoid a terrible accident. And if your pet is going to be swimming in moving water such as a river or the ocean its best to have a life jacket and leash securely attached and in hand at all times. 

PET CPR.
It's something we all hope we'll never have to use but know it's good to have the training. Just like you can get certified in human Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) you can also get trained in animal CPR. The Red Cross offers Pet CPR and First Aid information on their website here. 

If you have any questions or thoughts we'd love to hear from you in the comments!

During a busy day, the lobby here at Vineyard Vet can get quite crowded and hectic. There are people checking their pets in and out, waiting for their appointment with their pet, or picking up prescriptions. Some pets are ill or in pain, some are nervous and unsure, some can even be overly friendly. Pets who are not feeling well or are scared can become even more stressed.  Below is a list of ways you can help keep things relaxed and flowing as smoothly as possible!

1.) Patience.- If the pandemic has taught us anything it's that time is precious. We have been busier than usual for the past year which has extended our wait times. We are doing our best to make sure that you are seen in a timely manner and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

2.)Keep your dog on a leash and your cat in a carrier.- What can make an already crowded clinic even more stressful is having a pet run about the lobby, or worse, our parking lot next to a busy road. We HIGHLY recommend not using retractable leashes. While they may seem like a great item and may work for you at home they can be dangerous in a clinic if they become unlocked or the handle breaks. They also make it difficult for the staff to safely handle your pet. We also HIGHLY recommend bringing your cat in a carrier that is able to be securely closed. It becomes unsafe for your cat when they are only wrapped in a towel, brought in a box with no top, or even just carried in your arms. 

3.) Do not let your puppy walk on the ground outside of your own backyard until it is fully vaccinated.- Parvovirus (Parvo), a serious and potentially lethal virus, can live outside of it's preferred host for months to years making it highly contagious. 

4.) Avoid introducing pets to one another.- While many pets may be friendly in their home environment, the clinic is often stressful for pets who are not feeling well, are in pain, don't like other animals, or are overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells. Since you don't know how another pet will react, it is best to keep your dog on a shortened leash near you, your cat in a carrier, and prevent them from coming nose to nose with another animal in the lobby or parking lot. 

5.) Stay alert.- while our staff do their best to keep the lobby as calm as possible, having owners watch for potential negative situations with their pets helps us a lot! 

Please comment below and let us know if you have any questions or other ideas of how to make your pets visit as stress free as possible!