Never leave your pet in the car. On an 85 degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of a car to reach 102 degrees, even if the windows are left open a few inches. Within 30 minutes, the inside of a car can reach 120 degrees. Even in pleasant 70 degree weather, the temperature inside a car can be 20 degrees hotter.

Make sure your pet has access to shade and water whenever outside. Do not exercise your dog in the middle of the day or immediately following a meal. Hot asphalt and tar can burn your pet’s sensitive paw pads, so walk your dog on grass or dirt whenever possible.

Signs that your pet is overheating include panting, lethargy and unresponsiveness. If you suspect your pet is overheated, bring the body temperature down by rinsing the animal in cool (not ice) water and seek immediate veterinary care.

It is also important to protect your dog or cat from fleas and ticks. Flea and tick preventatives can be given orally or applied topically once a month. Your veterinarian can help determine the best choice for your pet. Be aware that online pharmacies or chain stores may stock these products, but lack the expertise that your vet can provide as far as the product selection, safe dosing and weight restrictions for certain products.

Be cautious when ordering online, as some products obtained from online pharmacies may be expired or even counterfeit. Your veterinarian may offer rebates or incentives that rival that of online pricing. In addition, guarantees exist from the manufacturer which cover treatment should your pet become infected while on preventative. These guarantees are negated if you do not purchase the product from your veterinarian. When in doubt, ask your family vet to determine the best prevention for your pet and your family, so that everyone stays healthy and happy while enjoying the warmer weather!

You may elect to have a pet sitter care for your pet at your home while you are gone. Pets that are immunocompromised for any reason (young animals or animals receiving chemotherapy for example) should not be boarded.  Many pets do better by maintaining their routine at home rather than going to a boarding facility. Whether you use a kennel or a sitter, make sure they have all of your contact information as well as information for your veterinarian, should your pet need care while you are away.

If your pet will be traveling with you by airplane, make sure to check with the airline’s guidelines for travel, and have a health certificate signed by your veterinarian within 10 days of your flight. For longer trips, you may need an additional health certificate for the return flight. If you travel internationally, there may be additional requirements and restrictions so be aware of those before you go.

Have a great trip, knowing that your pets will be excited to see you upon your return!

• One oatmeal cookie for a dog=one hamburger for a human
• 1 oz. of cheese for a cat=four candy bars for a human
• One potato chip for a cat=half a hamburger for a human

Maintaining a healthy weight at every age is important for the long term health of your pet.  For example, puppies that are overweight when they are young have an increased risk of developing joint problems when they are older than puppies who maintained a healthy weight throughout growth.  Your veterinarian can help you determine a healthy weight for your pet and advise a nutritional diet based on the body condition and life stage of your pet. And if your pet does enjoy a little holiday indulgence, counteract that with a healthy feeding plan and regular activity over the rest of the year.

• Keep candy in an area that pets cannot reach, and never leave candy on the floor. Children’s trick or treat bags, which even if left in a closet, may be found by a dog’s excellent sense of smell.

• Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine contain methylxanthine, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, excessive thirst and urination, seizures and tremors, and even death. Dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate.

• Sugar free gum, toothpaste, and candy contains Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, which causes vomiting, low blood sugar, lethargy, loss of coordination, fainting, dizziness, and liver failure. For more information about compounds that can be toxic to pets, consult the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at www.aspca.org/apcc

• Dogs that normally are friendly may become frightened or aggressive when approached by strange people in costumes, so keeping your dog away from the door during Halloween is safest.  Due to the activity and excitement of Halloween night, it is best to keep all pets indoors.

• Exposure to heat is a big consideration, especially for our heavy coated dog breeds.  Dogs cannot sweat like humans do and therefore can overheat quickly.  Never leave your dog in the car, even with the windows down, and make sure they have adequate shelter and water if they are outside for long periods.  Watch your dog for excessive panting or lethargy and keep exercise sessions short.

• Swimming is great exercise for our dogs and an activity many enjoy.  Be sure that your dog is rinsed well with clean water after he or she swims and that they thoroughly dry.  Your vet may recommend cleaning your dog’s ears at regular intervals to help prevent summer ear infections.

• Fireworks and thunderstorms can scare even the calmest of dogs and cats!  If your pet becomes anxious around these loud noises, talk with your vet about things you can do.  Medications are available that can help.

• Dogs enjoy barbeques and backyard parties as much as the rest of the family!  Do make sure that your dog does not have access to anything that may harm him or her, including grills, BBQ tools or skewers, or foods that are high in fat or that contain bones.  This may require confining your pet if they cannot be observed closely.

• Heartworm preventative should be given monthly year round in our area.  Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and any dog can be susceptible.  It can be fatal if left untreated and treatment poses significant risks as well.  This medication also helps prevent several types of internal parasites.   Cats can also develop respiratory disease from heartworm, so outdoor cats should be treated as well!

• Flea and tick preventative, most commonly in the form of a topical liquid medication, is usually given seasonally in Illinois.  We will start using medication when the weather warms (usually late March or April) and continue use until the first frost (24 hours below 32 degrees).  Please discuss the appropriate medication with your veterinarian as many different types are available.

• If your dog goes to the dog beach or dog park during the summer, there are certain requirements they will have to have fulfilled before they can receive a pass.  Your dog will need to be up to date on several vaccinations and have had a recent fecal sample checked for presence of internal parasites.  Your vet will be able to help you determine what will be needed for your dog.

• Don’t forget your cats!  If you have a cat that goes outdoors, speak with your vet about appropriate vaccinations, heartworm/flea preventative, and intestinal parasite prevention.

Dental disease can cause bad breath, oral pain, difficulty chewing, irritation of the gums, bleeding, and loss of teeth.  Bacteria in the mouth can also spread to the heart, liver and kidneys, resulting in significant disease.

Have your pet’s oral health evaluated annually or as recommended by your veterinarian. Your vet will help you determine when professional cleaning is necessary. During a cleaning, your vet uses specialized instruments to remove tartar and plaque and polishes the teeth to help prevent further buildup.  This is performed under general anesthesia, because pets will not allow us to perform these procedures effectively while they are awake.

Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth at home is the most effective way to control tartar and plaque, as well as bad breath!  Use a pet-safe toothpaste (available at your veterinarian), as human toothpastes contain fluoride which can be toxic to pets. For small pets, a small brush that fits over your finger is usually best; for larger pets, a soft bristle human toothbrush works well.  Plan on brushing your pets’ teeth at least 3-4 times weekly for best oral care.

Food/ingestion hazards

• Generally a small amount of cooked meat will not harm your pet.  If you would like to share some of your dinner with them, make sure it is boneless and does not contain a large proportion of fat.  Raw or cooked turkeys, hams, etc should be kept out of reach of your animals – it is not unusual for the dogs and sometimes cats to help themselves!

• Do not let your cats or dogs eat seasoned stuffing, desserts (especially containing chocolate), bread dough, or anything containing a large amount of butter or fat.  These foodstuffs can lead to mild GI discomfort or can cause significant medical problems requiring emergency treatment.

• Do not allow your dog or cat to be exposed to alcoholic beverages.

• Watch pets carefully around holiday decorations.  Exposure to sharp pieces of broken ornaments can lead to significant lacerations or GI distress.  Tinsel or other string like objects can cause major obstructive problems in the intestines of dogs or cats.

• Lilies can be very toxic to animals if consumed.  Make sure they are placed in an area where your animals cannot steal a taste.  Holly, poinsettias, and mistletoe can also cause GI distress and should be kept away from pets.

• If your dog does consume anything you are concerned about or does not seem to be acting normally, please contact our office or Animal Emergency and Critical Care in Northbrook at 847-564-5775.  The ASPCA website (www.aspca.org) also contains some good information on ingestion of different substances and information for contacting ASPCA poison control (888-426-4435).

Cold weather safety

• Cats are best kept indoors during the winter season.  Frostbite, injury due to ice, and risk of being injured by vehicles are all major concerns this time of year.

• Keep dogs on leash while outdoors.  Scents do not carry as well when the ground is frozen, and it is much more difficult for them to find their way home if they become lost.

• Be sure to use pet-safe salt around your house and encourage neighbors to do the same.  Regardless, rinse and dry your dog’s paws well when you come in from a walk or playing outdoors to clear salt and ice from the pads.  If your dog is licking their feet excessively or if they develop sores or bleeding pads, please let us know.

• Shorthaired pets often benefit from sweaters or blankets when outdoors.  Booties may also be useful if your dog will tolerate them.

Kennels and holiday travel

• Call to make holiday kennel or pet sitting reservations early – they fill up quickly!

• Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations prior to leaving for the kennel.  It is best to be sure vaccinations are given AT LEAST 10 days prior to boarding to be sure vaccines will be protective.

• If at all possible, be sure your pet has their normal diet at the kennel.  Make a list of any medications and times they are routinely given for kennel staff.  If your pet often becomes ill during kennel stays, talk to us prior to their next stay.

• Be sure that pets headed to the kennel have had flea preventative applied within the last month.

• If you are planning on traveling with your pet on a plane or out of the country, please let our office know at least 10 days ahead of time.  Most airlines require dogs and cats to have a health certificate (requiring an in-office physical exam) before traveling.  Check with your airline about temperature restrictions as well.  If your pet becomes very anxious or motion sick during car or plane travel, we could prescribe a medication that may help you both have a more pleasurable trip.

 Miscellaneous

• Securely anchor Christmas trees and other heavy holiday decorations so animals will not be able to pull them over or spill tree water, which can contain harmful fertilizer.

• Be aware of burning candles or wires for light displays.  Dogs and cats are very curious creatures and often like to nibble on such things.

• Allow your animal a quiet calm place to get away from holiday parties or guests if they wish.

The doctors and staff at Winnetka Animal Hospital wish you and your family – animal and human – a very happy and safe holiday season!