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Summer in the Midwest is a wonderful time to be outside with your pets. Many of us spend our days at the lake, park, cabin, or just out in the backyard. Having our pets with us make this time of year even more enjoyable.
The most obvious concern for pets during the summer is the heat. It is very easy for an animal to get overheated. Dogs don't always know when to take it easy and may retrieve that tennis ball until they collapse. Make sure your dogs rest and give them access to fresh, clean drinking water during any outdoor activity. If you stop playing for a moment and the dog lays down on its own, then it is time for a break.
NEVER leave your pets in your car during the summer. Not only is it illegal, it is also very dangerous for your pets. Even with the windows down on what seems like a cooler day, it doesn't take long for the heat to turn your car into a furnace. When you leave a pet in the car they have no way to escape. Don't take any chances with your furry friends, NEVER leave them in the car.
One way to beat the heat with your pets is to go swimming. Swimming is great  exercise for dogs; it works their muscles without weight bearing. There are some precautions to take when swimming with our dogs though. Before heading out to the lake make sure pets are allowed. If you are swimming on a populated lake or river beware of boats. Dogs are not very visible on the water and a passing boat driver may not see them. If you are playing in the river be aware of the undertow. It can quickly sweep an unsuspecting dog under water and down the river.
Boating with dogs can also be a very enjoyable activity, but requires some safety precautions. Just like people, dogs should wear a life jacket while on a boat. Life jackets for your dog are available at our clinic. Life jackets provide your dog with a lifesaving flotation devices, make them more visible on the water, and many also come with handles on the top so you can pull your dog out of the water if necessary. These jackets are also helpful for dogs learning to swim, or dogs that swim for extended periods of time.
When you are driving your boat it is important to keep your dog securely inside the boat. If you have to take a quick turn or the dog gets excited and tries to jump out you run the risk of serious injury.
A dog that spends a lot of time in the water is at risk for ear infections. Always use a drying ear rinse after swimming and bathing. If used properly, these products can prevent most ear infections.
 Dirty lake or river water can also cause a dog's skin to become irritated. A quick fix for this problem is to rinse your dog off with the hose or in the tub with clean water after swimming. If your dog spends a lot of time in the water we recommend bathing. Use a shampoo made specifically for dogs as human shampoo can be irritating.
All pets should be put on a parasite preventative, and a flea and tick preventative. In the Midwest our canine and feline friends come in contact with lots of nasty things like heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, fleas, ticks, and ear mites. Even if they don't spend a lot of time outdoors they are at risk.
Summer is a wonderful season to spend time outdoors with your pets. With the proper planning and prevention you can ensure that your time will be fun and safe for both you and your furry friends.
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The Top 5 Deadliest Plants to Pets |
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The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has listed the top 5 deadliest plants to pets. Although the following list details the most problematic plants, we recommend that you discourage pets from eating any plants. A plant doesn't have to be poisonous to cause intestinal upset.
 If you have any of the following plants in your house or if you believe your pet has come in contact with any of the following please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) immediately.
1. Lilies: Ingestion of Lilies is the number one reason that people call poison control for their pets. This plant is very popular and can be found in many gardens and flower shops because of its beautiful flowers. This plant is especially toxic to cats and ingesting even a small amount can result in serious kidney damage.
2. Azaleas: Azaleas are not indigenous to this area, but are often used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant. They contain a substance called grayanotowins. This substance can cause vomiting, drooling, and problems to the central nervous system. In severe cases death can result from collapse of the cardiovascular system.
3. Oleander: Like the Azalea, the Oleander is only found in the US when used for ornamental purposes. Ingestion of any part of this plan can cause gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal cardiac function, and hypothermia.
4. Sago Palm: These popular ornamental plants can also be deadly to pets. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, and liver failure. Although all parts of the plants are toxic, it is thought that the seeds or nuts contain the most toxins.
5. Castor Bean: As with the Sago Palm, the nut or seen portion of the Castor Bean Plant are the most toxic. The poisonous principle in the Castor Bean is Ricin, ingestion of even a tiny amount can cause severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, weakness, and loss of appetite.
If you suspect your pet has ingested even the smallest amount of a potentially toxic plant it is important to act quickly. Immediately contact your veterinarian or poison control. You can help keep your pets safe by assuring that your house and yard are free of toxic plants. If you would like to learn more about these and other toxic plants please visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc. | |
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As summer winds down, we try to fit in one more vacation in before the kids head back to school and we hunker down for the winter.  Whether you are heading up North to the cabin, or going on a cross-country road trip, August often marks the beginning of Fall and settling back into routine.
Before doing any sort of traveling with or without your pet make sure that your pet is up to date on vaccinations and parasite control. You should also microchip your pet so they have a permanent form of identification. For more info on microchips see the above article.
TRAVEL WITHOUT PETS
If you plan to leave your pets at home make sure to plan ahead. There are many options for pet care.
1. Boarding Facilities: If a boarding facility is the best option for your pet make sure to schedule in advance as these places get full very quickly.
When you pack for your pet's stay make sure to include the following:
-Plenty of their own food, and instructions for feeding
-Any medications they are on, and instructions for
administration
-Special bowls, blankets, and toys
-Contact numbers for you, your veterinarian, and an
alternate contact
Boarding facilities come in all shapes and sizes and it is a good idea to check out your options ahead of time. Try to show up unannounced and ask to see the boarding areas. If you are not happy with what you see, hear, and smell then keep looking.
2. Pet Sitters: Pet sitters are a great option if you prefer to keep your pets in your home while you are gone.
Pet sitters often have the option of in-home visits or in-home stays. To learn more about Pet Sitting options click here.
3. Board With Friends: If you have friends or family that like your pets this is often a good option. Just make sure to plan ahead so you know your pets will be welcome in their home. Pack the same things you would if you were boarding.
Remember that not all animals automatically get along so if your friend has their own pets it is wise to do a trial run first to make sure that everyone can cohabitate well.
TRAVEL WITH PETS
If your travel plans include your pet then make sure your pet will be welcome where you are going. Plan ahead and verify accommodations for your furry friends.
Bring with your the following:
-Medications
-Pet First Aid Kit
-Medical Records, including vet records and microchip info
-Signed Health Certificate from your Veterinarian if traveling
across state lines or internationally
-A leash, harness, and kennel
-Food and water for your trip plus enough for a few extra
days
-Bowls, litter boxes, and cat litter as needed
-Toys and bedding as needed
When you arrive at your destination the first thing you should do is find the number  of the local veterinarian and/or emergency clinic in case your pet gets injured or sick while you are traveling.
Whether your travel plans include bringing your pet along or leaving them home make sure to plan ahead so their "vacation" will be just as relaxing as yours. |
Canterbury Park's Dachshund Dash |
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 On the 4th of July every year Canterbury Park hosts Dachshund Dash and Free Hot Dog Day. Our pet of the month, Riese, raced this year for his second time. He took third place last year, and this year took an unofficial second place.
This year there were 12 other participating Miniature Dachshunds. Before the big race all the participants are paraded around and individually introduced for everyone to see and admire.
Decked out in their racing blankets, the started from the horses starting gates. They ran 100 yards to be caught by their owners.
Last year Riese shot out of the gate, but then sat down 5 feet in front of the finish line to take a break. From third last year, to second this year, next year Riese hopes to take the prize.
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2201 Ventura Drive