summer safety - Healing Paws

102-101 Klahanie Drive, Port Moody, BC, V3H 0C3, Canada
Tel 604 461-PAWS | www.healingpawsvet.ca | frontdesk@healingpawsvet.ca
SUMMER SAFETY
Ah, summer - finally we can shed our winter wear and
go outside to enjoy the glorious sunshine! Everyone
looks forward to the warm weather, when we can
bring our fur kids along with us outside to enjoy the
outdoors together. However along with the fun of
beaches, barbeques and sunbathing there are some
dangers that pose a threat to our furry companions.
Some tips to ensure a fun (yet safe!) Summer:
• Take walks in the morning and evening, avoiding the
hot mid afternoon sun
• Avoid strenuous exercise in the heat and if you don’t
want to miss your daily run with your furry exercise
buddy, do it in the early morning. Be especially careful
with those squishy faced dogs!
• Have water available at home and outside and don’t
forget a portable bowl when you’re on the go
• Never leave your fur kid in a car! The inside of a car can get dangerously hot within minutes and
become deadly, even if you have left a window open
• Try to walk your pets on grass; asphalt can get very hot in summer to the point of burning their
paw pads. Test the asphalt with your hand, if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for them
• Be aware of lawns that have been treated with fertilizers or other toxins, they can irritate your
pet’s skin and be hazardous if ingested
• Never leave your pet unattended in or near water, even the best water dog can get exhausted
mid swim and need help. If your pet loves the water but isn’t the strongest swimmer, invest in a
doggy lifejacket to help keep them afloat!
• Dogs lose most of their body heat through their paws and by panting, making them not as efficient
at cooling down as we are. As pet parents, there are ways for us to help them cool down, such as
using cooling vests or wetting a bandana and keeping it in the fridge to chill before putting it around
their neck to prevent overheating
• Some dogs can get sunburns, especially the dogs with white fur, short hair or pink skin, you can
apply sunscreen to their nose and the tips of their ears to prevent them from getting burnt
• Make sure to provide lots of shade and shelter from the sun
• It is wise to invest in a ‘pet first aid kit’ to keep with you on summer trips to prevent being
unprepared in an emergency
Another summer concern is heatstroke
Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of prolonged exposure to excessive heat, the
early stages of heatstroke involve heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red
gums/tongue and standing with legs splayed wide in an attempt to maintain balance. The advanced
stages involve white or blue gums, lethargy or unwillingness to move, uncontrollable urination or
defecation, labored and noisy breathing and shock.
If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool them down by
applying rubbing alcohol to their paw pads, placing a cool compress in the groin area, allowing
them to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water. Check your dog's temperature regularly
during this process. Once the dog's temperature has stabilized at between 100 to 102 degrees,
you can stop the cool-down process. It is important not to lower their body temperature too
quickly! If you think your pet is experiencing heatstroke, call your veterinarian immediately!
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Preparing Pets for Emergencies - GET READY TODAY
Step 1 | PREPARE
Get a pet emergency kit
When it comes to getting your emergency
kits ready consider two kits, In one put
everything you and your pets will need to
stay where you are, The other should be a
lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. Be
sure to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and
medicines, are fresh. It's a good idea to do a kit check once every 6 months simply add it to
your calendar so you won't forget.
What your 72hr pet kits should include
* Food: canned pull tab options are best , also add a small bag of kibble in an airtight,
waterproof container
* Water: Store of. per dog or cat per day
* Medicines & medical records: keep an extra supply of your pets regular medications,
rotate often * First Aid Kit: talk to Healing Paws about what you should have in your kit or
pick up an already done kit through us, or through The Bark Lounge.
Collar with ID: also a harness and leash, always keep a collar with all tags on your pet at all
times and have a spare in your kit Crate or pet carrier: if you need to evacuate or keep your
dog safe this is a huge help Sanitation: include poop bags, pet litter, litter box, pee pads,
pet wipes, paper towels etc.
* Familiar items: for comfort from home.
Step 2 | PLAN
What you will do in an emergency
Be prepared to assess the situation, Use whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself
and ensure your pet's safety during an emergency. Depending on the situation your first
important decision is whether you say or evacuate. You should plan for both possibilities.
In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide
information on what is happening and what you should do, keep a battery operated or wind
up radio with you for instructions.
Create a plan to get away: Plan how you will assemble your pets and where you will go, if
you must evacuate, take your pets with you if practical, if you go to a public shelter, keep in
mind animals may not be allowed inside.
Consider family, friends, your pet's caregivers, boarding facilities and animal rescues/shelters,
or pet friendly hotels outside of your city. Have a list of places to go near and far so you
know where you're going.
Create a buddy system
You may not be home when emergency strikes be sure your friend, neighbor, and pet care
professional is available to jump in when you can't make it home. Let them know your plans,
show them where you keep your kits, and plan an area
you will meet close to home or further away in an emergency.
Gather Contact information
Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies including
local shelters, rescues, emergency veterinary hospitals, and the BCSPCA. Keep these numbers
with you and in your pet's kit, should your pet run away in an emergency you will know who
to contact to retrieve your pet back. Obtain ''pets inside'' stickers and place them on your
doors and windows, include the number and type of pets in your home, to alert firefighters
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Emergencies - cont.
This article is courtesy of: thebarkinglounge.ca
and rescue workers. Consider adding your phone number and if time permits be sure to
write evacuated on your stickers should you flee with your pets.
Get Ready NOW - Prepare for the unexpected
Your pet is an important member of your household. The likelihood that you and your animals
will survive an emergency such as a fire, flood, earthquake, or terrorist attack depends
largely on emergency planning done today.
Some things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal
emergency supply kit or purchasing one through us, or The Bark Lounge, and developing a
pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency. Whether you decide to stay put in
an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for
your pets. Keep in mind that what's best for you is typically what's best for your animals.
If you must evacuate take your pets with if possible. However, if you are going to a public
shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance
for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets.
Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at
least three days, maybe longer.
More Tips
If is isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets; even if you will only be gone for a few hours,
take your pets with you.
Evacuate early, don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order, you may be forced to leave
your pets behind.
Healthy Mouth - Healthy Mind!
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PROMOTIONS & UPCOMING EVENTS
PAWS FOR A CAUSE - September 13, 2015, LaFarge Lake
PUPPY & KITTEN PACKAGE - On sale through July and August 2015!
Pupps & Kittens
BACK TO SCHOOL - Bag 10% off on purchase of pet food & treats - through Sep 2015
NEW CLIENTS - 50% off of the consult fees on 1st appointment (one per family)
Discount applied to:
All Wellness Exams, Deworming,
Vaccines/Titers, Spays/Neuters
July/August 2015:
Buy a Package
and save 10%*
*Contact us for details.
102-101 Klahanie Dr, Port Moody BC, V3H 0C3
frontdesk@healingpawsvet.ca | www.healingpawsvet.ca | tel 604 461-PAWS(7297)