Summer means enjoying the weather,
and for most, with your pet! Remember to keep your pet healthy this summer by
keeping them safe in the summer’s high temperatures.
Here are just some of the ways you
can help ensure your pets have a safe summer:
Visit the Vet. A visit to the
veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your
pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. Pets should also be given a
blood test for heartworm every year in the early spring. The deadly parasite is
transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is recommended
that dogs and cats be on a monthly preventive medication year-round.
Keep Cool. Dogs and cats can become
dehydrated quickly, so give your pets plenty of water when it is hot outdoors.
Also make sure your pet has a shady place to escape the sun, and when the
temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt.
Know the Symptoms. Some symptoms of
overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing,
increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an
elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
Summertime is the perfect time for
a backyard barbeque or party, but remember to keep alcoholic beverages away
from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression, comas, or even death.
Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your friends should not be a
treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or
cat severe digestive ailments.” Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and
products with the sweetener xylitol.
Water Safety is Pet-friendly. Do
not leave pets unsupervised around a pool, as not all dogs are good swimmers.
Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure pets wear flotation
devices while on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or
salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which
contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.
Last month, Susan Weinstein, our Sales Representative from Henry-Schein committed to providing $5 to Broward Meals on Wheels for Pets (BMOW) for every Merial Heartgard and/ or Nexgard product purchased from the HAH during the month of June. This month, she and Drew Thorpe, our Merial Representative presented a check to BMOW for Pets for $500.
Debbie began in 2008 as a Receptionist. She was a leader as the Shift Supervisor and Trainer. Almost a year ago she moved departments and easily found her home with our in-house lab ladies.
Smokey, a 4year old, Shih Tzu mix was first brought to the
HAH for hind limb paralysis. A resident of the Bahamas, Smokey was diagnosed and treated
for neurological deficits with consideration of intervertebral disk disease
(IVDD). After being “down” for 12 days, his primary Veterinarian referred him
to the HAH for evaluation and possible spinal surgery. His limping had
turned into immobility over a period of one week and the possibility of surgery
was real. 
