Pets as Christmas Presents

Sometimes it may seem like a cute idea to give someone a pet as a Christmas present, but it’s important to give that some extra thought before you do it. Most pets that are given up lose their home because their owner loses interest in them or is unprepared for the responsibility of pet ownership. This is a huge problem seen among pet owners who receive their pets as “gifts.” Children especially are given the mistaken idea that pets are all fun and games, but they are not fully ready to take on the responsibility of feeding, walking, cleaning, and training their pet.

Instead of giving pets as presents, we recommend getting acclimated to the idea of bringing a new pet into your home. Bringing your children to volunteer at an animal shelter or babysitting the pet of a friend or family member can help. Children and potential pet owners (no matter their age!) need to be reminded that pets aren’t just cute; they are also hungry, need to exercise, and need to use the bathroom. They can be messy when they aren’t fully trained, and the training process can be difficult too.

Please, don’t adopt until everyone in your family is READY. 

Pet Fall Festival this Sunday November 17

November is National Senior Pet Month

November is National Senior Pet Month.  Whether you have a senior pet or have plans to adopt one, we can provide you with information on how best to care of your senior pet.

ALL DAY BLOCK PARTY THIS SATURDAY!

www.wecareapopka.org

Motorcycle Fun Run this weekend

What is a hotspot?

Question

My dog was recently diagnosed with a "hotspot." Can you tell me more about this skin condition?

Answer

“Hotspot” is a general term used to describe the angry reaction that your pet’s skin is displaying. It may also be referred to as “acute moist dermatitis.”
Hotspots have many causes, but are usually the result of self trauma and subsequent infection that occurs as your pet tries to relieve himself from a pain or itch. An underlying allergy is most often the cause of the pain or itch. Some breeds are more prone to seasonal allergies, so you may see hotspots at the same time each year.
There are three types of allergies that may lead to hotspots:

• Inhaled allergy (pollens, dust, molds)
• Insect allergy (fleas, bee sting, spider bite)
• Ingested allergy (food)

Please discuss treatment options, which may include thorough cleaning, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents, with your veterinarian.
For more information, see Library Articles Skin Problems in Pets, Allergies and Spring Allergies.

Originally published on Healthy Pet.

TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR PETS

Our case of the week involved a young, healthy dog that suddenly overheated.  As this can happen very quickly and unexpectedly I thought the following tips might help.  I am happy to report the dog is now fine.

Planning a road trip with your furry friend?  Here are some tips to help you maintain safety, good health and a relaxing time

1.      Make sure you have current health and vaccination records from your veterinarian, and also a thirty days ( or more) supply of any medications. Give him his monthly flea/tick control so you know he is protected for your vacation time  If you are travelling to certain areas make sure you know ahead of time if lymes vaccine are recommended and/or heartworm prevention. You can find this out on the AVMA website www.avma.org

2.      Make sure your dog/cat is used to being crated and take a favorite blankie and toy with you.  The crate will be very useful in hotels ( often a requirement) as well as for safety in the car.

3.      Ensure you have your pet microchipped and registered with the company as well as a good collar and leash with clearly marked tags.  Hint: Use your cell phone on the tags…if your pet is found you won’t be answering your home phone on vacation.

4.      Make sure you check ahead that pets are welcome and that you have a place for them to stay if you decide to go to a Park for the day.  Many of these, such as Disney and SeaWorld have kennels on site.  You will be pleased you have your vaccination records with you, or your pet won’t be staying!

5.      Stop often for rest stops and water breaks.  Do practice runs in the car first to ensure your pet does not get car sick. Most dogs travel well especially if they feel they are going somewhere special with their best friend.  That’s you!

6.      Never leave your dog in the car.  The interior can heat up to a life threatening temperature in as little as ten minutes. Remember that road surfaces and pool decks can burn pets feet easily.  If you are going from a cooler state to a hotter state you will need to make allowances and realize your pet will feel the difference.  Keep alert for signs of heat exhaustion.  Heavy panting, extreme redness of tongue, vomiting or diarrhea.  If this happens get to the nearest vet ( which you will also have researched on line) immediately.  On the way there pack ice under his arms and turn on a fan or air conditioning directing it  at him

7.      I do not recommend tranquilizers as this can alter or even eliminate a dogs temperate regulation control as well as having an unknown side effect of extreme lethargy or ironically excitement.

If travelling by air, consult the airline for regulations.  Many now do not take certain breeds, or fly pets at certain times of the year, due to climate influences.  There is a new company that specializes in flying just your pet.  You can find them at www.petairways.com.     

Happy travels!