Happy Summer (finally!)

The summer is officially here and the weather has finally cooperated! Things at the clinic are staying busy giving me less time to write for the newsletter but plenty of time to help our patients.

Mia has turned one and is doing great. She loves to communicate with all the animals that she meets. Dr. Ricketts just celebrated her two year anniversary with us as well. We hope that everyone enjoys the summer and stays healthy. As always, we appreciate being chosen to care for your pets!

Bloodsucking Parasites

Heatstroke Warning

Never leave your pets unattended in the car in warm weather. Temperatures even as low as 70 degrees can cause a car to become an oven in a matter of minutes even with the windows rolled down. Signs of heatstroke can include:

• panting
• staring (lack of focus)
• dry skin
• high fever
• rapid heartbeat
• vomiting
• pacing, anxious behavior
• collapse

Call a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has heatstroke. You can cool them down with towels soaked in cool (not cold) water and get them to the vet right away.

Be cautious also even with the pets at home on really humid days. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water available. Bring some along if going for a walk or to the park. Certain breeds such as pugs and bulldogs are more prone to heat exhaustion due to their confirmation (body shape). Keep them cool!

For dogs that exercise outdoors, try to do it early in the morning or in the evening to prevent over heating.

Rabies Warning and Information

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Our pets and even ourselves can become at risk for rabies if a pet gets into a fight with a wild animal such as a raccoon or the cat comes home with an unknown injury. If such a situation occurs, there are simple steps that can be taken to ensure safety for all involved.

Wash the wound immediately WEARING GLOVES. Irrigate the wound with water and a small amount of soap for ten minutes. No alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

Call the veterinarian to find our if your pet is up-to-date and if any vaccines are needed at the time. Most animals will need to be quarantine following an exposure.

Call the animal control officer in your town to attempt to catch the animal that was involved if it was witnessed or if your dog or cat killed the animal. Do not touch any wild animal. Leave that job up to the animal control officer as the animal may need to be tested for rabies at the State Laboratory.

If you were bitten by a stray or wild animal, follow the same recommendations but call your physician or local emergency room instead of the veterinarian!

Be a responsible pet owner:

Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs and cats. Massachusetts state law requires all dogs and cats (even indoor cats) to be vaccinated against rabies.

Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. Keep them in at night when the risk is higher to encounter a wild animal.

Do not feed strays or wild animals. Feed your pets indoors only.

Teach children to avoid strays, wild life and other animals that they do not know.

Keep trash can lids on securely.

Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. If there is a sick or injured animal, avoid handling it. If you must, avoid direct contact by using gloves, sticks or a broom.

Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for.