PROTECT PETS FROM SUMMER SCORCHERS

Des Moines - With the dog days of summer before us, pet owners should beware of the dangers of heatstroke in pets.  The Animal Health Care Center offers a few tips to protect pets during summer heat waves.

"Parked cars are potential death traps for pets during the warm summer months, "says Dr. Linda Stroh." Even on a mild, sunny day, the temperature inside a car can quickly climb to more than 120 degrees Farenheight.  Never leave your pet alone in a parked car."

If your pet spends most of his time outdoors, make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the midday sun and heat.  Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in a shaded area.  There should always be some shade for the pet to get out of the sun.  Also, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available to your pet.  The bowl should be placed in a shaded area where it cannot be heated by the sun.  Provide a few bowls in case your pet tips one over.

Exercise is important, but overexertion during hot weather commonly causes heat stress.  Avoid excessive exercise during hot days and keep your pet well-groomed.  Watch for hair mats, which can retain heat for your animal.

The warning signs of heatstroke including panting, staring or anxious expressions, a refusal to obey commands, warm and dry skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat and possibly vomiting.  If your pet shows these signs, lower the body temperature quickly with cool water, either by immersion or by spraying thoroughly with a garden hose.  But be careful not to over cool your pet, and NEVER use ice. Call your veterinarian immediately.

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that results when pets cannot adequately rid themselves of excess body heat.  Pets rely on panting to cool down.  Although pannting is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas with high humidity or low ventilation.  The intake of cool fresh water improves the cooling effects of panting.

Dogs with pug noses are more likely to developheatstroke because their small nasal passages make it difficult to circulate sufficient air for cooling.  Overweight dogs, whose extra layers of fat act as insulation, are also prone to overheating.  Age can also be a factor in an animal's tendency to overheat. Very young pets and elderly pets are likely to develop heatstroke.  Cats are generally better at regulating their body temperatures, but without appropiate shelter and water, they too can overheat.

The Animal Health Care Center is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, an international organization of more than 36,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals.  Established in 1933, the association is well known among veterinarians for its high standards for hospitals and pet health care.  The Animal Health Care Center can be reach online at www.TheAnimalHealthCareCenter.com or by call 515-278-2120.

 

SENIOR CARE GUIDELINES - KEEPS

AGING DOGS AND CATS IN TIP-TOP SHAPE

DES MOINES - Thans to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever before.  However, with this increased lifespan comes an increase in the types of ailments that can afflict senior pets.  To assist veterinary hospitals in offering optimal care for senior pets, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has released the AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.

"Just as the health care needs of humans change as we age, the same applies to pets, " says Dr. Linda Stroh of the Animal Health Care Center oocated in Urbandale, Iowa."  The AAHA Senior Pet Care Guidelines provide a framework for The Animal Health Care Center to provide optimal care for all senior pets."

So when is a pet considered a senior?  Generally, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds and cats live longer than dogs. A cat or small dog may be considered senior at 8 - 10 years, while a large dog may be considered senior by the age of five.  The Animal Health Care Center can help you determine what stage of life your furry friend is in.

When dogs and cats enter their snior years, regular health examinations are more important than ever to catch and delay the onset or progress of disease and for the early detection of problems such as organ failure and osteoarthritis.  The AAHA Senior Care Guidelines recommend that healthy senior dogs and cats visit the veterinarian every six months for a complete exam and laboratory testing.

The Animal Health Care Center makes use of laboratory tests, such as blood tests, urinalysis and others to detect signs of sickness in pets.  Subtle changes in your pet's laboratory test results over the course of his lifetime may signal the presence of an underlying disease.  Recommended laboratory tests include a complete blood count, urinalysis, bloob-chemistry panel and fecal examination for healthy dogs and cats.  Additional testing may be recommended if your pet shows signs of sickness.

"It's critical for pet owners and veterinarians to work together as a team to develop a health plan, including appropriate diet and exercise, that is best for their senior pet,""say Dr. Linda Stroh.

The guidelines also outline common health conditions as well as aspects of screening, diagnosis, treatment, anesthesia, pain management and surgery that are particular to senior pets, and provide a framework to help veterinarians evaluate an aging pet's quality of life and assist pet owners with the end of life decision-making process.

The Animal Health Care Center is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, an international organization of more than 36,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals.  Established in 1933, the association is well known among veterinarians for its high standards for hospitals and pet health care.  The Animal Health Care Center can be reach online at www.TheAnimalHealthCareCenter.com or by call 515-278-2120