Our pets are an integral part of our family, and, therefore deserve the best we can give them.
Dogs, and outdoor cats, especially those with short coats and light-color noses, can get sunburned just like we humans do. Some nuggets of information to help your pet avoid the intense rays of the sun are:
Make shade mandatory. Pets love to stretch and sleep out in the sun, but try to discourage this habit. If you have a dog, take walks on tree-lined routes. If the dog stays outside during the day, confine it to a shaded section of the yard. Cat owner?? Keep Mr. Whiskers inside from 11 am - 2 pm, when sun intensity peaks.
Consider sunscreen. For dogs, there's Epi-Pet Sun Protector ($18 for 4 oz.) Cats don' t have a dedicated product of their own just yet, but some experts recommend baby sunscreens. Check with your vet before using one, as some brands can be toxic to animals if licked off.
Watch for symptoms. On cats and dogs, the most common sunburn sites are the nose, rims of the ears, inner thighs, and underbelly. As in humans, key indicators are redness and tenderness. Also, an animal's ears might crack, and in cases of severe sunburn, loss of fur can result.
Soothe discomfort. If your pet does suffer a sunburn, submerge the animal in a tepid bath or hold a cool wet cloth to the affected area. With your vet's OK, try applying witch hazel or aloe vera gel-both substances are nontoxic to pets and cool skin without stinging.
Along with the sun, watch plant. There are nearly 400 plants--ornamentals, fruits and vegetables-that are poisonous to pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals received almost 6700 calls about animals eating plants. Cats lead dogs in the number of exposures.
Common houseplants, such as philodendron and diffenbachia cause lots of vomiting and drooling. Sometimes there is oral swelling that creates problems with breathing. Lilies, such as Easter lily, and stargazer lily are the most deadly for cats, while Sago palms are the most deadly for dogs.
Seasonal plants such as poinsettias and cut flowers also pose risk. Usually when your pets are chewing on something they shouldn't it's usually because it's new in their environment and they want to become familiar with something. They take a little piece and chew on it.
Danger also lies in fruits and vegetables that we sometimes share with our pets. Onions can cause anemia in cats. Coca beans are horrid for all pets, and grapes or raisins can causes kidney failure.
For a complete list of poisonous plants for pets, visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control /plants
For questions about poisonous plants for pets call, Animal Poison Control Center hotline, 888-426-4435 or Tallahassee Animal Service Center 850-891-2950
And, create simple, low cost toys for your pet. They don't read price tags! Stick a water bottle inside a thick knotted sock for your dog to chew on.
Place treats inside small cardboard boxes for your cat to jump in and out of.
Toss Ping-Pong balls to small dogs (the balls bounce in speedy and unpredictable ways, which makes them fun to chase.) Just be sure your pet can't swallow them accidentally.
Hide kibble in a rolled-up towel for your pup to unwrap with his paws.
Cut three small, treat-size holes in the lid of an empty, well-cleaned plastic soup container. Then add a handful of treats inside the base, and seal. As your pet bats it around, treats will pop out.
And, skip pricey cleaners for your bird's cage. Make your own safe, effective spray with 3 cups hot water, 3 tbsp. baking soda, and 2 tbsp. lemon juice.
Is your kitty chunky? Your pup pudgy? How to tell if he's too fat. Srtoke him on the back and sides.. At his optimal weight, you should be able to feel your pet's ribs easily with your hands but not see them.
When you look down at your pet, he should have a V shape. His shoulders are relatively wide, and his sides taper in toward his rear. Check the side view. His tummy should curve upward after his rib cage ends, not be level with his chest or hanging below it.
Make exercise more fun. Give your cat something new to chase. Try a laser, like the FroliCat Bolt. Arrange a playdate, or go to the dog park. If you put the pet's water bowl upstairs and the food bowl downstairs, you will ensure that your pet gets a little cardio a few times a day.
Spoil your pet with snuggles, not treats. A healthy feline diet should be high in meat protein, which wet food is. Dry foods contain too many carbs for your kitty to process efficiently. Control your dog's portions by using a measuring cup or scoop. If your dog is neutered or spayed, veterinarians advise feeding him 20 % less than what is recommended on the label of store-bought dog food.
