SVH SUMMER NEWSLETTER!
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Keep Pets Safe in the Summer Heat & Helpful Tips for Travelling with Pets
With the hot days of summer arriving, many Ontarians take advantage of the warm weather by hitting the road and exploring the province with family and friends. For some of us, that means bringing furry friends along for the ride, so planning for your pet’s comfort and safety should be a part of any trip preparations. Here are some tips to keep animals safe this summer:
- Never leave your pet unattended in the car – the temperature inside your vehicle will quickly become much hotter than the temperature outside.
- If you discover a pet left unattended in a hot vehicle, call 310-SPCA (7722) in Ontario, your local SPCA or Humane Society, or your local police department.
- Ensure your pet is properly secured at all times. Smaller animals are more secure in a crate attached by a seat belt. If your pet is restrained with a leash or harness, make sure there is enough slack for them to move around a bit and adjust their position.
- You like to stop and stretch your legs during a long car ride. So does your pet. Schedule rest breaks along your entire travel route to allow your pet to get out and exercise.
- Always have fresh water available in the car. Bring favourite toys and a pillow to prevent your pet from becoming restless during the ride.
- Add a pet emergency kit to your travel checklist that includes medical records, medicines and first aid items such as nail clippers and liquid bandages.
- Help your pet prepare for its first road trip by taking short drives before your vacation. If your pet experiences motion sickness, consult your vet about possible medications.
Quick Facts
- Six out of 10 pet owners in Ontario travel with their pets at least once a year and over half of all pet trips are with dogs.
- Excessive panting, drooling, and listlessness are signs of heatstroke in animals. If you witness these signs in your pet, seek veterinary attention immediately, move the animal to a cool area and offer it drinking water.
Lets Not forget About Ticks & Lyme Disease…
Summer Time With Our Feline Friends…
Summer time is here and for our feline friends there are some other perils to worry about when the weather gets nicer. As the temperature increases so does animal activity. Many cats that have been ‘hibernating’ indoors for the winter are now out enjoying the nice weather. The great outdoors has great appeal to cats, but it is not without risk, ensure you gauge these risks in case your terrific tabby wants to go exploring.
a) Cat Fights – many cats are territorial and will fiercely defend their property from interlopers. This means your cat may attack an intruder or be the victim in other circumstances. If your cat comes home with a limp, lump or cut, make sure to bring them in for examination as they may develop an infection from a bite or scratch. There is also risk of transmission of FIV – a potentially deadly virus that can live with your cat for life.
b) Trauma – as there are more cats moving around, there are also more people. This means increased risk of motor vehicle accidents or even abuse. If you suspect an injury then early examination is prudent to preventing long term injury.
c) Toxins – even though cats are carnivorous in nature, they do enjoy chewing on plants from time to time. Some plants can be very dangerous [e.g. Lilies] and sometimes they may be sprayed with a pesticide that can cause severe injury
d) Stress – for some indoor cats the flurry of activity may be detrimental as well. The site of another cat on their turf can stress a cat out. The stress may be so intense in some cats, that they develop cystitis [or bladder inflammation]. This can lead to observed straining in the litter box or even blood in the urine. In severe cases this may lead to bladder obstruction. Watch for frequent, unproductive trips to litter box, crying while in the litter tray or even a distended abdomen. Schedule exam if you are worried.
Summer time is here and with careful observation you can make sure that your best friend has a happy and healthy summer!
SVH Pet Of The Month – July 2016
JACK WILLIAMS
Jack is a large, large Borzoi who lives with his sister Sasha. They have a storied history, being generous gifts of thanks from a team of Russian hockey players. They have lived harmoniously together, both being un-fixed, for years without any pregnancy.
Jack presented for excessive ‘cleaning’ of his genitals and some blood dripping from the area. A urinalysis was consistent with infection and Jack cleared up on a standard course of antibiotics. Then the problem came back, again and again. Jack had an ultrasound of the urinary tract performed to figure out why he kept getting these infections. The ultrasound revealed that Jack has a severely enlarged prostate, which is likely secondary to infection or a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH].
Prostatis, BPH and prostatic cancer are all inflictions that are more common in un-neutered male dogs, as the prostate is strongly influenced by testosterone. Many therapies to treat prostatic disease involve blocking the effects of testosterone, or removing the source of testosterone production. Common clinical signs of prostatic enlargement are blood in the urine, pain when urinating and even constipation!
Currently Jack is doing well on his medications and has had his neuter surgery. He is happy and bounding around like a majestic elk. We wish him a speedy recovery.
National Wildlife Centre Inaugural Gala
Invites You All To Attend!
October 1, 2016 at the world famous Devil’s Pulpit Golf Club.
Reception at 5PM, fine foods served from 6PM-9PM
The evening is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by Canadian wildlife.This event hopes to raise funds to support the diagnostic treatment and surgeries for sick and injured wildlife. The National Wildlife Centre is hoping to build a permanent wildlife hospital in the Caledon area.
Link To Attend: https://nationalwildlifecentre.tickit.ca
Need help with tickets?
Email: nationalwildlifecentre@gmail.com or 519-767-8642 if you require assistance.
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart to announce that we lost one of our own beloved furry family member here at SVH, Penny Cox.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
We will miss you dearly sweet girl!
Phone: 905-881-8310
Email: reception@svh.ca
The doctors and staff would like to wish you all a fun and safe summer!
