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August 2007 
 the Visiting Vet Newsletter
 18th ISSUE
In This Issue


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Welcome to August! August is sneak some zucchini onto your neighbor's porch month!! This months newsletter will include an article about heat exhaustion, fun facts and the monthly trivia question. Remember, we love input on the newsletter so any recommendations or suggestions of article topics are very welcome! I hope you are enjoying the newsletter and I thank you for your time!

 Heat Exhaustion
 

hot dog
The hot and humid days of summer can be dangerous to people and to pets. Heat exhaustion in pets happens when a pet is unable to maintain normal body temperature by panting. Dogs and cats do not sweat like humans, and if the pet can not cool it's body through panting, heat exhaustion followed by heat stroke will occur.
Dogs and cats with short muzzles, elderly pets and overweight pets are at the greatest risk for heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include:
  • rapid panting, hyperventilation
  • Dark red, white, or bluish gums
  • Body temperature above 104 degrees F
  • Excessive salivation
  • Excessive whining
  • Pet is lethargic

Treatment for heat exhaustion first includes cooling the pet and then transporting to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
  • Get your pet to a shaded area.
  • Sponge or hose with cool not cold water the head, feet and groin areas
  • Apply cool towels or ice packs to head, neck, and chest.
  • When body temperature drops to 103-104 degrees F, take you pet to the veterinarian for further treatment including IV fluids and monitoring of kidney and liver function.

To avoid heat exhaustion:
  • Keep pets indoors on the hottest, humid days.
  • Offer pets clean, cool water in spill-proof containers.
  • Offer outdoor pets a shaded area and access to a baby pool.
  • Brush pets to keep their coats free of matts.
  • Walk dogs in the early morning or later PM.
  • Do not jog/run with dogs on hot humid days.
  • Do not run errands with a pet in the car. A car in the shade with the window open on a 85 degree day will have an inside temperature of 102 degrees in 10 minutes and 120 degrees in 30 minutes.

 


 Did You Know?
 

danser hines (old dog)
  • Studies have shown that as many as 17% of middle aged and older cats and 23% of senior dogs that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. A Senior Wellness Exam includes laboratory tests to detect diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective. If you schedule your pet for a CBC/Chemistry profile blood analysis in August and mention this article you will get a T4 thyroid check for free!
  • Every cat's nose print is unique and no two nose prints are the same.
  • Only one flea species-the cat flea-accounts for almost all the fleas found on cats and dogs in the United States.


 


 Promotions
 Trivia!

flea The trivia question for August is: Americans spend about a) $1 billion, b) $5 billion, or c) $9 billion a year controlling fleas? The answer to the July trivia question: In the T.S. Eliot book "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats", what is the name of the "cat about town"? Answer: Bustopher Jones. There was not a July trivia winner. Good luck in August!


Thank you for your time and I wish you a fantastic month! We constantly strive to provide the best care for your family pets and exceptional service to our clients. I offer appointments while parked locally at Discount Pet Store on Gull Road and also offer house calls as available. If I can be of service to you, please give us a call at 269-731-7387 to schedule an appointment today. Also, remember if you refer a friend or family member to our clinic, both of you will be entered in our 2007 referral drawing program for many great prizes. Our next drawing is December 2007. Please see our website for more information about our prize drawing. Good Luck!! Our previous newsletters can be found on our web page.

Sincerely,


Dr. Seely Rotigel
the Visiting Vet

phone: 269-731-7387

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