Monthly Archives: July 2013

Having a Heatwave With Pets

With summer temperatures climbing above the 90 degree range for days on end this summer, we need to take precautions to insure the safety of our pets. As humans we are able to rely on our sweat glands throughout our bodies to help keep us cool. Cats and dogs do not have this luxury. Except for a few sweat glands in their foot pads and noses, cats and dogs rely on panting to keep them cool. They exhale the hot air and inhale the cooler air to keep them from overheating. So you can imagine when the air they are inhaling is in the 90 degree range, this method of self cooling is not as efficient. This is a major reason why we never leave a pet in a closed car where, even with the windows cracked, the temperature can soar above 120 degrees in minutes. It is best to leave your pet in a nice air conditioned environment or fan-cooled area while you run those errands.

Other things you can do to keep your pets safe include walking them in the early morning or later evening when the sun is less intense. Keep in mind that the pavement can be scorching to those paw pads over prolonged exposure and look for shady places or cool grassy paths to walk on. If you have an outdoor cat or dog, bring them inside during the peak heating hours. Be sure when they are outside that there are shady areas and plenty of water available. A few ice cubes in the water keeps it nice and cool.

For summer haircuts, the one inch rule is a good one. It allows protection from sunburn as well as the coolness of a shorter cut. If your pet is a hairless or very short-haired breed, invest in pet approved sun tan lotion for those times when he will be exposed to the sun. It is also a good idea to brush your cat or dog frequently to prevent matting as mats do not allow air to circulate between the hair and skin.

A kiddy pool in the backyard can provide cooling fun for your dog. A lawn sprinkler is also a fun method for keeping your dog cool.

Watch for symptoms of overheating. If your pet shows signs of excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, dark, red gums, difficulty getting up, vomiting, or other unusual behaviors such as confusion, he may be suffering from heatstroke. Cats and dogs with flat faces such as pugs and Persians do not pant as effectively as other breeds and are more susceptible. Pets who are elderly, overweight, have heart or other medical conditions should be kept in an air conditioned environment. If you suspect heatstroke, you must get to the vet immediately as this is a life threatening condition. It can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and brain. Apply towels soaked in cool water to hairless areas of the body, especially the feet during the transport to the vet.

Keep your pets safe with these tips and enjoy your summer!

Can Cats and Birds Share a Home?

Many pet owners enjoy both feathered and furry friends.  But as we have all seen in cartoons, the cat always chases the bird. By nature, cats tend to be the predator and birds the prey. Those of us who have an outdoor roaming cat might just find a dead bird on our doorstep one day as proof of this. But what if we want to enjoy the  delightful sounds of a songbird or the companionship of a talking parrot? Can we also keep our cuddly furry friend as well?

It is possible for cats and birds to co-exist in the same household. There are some important precautions and living arrangements that should be considered. Cats carry a bacteria in their saliva called Pasteurella. It is not harmful to the cat, dogs or humans but can be lethal to birds. Birds can contract this bacteria from a cat bite and die within 24 hours as the bacteria rapidly multiply in their bodies. Even a small scratch on the bird from a swatting cat can lead to infection. Antibiotics must be administered in that 24 hours to prevent death to the bird.

Even mild-mannered cats cannot control their predatory nature and instinct to kill a small animal. Think about the way cats play with toys dangling from a string or flitting around them. A cat will chase, pounce and attack the toy.  Stalking and pouncing are reflex actions for cats. You would not want this type of reaction to occur with your beloved feathered friend.

It is best to keep a bird in a strong, solid cage high up on a stand or hanging hook that is away from furniture. Be sure that the cage has a secure, child-proof lock and that there are no free-sliding doors. Cats should not be able to reach the cage when they jump up. If the cage is within the cat’s reach, he might frighten the bird even to the point of death by pawing or pouncing at the cage. A cat sitting and staring constantly at the bird can cause the bird stress. This stress can lead to destructive behaviors on the part of the bird such at biting or feather plucking. If you have to leave the house, it is best to keep the cat and bird in separate rooms with the doors securely fastened.

Small birds such as finches and canaries usually stay within the confines of their cages and are content to be there.  However, larger birds such as macaws and cockatoos enjoy interacting with people and like to be let out of their cages to play with their owners or explore. At times like these, cats should be kept away in a separate area of the home or well supervised by a second person in the room. Believe it or not, larger birds may become aggressive towards cats.  A bite from a big bird can even break the skin of the cat and require stitches.  Keeping the bird and the cat in separate areas and giving them both the attention they need is the best thing you can do. Enjoy your feathered and furry friends and keep them safe!