Here are a few simple things to keep your pets safe:

1. Watch the grill. The smell of food cooking can be hard for your dog to resist. Make sure your pet doesn’t get too close to the grill.
2. Avoid hot cars. If you are traveling in a car, for a picnic, BBQ, going to the park or visiting family, never, never, never leave a pet in a hot car, even with the windows partially open.
3. Cover the trash. Keep trash covered and away from pets to avoid leftovers and bones, corn cobs, etc. for pets.
4. No table scraps. Resist the temptation to give pets table scraps. Fatty foods can upset tummies, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. Keep dog and cat treats nearby. Never give pets cooked bones; they are a choking hazard, can splinter and result in intestinal problems.
5. Avoid overheating. Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets. If you have concrete or other hard surfaces in your backyard, test them with the palm of your hand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
6. Take care with alcohol, other toxic substances. This applies to more than just beer and other alcoholic beverages. Other toxic substances like insect repellant, charcoal and lighter fluid may also attract curious pets, so keep them away.
7. Tag and chip your pet. Pets can easily slip out of the door or yard if you have a lot of people over. Make sure information on ID tags is current and that any contact information associated with your pet’s microchip is up to date.
8. Fresh water, no alcohol for pets. Alcohol can be deadly to pets. Make sure empty cans and bottles are in the covered trash. Provide clean fresh water for pets.
9. Sunscreen for pets. Yes, pets can get a sunburn too; use pet-friendly sunscreen or keep them out of the sun.

Suddenly, they are alone and might feel lonely or sad. This can lead to destructive behavior simply because you didn’t prepare. Start preparing early and when school starts, your pet is ready.

Pets may experience the effects of the loss of playtime and bonding they developed with the children by exhibiting signs of separation through destructive behaviors, such as:

• Chewing on furniture and ripping pillows
• Shredding paper and other objects
• Obsessive barking, crying for long periods of time
• House soiling

Here are a few helpful hints for the kids to help them adjust:

• Avoid emotional hellos and good-byes. Instead, give them a lot of loving when you wake up. It might require getting up earlier and take him for a walk (for dogs). A quick “see ya” when you leave is what your pet needs to relax and wait for your return.
• Every once in a while, pretend you are leaving and don’t. Pick up your bag, go out the door and then come back in. They will soon learn to relax when you leave.
• Leave behind an old t-shirt for them to cuddle up with.
• Leave toys for your pets while you’re gone. Interactive toys alleviate boredom. Most destructive behavior is a result of boredom.
• Go for a walk when you get home, it’s quality time together and good exercise for both of you. Invite a friend, human or dog along for companionship.
• When doing your homework, read it to your pet. They love the attention!
• Groom and brush them often. Talk to your pets while you are brushing them.
• Include them in your games, soccer, basketball, etc. It’s great exercise for both of you.

Be sure to check with your veterinarian to have your dog fully evaluated and correctly diagnosed before trying to manage the symptoms. There may be an underlying medical condition that may be misconstrued as separation anxiety.

We want to keep you updated on any news regarding products sold here at CityVet that you might see mentioned on various news outlets. Pet Supplies Plus and Lennox Intl. Inc. are recalling bulk pig ears and individually wrapped ears in 30 states, due to a salmonella outbreak that is potentially tied to the products. Although our products were not included in the recall, CityVet has decided to pull pig ear products off our shelves.

If you recently purchased any pig ear treats and are concerned, you may return pig ears purchased at your CityVet location for full credit.

Signs that your pet may be suffering from a Salmonella infection (also called salmonellosis) include diarrhea (sometimes with blood), vomiting, and lethargy. In humans, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever are typical symptoms of salmonellosis.

If you suspect that your pet may have salmonella, contact your vet.

For more information regarding the recall, click on the links below:

CDC Notice:
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/pet-treats-07-19/index.html

FDA Notices:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigates-contaminated-pig-ear-pet-treats-connected-human-salmonella-infections

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pet-supplies-plus-issues-consumer-advisory-bulk-pig-ear-product-fda-investigating-contaminated-pig

Dog Food Advisor:
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/pet-supplies-plus-pig-ears-recall/

Before your Trip: Talk to your veterinarian and make sure your dog is healthy and up to date on all required vaccinations, particularly rabies. Ask your vet whether your dog should be vaccinated against Lyme disease, which is a tick-borne disease. Discuss appropriate flea and tick control. Be sure your dog is protected against heartworms, which are transmitted by mosquito bite and have been reported in all 50 states, according to the American Heartworm Society.

Updated ID: Have an appropriate collar or harness with an identification tag, use a cell phone number where you can always be reached (not a home phone number), and include an address as some campgrounds don’t have cell towers. Make sure your dog is micro-chipped. Keep an updated photo of your dog on your phone in case you need to make “lost posters.”

What to Pack:

• Food and Water. Bring enough dog food and water for your pooch. You’ll want to bring his food bowls as well, so he has something to eat out of. If you plan on hiking, it may be a good idea to bring a collapsible bowl so your dog can re-hydrate while he’s on the trail too. Do not allow your dog to drink from any standing water, it can be harmful. Put away all food when your dog has finished eating, wild animals will raid it just like human food.
• Poop Bag. For the environment and other campers, always clean up after your dog.
• Long Leash and Carrier. Bring your dogs’ regular leash for hiking and walking, but bring a much longer leash, cable or tether so that they can securely roam around the campsite and check things out. Also bring a carrier if you need to confine the pet for a period of time.
• Reflective collars, glow stick, and solar powered outdoor lights. Any drug store or home improvement store should sell a standard glow stick (or light stick) that you can manually activate by bending the stick and mixing the chemicals inside to wrap around the dog collar or have a reflective collar/leash. Also bring along inexpensive solar powered lights to stake around the campsite.
• First Aid & Health Records. Take a copy of your dog’s health records and vaccination reports, especially important if you are crossing state lines. Be prepared for first-aid, snake bites, cut paws, etc. Ask your veterinarian for details.
• Backpacks: Depending on size, your dog should be able to carry his or her own food and water and there are a number of dog backpacks. See the resources listed below.
• Protect their paws: Most dogs should be fine but consider the terrain as their paws could be easily hurt. Consider special dog booties for those areas.

What to Do with Your Dog While Camping:

• Try Sleeping with your Dog. This will keep them safe, warm and hopefully quiet. It is not wise to keep your dog outside with the threat of other animals and unfamiliar distractions.
• Other Animals. You should always be aware of what other types of animals (domestic and wild) might be around when you’re camping. Keep in mind that there may be other dogs at the campground, people horseback riding on the trails and little critters that your dog might like to chase running just about anywhere outside. Be prepared for the other types of animals that your dog could encounter on the camping trip. If you are unsure, stop by the ranger’s station and ask.
• Don’t allow your dog to drink standing water. Do your research to make sure there’s going to be plenty of water to filter where you’ll be backpacking. Be sure to pack enough for both of you if there’s nowhere to get more. Dogs are susceptible to giardia protozoa much like humans, so be sure to filter and/or treat their water just as you would if you were going to consume it.
• Hiking. Do your homework and make sure the area allows pets. You don’t want to get to the trailhead with an excited pooch only to have to turn around and take her back to the car because she’s not allowed on the trail. Below is a link to pet-friendly campsites in the U.S.
• Keep close by. Keep your dog close to you during your camping expedition. If you are unable to supervise your dog, be sure he is properly confined. Provide a carrier, crate, or portable fencing unit instead.
• Ticks, thorns, burrs. While camping, check your dog’s fur and skin regularly for ticks as well as for plant material like thorns or burrs. Plant materials should be brushed free of your dog’s hair, if possible. In some situations, cutting or shaving the hair may be necessary to remove these items. Remove ticks promptly by grasping the tick near the skin and pulling gently and slowly away from the skin. Wear gloves when doing so. Do not handle ticks with bare hands as they can transmit diseases to you as well as to your dog.

Camping with your dog can be a lot of fun for you, your family and friends and, of course, your dog. As long as you follow these basic steps, camping with your dog will be a great experience for you and for her.

Resources:
Dog-friendly campsites: http://petfriendlytravel.com/campgrounds
Hiking with your dog: http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-dogs.html

Though respiratory issues are among the greatest concerns in these breeds, they often suffer from a variety of other non-airway related issues. Some of these include:

• • Inflammation/infection in skin folds (called pyometra)
  • Dental crowding and misalignment of teeth – more frequent and invasive dental care is often needed
  • Abnormal protrusion of the eye – these breeds are more prone to “proptosis” which is when the eye is dislocated from the orbit usually resulting in surgical removal of the eye
  • Fur or abnormally placed eyelashes rubbing on the eye
  • Allergies
  • Breeding/Birthing complications

These dogs can be a challenge to care for due to myriad health concerns resulting from their body and skull type. Owners of these breeds should expect to have a close relationship with their veterinarian to ensure that their dog remains healthy. Prospective owners should consider the potential time and financial investment involved in caring for these breeds before bringing one home.

The article describes the research findings of 524 cases of DCM reported to the FDA over a roughly 5-year period, in which one of the commonly shared characteristics was the feeding of a grain-free diet. More specifically, the two factors being more closely reviewed are the presence of legumes as an ingredient (peas, lentils, etc.) and sufficient levels of the amino acid taurine or its precursors. The release of this information and the listing of specific brands of food has prompted the question, “Is the pet food I buy harming my pet?”

Then he or she may be more prone to harmful sun exposure. Also, pets that are shaved in the summer or have lost hair for any reason are also at risk. This exposure can cause sunburns, skin cancer, and other sun-induced skin diseases. Sunburns in cats and dogs will appear as red skin or hair loss.

The most common places for a burn are on the ear tips, the skin around the lips, the bridge of the nose, and places with thinner hair and low pigmentation, like their belly if they enjoy sunbathing on their backs. Light colored cats sunbathing in a window are even at risk as well!

When using sunscreen, be sure to select something that is fragrance-free, non- staining, and at least SPF 15. There are pet-specific sunscreens available. However, if you plan to use human products, avoid sunscreens that have ingestion warnings on the label. For example, some sunscreens contain octyl salicylate and zinc – which are toxic if licked at by a dog or cat. If you’re worried about ingestion, UV protective clothing is a great option for your pets as well.

The easiest way to minimize UV exposure is to reduce the amount of sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm. That’s not always possible, so be sure to remember your pet-safe sunscreen next time you take your furry friend on that all-day sunny adventure!

Giardia: In the U.S., this is a very common cause of diarrhea in both our pets and us. Giardia is a protozoan found mainly in fecal material, and sometimes in water. So be mindful what water sources your pets are drinking from, especially while out on a hike!

Hookworms: In dogs and cats, this intestinal worm is contracted by consumption of hookworm eggs (often found in feces). For humans, hookworm larvae can burrow into our skin and cause skin irritation. Be sure to wear shoes and gloves while working or walking through moist soil, to prevent infection.

Roundworms: Similar to hookworms, roundworms are passed by consumption of a roundworm egg and live in the small intestine. When people consume roundworm eggs, the larvae will burrow through the body, possibly causing cysts. Be sure to avoid areas where any feces could have contaminated the dirt

Tapeworms: Unlike the other parasites, tapeworm cannot be directly transmitted to you from your dog or cat. However, you can be infected by accidentally ingesting a flea. Another reason to be sure your pet is on flea prevention.

Toxoplasmosis: Cats can be an infective carrier for this parasite, and carriers are a risk toward pregnant and immunocompromised people. Another, more common, route of infection for people is through consumption of undercooked meat or improperly washed vegetables. Just make sure to either use gloves when cleaning the litter box or wash your hands and produce frequently to prevent infection.

It’s integral to keep your pets on a routine parasite prevention schedule – even if they’re indoor pets. Heartworm preventions typically also contain intestinal de-worming medication. Most of these parasites are easily diagnosed by a fecal examination – which you can call to set up anytime. If your pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea, let your veterinarian know!

Why Environmental Enrichment is Important for Indoor Cats
Feral cats and domesticated outdoor cats spend much of their time each day hunting for food and exploring their ever-changing environments. These activities are both physically and emotionally stimulating, engaging all five of the cat’s senses.

Though there are numerous reasons to keep cats predominantly or exclusively inside the house (communicable diseases, parasites and physical harm, just to name a few), we must consider how to satisfy their instinctual needs for environmental stimulation and hunting behavior.

If these innate needs are not addressed, many behavioral issues – such as excessive grooming and destructive behaviors – can arise. Cats who do not receive enough stimulation and exercise are also more prone to obesity and other health concerns.

When implementing an enrichment program to your cat’s indoor environment, remember to change things up regularly. This can mean rotating toys or simply changing the location of food, treats or stationary toys to keep your cat on their toes. Below are a few ideas to help get you started with you cat’s enrichment routine.

10 Ways to Keep Indoor Cats Entertained

1. Provide a large stuffed animal (at least half the size of your cat) for your cat to attack.
2. Cut holes in a cardboard box and hide toys or treats inside for your cat to find.
3. A large paper bag (such as a grocery bag) makes a crinkly noise that will ignite your cat’s curiosity, and can be fun for pouncing on or exploring inside.
4. Purchase a batting toy, or make one by securely attaching a toy to the end of a stick using some string. Batting toys can be held by you or hung from something for independent play.
5. Use a Kong, feeding cube or similar system to enrich your cat’s feeding time, allowing them to forage for their food.
6. Provide cat grass for your cat to graze upon.
7. Provide shelves or climbing areas for your cat, as they tend to enjoy being up high.
8. Pull back the curtains or blinds so your cat can gaze out the window at the outside world. Plants, humans, birds and other animals passing by will keep them entertained for hours.
9. Turn on the TV to a channel or show with lots of animal imagery. Your cat will be fascinated by the animals moving across the screen. There are even YouTube channels especially for cats!
10. Your cat’s favorite form of entertainment is playtime with you! This is the perfect time to break out a special or new toy.

Get creative with household items – just make sure that they are safe and free of loose items that your cat may accidentally swallow!

Starting fresh with a kitten? Check out our wellness guide for more information. Don’t forget, many of our locations offer toys that provide environmental enrichment for cats. Stop by to shop!

This category of toxins includes both over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs. In some cases, curious cats and dogs get into pill bottles or packages that have been left within reach. In other instances, well-intentioned pet owners give their pets human medications in an attempt to treat upset stomachs or pain.

While there are a small number of human medications that can be safely consumed by pets, many others are toxic and the dose is critical. Before giving any human medications to your pet, be sure to consult with a veterinarian. Below is a list of common human medications that are toxic for pets, and tips for keeping your pets safe.

1. NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) & Pain Medications.
NSAIDS are readily available over-the-counter medications that are used by humans to treat pain. This category of drugs includes Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).

When consumed by cats and dogs, NSAIDS can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach and intestinal ulcers and perforations, kidney and liver failure, and even death. Another common pain medication, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), can also cause liver failure and red blood cell damage, especially to cats.

If your pet is experiencing pain, ask your vet about dog and cat friendly NSAIDS, and neve give them something from your own medicine cabinet.

2. Antidepressants, Anti-anxiety, & Sleep Aid Medications
Antidepressants such as Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor); antianxiety medications such as Alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazapem (Klonopin); and sleep aids such as Zolpidem (Ambien) can cause pets to become severely sedated.

Pets who consume these drugs may also develop neurologic problems such as tremors or seizures, or become very agitated with severely elevated heart rates. One pill is often enough to cause severe problems and even death.

Though veterinarians may occasionally prescribe a select few medications of this nature to pets, the majority of these medications are dangerous. Because of their prevalence, accidental ingestion is common.

3. ADD & ADHD medications.
Medications used to manage ADD & ADHD (such as Concerta, Adderall, and Ritalin) are stimulants, and contain amphetamine. Just a small amount of this medication can lead to life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures, cardiac arrest and respiratory failure in pets.

Symptoms may not begin immediately, and can worsen over time once they do begin.

4. Heart/Blood pressure medications.
When consumed by pets, beta-blockers like Atenolol (Tenormin), Metoprolol succinate (Toprol), and Carvedilol (Coreg) can cause life-threatening decreases in blood pressure and a very slow heart rate.

Less severe problems can also occur from pets ingesting ACE Inhibitors such as Lisinopril (Zestril) and Ramipril (Altace).

How to keep your pets safe from toxic medications
Accidental ingestion of medications is common, since our pets are curious and medications can look very similar to food and treats. It’s important to ensure medications are kept out of reach of pets to avoid accidental ingestion. Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe:

• Store mediations, pill vials, and weekly pill containers in a secure cabinet, out of the reach of pets (and children).
• Do not store medications on your nightstand, which can be easily accessed by pets.
• Be careful with keeping medications in your purse or briefcase. Ensure they are stored out of reach of your pet.
• Never store medications in plastic resealable bags, which are easy for pets to break into.
• Pick up any dropped medications immediately.
• Do not store pet medications in the same place as human medications.
• Contact a veterinarian prior to giving any human medications to your pet.

In the event that your pet ingests a medication meant for human consumption, call your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.