Dehydration can be a common problem for cats and dogs. Your pet needs about one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. If your pet is particularly active or spends considerable time outside, they may need more water.
Here’s a helpful video about pet hydration, and how important water is for every single body function and your pet’s overall health.
How Do I Check for Dehydration in My Pet?
Gum test: Gently pull back your pet’s lip and feel their gums. If the gum is sticky or dry, your pet is dehydrated.
Skin test: Use your thumb and forefinger to create a “tent” of skin between your pet’s shoulders. If the skin snaps back quickly, your pet probably isn’t dehydrated. If it takes more than a moment to snap back, dehydration is likely.
Other symptoms of dehydration can include:
Loss of appetite
Loss of energy
Sunken eyes
Depression
Panting
Vomiting
What to Do if You Suspect Dehydration in Your Pet
If you think your pet might be dehydrated, do these two things right away:
Offer water immediately
Call your veterinarian
If dehydration is a common problem for your pet, your veterinarian may recommend you switch to wet food.
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with Our Pets
July 11 is All-American Pet Photo Day. Is your pet ready for a patriotic photo shoot? We’d love to see your pictures! Share them with us on Facebook,Instagram, or email us.
Get Inspired for Your Own Patriotic Pet Photos
Check out these inspo shots for your cat or dog. From snazzy bow-ties to adorable bows to handsome bandanas, these pets are decked out!
Tips for a Safe Pet Photo Shoot
During your photo shoot, it can be hard to keep track of both posing your pet and being the photographer. Keep these safety tips in mind:
In the summer, you’ll obviously want to avoid dressing your pet in warm clothing like sweaters or jackets.
Don’t use dangerous props like sparklers, ribbon or tinsel.
Summer is in full swing, and hotter days are ahead. Check out these important summer safety tips to keep your pets healthy this season.
Summer Safety Do’s
DO provide pets with cool, fresh water at all times (both outdoors and indoors)
DO keep pets indoors in the AC during the heat of the day
DO walk your dogs early in the morning or in the evening, when the temperatures are cooler
DO limit jogging or bicycling with your dog
DO apply sunscreen to your pets if you’re going to be in the sun, especially those with short hair.
Summer Safety Don’ts
DON’T leave pets unattended in cars
DON’T leave dogs outdoors, unattended on a chain or tether
DON’T let pets near gardening products, pesticides, fertilizers or tools
DON’T walk dogs on hot sidewalks or asphalt that burns their paws
DON’T leave pets outside during fireworks/firecracker displays
Hot Asphalt Awareness
It doesn’t take much sunny weather to make asphalt dangerously hot. When the air temperature is comfortable, it can still burn exposed paw pads.
Air Temperature
Asphalt Temperature
77 degrees F
125 degrees F
86 degrees F
135 degrees F
87 degrees F
143 degrees F
At 125 degrees F, skin destruction can occur in just 60 seconds. At 131 degrees F, an egg will fry in five minutes. During walks, keep your dog off asphalt (or protect their paws with booties).
Heat Stroke in Dogs
Heat stroke affects any human or animal. It’s when the body temperature dangerously overheats. Dogs are especially susceptible to heat stroke and need their humans to watch out for them.
Normal: 100.5 – 102.5 degrees F
Heat Exhaustion: greater than 104 degrees F
Heat Stroke: 107-109 degrees F
Early Signs of Heat Stroke
When a dog’s body temperature approaches 104 degrees F, they will show these symptoms:
Heavy panting
Difficulty breathing
Excessive thirst
Unsteadiness and staggering
Lethargy
Intense Symptoms of Heat Stroke
After 15 minutes or more of suffering heat stroke, a dog’s symptoms will become much more serious.
It’s ASPCA Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month, so we’re featuring eight adoptable cats from SPCA Cincinnati. These felines are all different, from color to age to temperament. But they are all equally lovable!
Meet Saffy
Saffy is a young adult female cat with regal orange fur. She only recently came to SPCA Cincinnati, and she needs a little patience to learn that she’s now safe and loved. She’s gentle and sweet, once she gets to know you.
Jilly Beans is five years old and has always been a house cat. She’s a talker! She’ll especially meow if you’re on the phone. She loves attention and prefers to be an only cat.
This gentleman is dressed to impress with his white patch. Boo Boy enjoys quiet spaces and is a bit independent. But he enjoys seeking you out for lap cuddles. He’s about three years old.
We hope you enjoyed seeing these kitties for ASPCA Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month! If adopting a cat isn’t right for you at the moment, please share these eight kitties with your friends. Let’s try to find them their fur-ever homes.
Are you ready to help shelter cats in your area? Or, is your family ready to adopt a new feline friend? Clermont County has an excellent list of TriState No-Kill Shelters, and we’re featuring their 10 cats-only shelters near Cincinnati.
Description: All cats are welcome, with a special focus on Siamese and Siamese-mixes. Adoption events are held at the Beavercreek Walmart most Saturdays 11AM-4PM.
Description: Helping FIV+ cats, black cats and other cat populations. This organization also helps low-income cat owners keep their cats with free services and supplies.
Description: All cats are fostered in-home with volunteers, so there is no shelter location. They also actively trap-neuter-return feral cats and kittens. If the cats are friendly, they evaluate them for fostering.
Description: This organization specializes in special-needs cats, the ones most at-risk of euthanasia. They provide quality-of-life care for the most vulnerable.
Description: These foster cats started out as “difficult” cats, whether through health or behavioral issues. After rehabilitation, they are ready for adoption.
Description: Since 2005, this foster-based rescue has adopted out over 5,600 cats. Adoption events are held every other Saturday at the Mason Petsmart.
Description: This shelter in Silverton can house up to 150 cats at a time and was founded in 1990. They find homes for about 250 cats each year. Shelter visits are by appointment.
Description: This active shelter adopts out 300 cats each year through social media, Petfinder and local retailers. They partner with Kitty Brew Cafe in Mason.
Any of these 10 cat shelters welcome donations of funds or supplies. Visit their websites to learn how you can help– and to see some adorable kitties available for adoption.
Here are five of Companion Care Animal Hospital’s dog-specific health articles. Knowing this information as we move into summer can help your whole family enjoy a healthy season.
Earth Day is April 22. After watching the Artemis II mission launch and return, we can all have a deeper appreciation for our home planet. Here are tips to help us celebrate our beautiful Earth.
Take a nature hike with your pet. The more we get out into nature, the more we appreciate our planet and want to care for it (just remember to leave no trace).
Take a walk and clean up a park. Your furry friend would certainly enjoy a stroll while you pick up litter. And, who knows, you might spark curious onlookers to join you.
Check out the National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. It’s a great way to learn about safe travel with your pet in our national parks.
Donate gently-used bedding, blankets and toys to animal shelters. This is a great alternative to throwing things away when you buy new ones.
Participate in the Recycling Program offered by Animal Friends Humane Society in Hamilton. They accept items like aluminum cans, which help support pet care efforts. Learn more about the program.
The risk of heartworm infection can be right next door– at any time. Sadly, we encounter several common myths about this deadly parasitic infection that can put pets at risk. Here are the facts we want everyone to know
MYTH: Indoor pets don’t need prevention.TRUTH: Mosquitoes get indoors, slipping through screens and doors. One bite is all it takes, and indoor pets are still vulnerable.
MYTH: Only dogs get heartworm.TRUTH: Cats are also susceptible. While they are atypical hosts, they can suffer severe respiratory issues from immature worms, and there is no approved treatment for cats.
MYTH: You don’t need to worry about heartworms in the winter.TRUTH: Mosquitoes can emerge during winter warm-ups, and skipping doses can allow larvae to mature, making them more dangerous to treat.
MYTH: I’ll know if my pet has heartworms.TRUTH: Symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced, causing permanent damage to the heart and lungs.
Heartworm “season” is year-round. To protect your pet (and others), give heartworm prevention year-round. This includes spring, summer, fall and winter. If you are in need of heartworm prevention, contact us.
Once you bring your kitten or puppy home, you’ll want to help them live their best, healthiest life. Here are the top things to know about young pet health.
What to Know About Kitten Health
When kittens are born, they weigh up to 3% of their mother’s weight. That’s so tiny! By six months old, the kitten will have reached 75% of their adult weight. Kittens grow quickly, so they need high-quality kitten food to support their journey to adulthood.
Fresh, clean water is just as important to kitten development as food, so make sure your kitten always has access to water.
A head-to-tail physical examination by your veterinarian is important soon after you bring your kitten home. Catching any health concerns early in life makes treatment more effective and less expensive. And if your kitten is perfectly healthy, it’s wonderful to get that peace of mind.
Kitten vaccinations are critical for the long-term health of your pet. Based on your environment and the latest recommendations, your veterinarian will share information. Together, you’ll make the best decisions for your kitten.
Parasites are also a fact of life for kittens. Testing for and treating common parasites preserves your kitten’s long-term health.
Start brushing your kitten’s teeth now, and they’ll get used to the process.
Talk with your veterinarian about making a plan for spaying/neutering your kitten at the right age.
Also, you might consider purchasing pet health insurance while your kitten is young and healthy.
What to Know About Puppy Health
Different dog breeds grow at different rates. Small breeds reach their adult size by 12 months, while larger breeds might grow for up to two years. Because of rapid growth, your puppy should be fed a high-quality puppy food for at least the first year of life. Your veterinarian can give personalized advice for your puppy.
Puppies need to stay hydrated, so always allow them access to fresh, clean water.
Soon after you bring your puppy home, you should make a first appointment with your veterinarian. Your puppy will get used to visiting and being examined. And a head-to-tail examination can identify any health concerns to watch out for.
Puppy vaccinations can start at their first visit, especially for life-threatening conditions like parvo or required-by-law rabies. Based on your lifestyle and the latest guidelines, your veterinarian will discuss other recommended vaccinations.
Lifelong prevention of parasites starts when your dog is a puppy. Many puppies are born with intestinal parasites. If parasites are present, they can be detected and treated. After that, lifelong prevention is the goal for all pets and will keep them much healthier.
Flea and tick prevention is also important and should start when your dog is a puppy and continue throughout life.
Dental health affects a dog’s overall health. Start brushing your puppy’s teeth early on, and they’ll be trained for life.
You’ll also want to make a plan with your veterinarian for spaying/neutering.
If you think pet health insurance is something you’re interested in, it’s economical to start it when your dog is young and healthy.
All of this might seem like a lot to know! At Companion Care Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you with health of your puppy or kitten. Contact us with questions or to schedule an appointment.
During Pet Health Dental Month, we like to highlight how important dental care is for your pet’s overall health. Good dental health helps your pet feel better, eat better and behave better. Dental disease can cause bacterial problems throughout the body’s systems, along with the problems that come with infected gums or diseased teeth.
Know the Signs of Dental Disease
Most pet dental disease occurs below the gum line, where you can’t see it. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian. But, if you see any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian:
Red, swollen gums
Increased drooling
Dropping food from the mouth
Whining while eating
Loss of appetite
Unexpected weight loss
Loose or discolored teeth
Bleeding from mouth
Unwillingness to play with toys
Top Pet Dental Care Steps
Pet dental health is critical for overall health. Here are the top things you can do to improve and preserve your pet’s teeth and gums:
Toothbrushing with a soft brush and water or pet-formulated paste
Regular veterinary examinations, at least annually
Professional dental cleaning if recommended by your veterinarian
Look for signs of oral disease
Has it been awhile since your pet’s last dental cleaning? Contact us to see if it might be time.
