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.
The Risk of Parasite Infection Can Be Right Next Door– At Any Time
Our dogs need protection from several parasites. Credelio Quattro is a chewable tablet that protects against six parasites:
Fleas
Ticks
Heartworms
Roundworms
Hookworms
Tapeworms
This prevention medication is given to your dog monthly as a beef-flavored chewable tablet. It’s a convenient, clean and simple-to-administer solution for protecting your dog from common parasites.
It kills more than 99% of fleas within eight hours, about 97% of ticks within 48 hours and 100% of tapeworms. And it prevents heartworm disease from the first dose.
Companion Care Animal Hospital carries Credelio Quattro in all sizes, and we can provide a discount code to give you the most favorable cost possible. It’s always best to obtain prescription medication from your pet’s veterinarian, so you know the product is legitimate and stored properly.
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.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that 56% of dog owners have tried to help their dogs lose weight, but only 28% of those dogs achieved that healthy weight. For Canine Fitness Month, we want to discuss ways to help your dog get healthier!
First, What Does a Healthy Weight Look Like for a Dog?
The Body Condition Score is a general tool to assess your dog’s weight. It can help pet owners get a basic idea, although an examination by your veterinarian is important before deciding on any weight loss plan.
If you and your veterinarian have concerns about your dog’s weight, you’ll set a target healthy weight and weigh in at wellness appointments.
What Might Your Veterinarian Recommend for Weight Loss?
Depending on your dog’s size and overall health, your veterinarian may recommend any of the following:
How much to feed your dog each day (it’s probably less than you think).
Weigh your dog’s food instead of using a cup or scoop. Dog food calories are measured by weight, not volume. It’s easy to feed too much at mealtimes.
Feed your dog two or three small meals each day, instead of one larger meal.
Eliminate snacks, if possible. At least, limit snacks to healthy alternatives, like raw carrots and frozen green beans. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
If needed, your veterinarian may recommend a specific low-calorie food.
Help your dog achieve about 30 minutes of daily activity, like walking, fetching or active play.
How Do I Help My Dog Become More Fit?
Many dogs are used to leisurely walks that don’t do much for fitness. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention suggests you work up to a 12 to 17-minute mile with most dog breeds. Here’s what they recommend.
Tips for a successful exercise walk
Start strong: Begin the walk at a brisk pace before your dog gets distracted by smells.
“Out” leg fast, “back” leg slower: Focus on moving briskly on the way out, then allow sniffing and exploring on the return.
Leash control: Keep the leash short, about 3–4 feet, and walk with your dog on your left side or away from traffic.
No retractable leashes: Use a standard leash for better safety and control.
Stay consistent: Don’t stop when your dog tries to pause or mark. Keep walking, tighten the leash slightly (no jerking), and use a simple command such as “Come” or “Here.”
Teaching your dog that this walk is for exercise, not just sightseeing, builds stamina, burns calories, and supports weight loss and overall health. Save casual sniffing for a separate walk or the return trip home.
Do you have questions about your dog’s weight or fitness level? 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.
March 13 is a designated day to honor and appreciate the service and sacrifice made by K9 officers across the nation. According to Military.com:
“It was on March 13, 1942, that the Army began training for its new War Dog Program, also known as the ‘K-9 Corps,’ according to American Humane, marking the first time that dogs were officially a part of the U.S. Armed Forces.”
K9 Veteran Stories
Watch these stories of dedicated K9 officers who earn a well-deserved retirement.
The National Police Dog Foundation is a charitable organization for in-training, active and retired K9 officers. This video shows what they do.
Here’s what the National Police Dog Foundation say about K9 veterans:
“Most K-9s after active service go home with their handlers to become household pets. The ongoing medical care for the retired K-9s can be very expensive. The National Police Dog Foundation commends these handlers for their dedication to the K-9s and is proud to assists in the costs of Medical Care for the retired K-9s.”
