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Are you prepared for hurricane season?
Summer is time for crazy weather here in Georgia. Hurricanes, although not as big a threat as on the coast, can have some devastating effects. Tornadoes are another weather phenomenon here in Georgia. So we need to be prepared.
Dogs get scared in bad storms and can run much farther than you would think, we had a greyhound go about three miles. Make sure your dogs are secure and in a place where they feel as safe as possible, like a bathroom. If you know bad weather is coming take them out before the thunder is crashing over your house. These precautions also apply to anytime there might be fireworks. Do not reward exhibitions of fearful behavior.
If you have a storm shelter or basement where you and your family go to wait out really bad storms. Have a crate with a bed in it already in place and take your dog into the shelter and get him used to the space and crate there. Make sure you have food in a sealed container as well as water.
Make sure your dog is microchipped and that the chip is registered with current information. Get either a tag or name plate for your dog’s collar that has your name and phone number on it. Have pictures on hand of your dog from different angles to use for posters or social media posts. Make sure you have the names and phone numbers of the local veterinarian easily accessible.
When listing your contact information including the name and phone number of someone outside the affected area. Let this contact person know what your plans are for your pets and that you are giving out their information.
Make sure your pets are up to date on all their vaccinations and have extra medicine on hand in a water-tight container. Have a copy of your pet’s records from your vet with a current picture of your pet that shows their markings.
Each dog should have their own crate that is clearly marked with all vital information. If you plan to evacuate ask yourself if you will be able to take all your pets with you. If not what is your plan? Plan on where you will go so that you can take your pets, as we know not everywhere will take pets.
Make sure you have enough food and water for at least a week. Food will need to be in a water-tight container that will be safe from rodents as well as water. If you are going to have to leave your pets how will they access the food and water?
You should have an emergency first aid kit for your pets.
3M Steri-Strip Skin Closures for small cuts, Ever Ready First Aid Universal Aluminum Splint, Celox Traumatic Wound Treatment to stop bleeding, 4″x4″ Water Jel Burn Dressing, Benedryl antihistamine, Neosporin antibiotic ointment, Imodium for diarrhea
Small Glass Water Tight Containers filled with 4 x 4 gauze pads and chlorohexidine diluted 50% with water for disinfecting wounds
Dynarex Instant Cold Packs for swelling, Dogzymes Canine Electrolyte Paste helps replace fluids lost from Dehydration, Diarrhea, Vomiting
6″x4″ Gauze Rolls wrap a wound, VetBond Tissue Adhesive glue small wound, Tech Niche International Evaporative Cooling Dog Pad cool down, 2″ Co-Flex Bandage (Blue), Digital Thermometer, Stethoscope, Surgical Skin Stapler staple shut larger wounds,
Nitrile Powder Free Gloves, Bandage Scissors, Vetericyn Plus All Animal Eye Wash flush eyes, Universal Antidote Gel contains activated charcoal for emergency treatment of poisoning
Fleas and ticks
This is probably the topic that generates the most interest among pet owners. First, you should eliminate the breeding grounds for fleas and ticks. Keep your grass mowed, and trim bushes and trees. The most common natural predators of fleas are insects such as fire ants and nematodes, as well as spiders, frogs, toads lizards, and snakes. Animals that eat ticks include frogs, lizards, chickens, squirrels, opossums, guineafowl, wild turkeys, ants and fire ants.
There are so many choices, some work better than others and some are safer than others. We have tried many products some worked for a while some didn’t seem to work at all. No, I am not going to recommend one over another.
We have chosen a non-traditional more natural method. We use garlic on our dogs’ food, the dogs like it and it works for us. We worried about all the chemicals and the effect they could be having on the long-term health of our dogs. Springtime Bug Off Garlic
To read more go to FDA warnings for flea medication
Most people have seen their dogs scratching and know how miserable they are when they have fleas. In addition to skin irritation and other external issues, pets are also at risk for internal complications from flea bites and infestations. Fleas can give your dog tapeworms. No, your month worming does not kill tapeworms.. Young puppies are especially susceptible to anemia caused by severe flea infestations. In some cases, this can lead to death.
Ticks present their own set of risks.
Lyme Disease
Caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria which is transmitted by infected black-legged ticks or deer ticks, The symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can include lethargy, lameness, fever, joint pain or swelling, and the enlargement of lymph nodes.
Canine Bartonellosis
Although Canine Bartonellosis is less common than some other tick-borne diseases we see in dogs, the symptoms of this disease can be very serious. Some of the earliest signs of Canine Bartonellosis include intermittent fever and lameness but left untreated this condition can lead to serious conditions such as heart or liver disease.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
RMSF or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is carried by the Rocky Mountain wood tick, brown deer tick and American dog tick. This tick-borne condition can be seen in dogs across Central, South, and North America, and can also affect humans. Swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, poor appetite, and fever are some of the most common symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in dogs. In some cases, dogs may also experience neurological symptoms such as balance issues or weakness.
Canine Ehrlichiosis
There are a number of different ticks that can transmit Canine Ehrlichiosis, including the American dog tick, brown dog tick and the lone star tick. Symptoms of this condition typically begin to appear about 1 -3 weeks after your dog has been infected and may include fever, poor appetite, nose bleeds, and bruising. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to the successful treatment of Canine Ehrlichiosis. Treatment can be more challenging in dogs that develop chronic symptoms of the disease.
Canine Anaplasmosis
The most common symptoms of Canine Anaplasmosis are much the same as other tick-borne diseases and include lethargy, loss of appetite, stiff joints, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, however, Canine Anaplasmosis can lead to seizures in dogs.
Canine Babesiosis
Canine Babesiosis is primarily spread through the bite of infected brown dog ticks or American dog ticks. However, this condition can also be spread through the bite of an infected dog, contaminated IV blood or transferred from a pregnant mother to her unborn puppies through transplacental transmission. Canine Babesiosis causes the breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in symptoms such as jaundice, pale gums, lethargy, dark-colored urine, and in some cases generalized weakness and vomiting.
Canine Hepatozoonosis
Although Canine Hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease, your pet could contract the disease by eating another infected animal such as a rodent or bird. Dogs infected with this disease will often show mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. That said, depending on the strain of the disease more severe cases can lead to symptoms that can seriously impact your pet’s mobility such as muscle, bone, and/or joint pain. Other symptoms of Canine Hepatozoonosis include fever, pale gums and skin, and enlarged lymph nodes.
So, you are going to board your dog
If you have never boarded your dog before, it can be stressful if you don’t know what to expect. Our goal is to make this the best experience possible for you and your dog. If you have filled out the new client form and the reservation form you won’t have any paperwork to fill out when you arrive with your dog, this makes it a lot easier. If you were not able to attach your records from your veterinarian please bring a copy with you.
Make sure to bring whatever food your dog normally eats. You should have this in a container that is clearly marked with your dog’s name and your name. We will need to know how much your dog eats and how many times a day he is used to being fed. If your dog has medicine please write on a 3″ x 5″ card what he takes and when, we don’t want any mistakes.
Our inside crates are 36″ and 42″, you are welcome to bring a crate pad for your dog. Please do not bring toys. Your dog will be in his crate in stormy weather, during the heat of the day, and at night.
When possible the dogs are put out in one of the big yards to play. A lot depends on your dog and what they are used to so please allow time either on the phone before your come or when you get here to talk. Understand this is a farm and dogs get dirty playing outside.
Feel free to call or text to check on your dog, we are happy to give you an update. It is not a good idea to visit. the dogs don’t understand why you have come and not taken them home.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke in dogs can be deadly and it is essential that we as kennel owners and pet owners understand this threat and be able to recognize the symptoms. The following is an article by the AKC Canine Health Foundation.
By Dr. John A. Hamil
DEFINITION:
Hyperthermia (fever) is an elevation in body temperature above normal range for the species affected (dogs normal is 101.5F).
Heat Stroke (heat exhaustion) is a form of hyperthermia that occurs when heat-dissipating mechanisms of the body cannot accommodate excessive heat. Body temperatures above 105F are suggestive of heat stroke.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
- Heat stroke can be seen in all breeds of all ages, but may be more likely in long haired and brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds as well as younger and older individuals.
- Elevated environmental temperature and humidity
- Confinement in a car or other area without adequate ventilation
- Exercise
- Restricted access to water
- Obesity
SIGNS:
Signs of heat stroke are very similar to the signs seen in humans, although dogs pant more in an effort to cool themselves.
- Panting
- Hypersalivation (drooling)
- Warm to touch
- Red mucous membranes of mouth
- Rapid heart rate
- Dry nose
- Quiet or poorly responsive, may lay down and refuse or be unable to rise
- Vomiting
- Blood from mouth or in stool
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
- Ataxia (staggering)
- Coma
- Death
PREVENTION:
Heat stroke is best prevented by avoiding the previously listed risk factors and closely observing your dog. If you are hot so is your dog. Remember our dogs will always try to please us. Consequently, watch closely and do not ask your dog to exercise or play hard on hot humid days.
Whether indoors or outside, dogs can best acclimate to high temperatures if provided good air circulation, shade and access to fresh water.
MANAGEMENT:
If you suspect heat stroke, stop all activity and walk or carry your dog to a cool, shaded area with good air circulation. If the symptoms do not improve quickly and you are unable to take your dog’s temperature take your dog to your veterinarian immediately.
If you have access to a rectal thermometer, you should take your dog’s temperature. If the temperature is less than 105F, you should still consider this an emergency and immediately take your dog to your veterinarian. If the temperature is higher than 105F, using cool, not cold, water; sponge or hose your dog’s entire body, paying particular attention to the underside. Use of a fan is also helpful. After a few minutes retake the temperature and repeat this procedure until the temperature is reduced to 103F. Do not reduce the temperature below 103F, as the temperature may descend to critical levels.
Immediately take your dog to your veterinarian as soon as the temperature reaches 103F or if you are unable to reduce the temperature significantly.
John A. Hamil, DVM, is a veterinary practitioner, author and award-winning breeder of Bloodhounds. Dr. Hamil served as Captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, and has practiced veterinary medicine in California since 1971. He has a long history of service to both the American and California Veterinary Medical Associations including as a member of the Animal Welfare, and Human Animal Companion Bond Committees. He has been the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Western Regional Practitioner of the Year. Dr. Hamil is active on the Boards of Directors for a number of animal-centric nonprofit organizations in California, and currently serves on the American Kennel Club Animal Welfare Advisory Panel. His publications for the pet owner include Your Aging Cat, and Hands on Dog Care.