Money spent on wellness and prevention, as well as keeping pets in a safe environment, significantly reduces the risk of illness and injury. Nevertheless, pets do occasionally become sick or injured and the cost to treat can be a strain on your wallet. The American Animal Hospital Association suggests all pet-owning families assess their financial situation and consider their ability to meet unexpected expenses that may arise for veterinary care.

Did you know that pet health insurance can help you cover the cost of such unexpected illnesses, accidents and possibly even routine care? Pet health insurance may be able to help provide the financial support to allow you the freedom to provide the best possible care your pet needs.

For those considering pet health insurance and the benefits to your pet:

• Go to www.petinsurancereview.com to compare rates, coverage and get quotes from leading pet insurers, in addition to being able to read reviews from current policy owners.
• Be sure you understand what the policy covers. Some policies (but not all) cover some preventative care, such as vaccinations, but there may be additional cost for this coverage.
• Understand the exclusions. Almost all policies exclude pre-existing conditions and some exclude hereditary conditions. Some may exclude certain conditions unique to certain breeds.
• Almost all policies have a deductible and a co-pay requirement. Some pay according to a set schedule of “usual and customary fees” while some pay based on the actual incurred expense. Be sure you understand how expenses will be reimbursed.
• Ask whether or not the policy allows you to seek care from a veterinarian of your own choosing or whether you must go to a veterinarian that participates in the company’s network of providers. When faced with a pet’s serious illness, most pet owners want to be able to obtain care from their regular veterinarian.
• Speak with your veterinarian or a Northeast Animal Hospital team member regarding health insurance.

Some frequently asked questions regarding pet health insurance include:

1. Is pet health insurance just like human health insurance?

   No. Pet insurance is classified as a different type of insurance than human insurance. Typically, you, as the pet owner, pay the veterinary bill at the time of service, and the insurance provider reimburses you based on the diagnosis and/or percentage of the bill. Keep in mind that not all pet health insurance companies are the same, so make sure to do some research into the policies before choosing the policy that is best for your pet. A good starting point for policy comparison is www.petinsurancereview.com.

   
   
2. When is the best time to buy health insurance for my pet?

   Before an accident or illness occurs!! Overall, the best time to purchase health insurance for your pet is when he or she is a puppy or kitten. You can purchase health insurance policies later in your pet’s life, but your coverage may be limited by “pre-existing” conditions.

   
   
3. How much does pet insurance cost – is it really worth it?

   Like all insurance, a pet insurance policy insures against expensive medical costs while charging a monthly premium. Pet insurance costs generally range between $20-50 per month, depending on the policy and coverage. Some of the differences include policies ranging from high-deductible plans meant to offset the cost of true emergencies, to wellness plans that cover preventative care such as wellness examinations and vaccines. Additionally, pet health insurance coverage allows you to budget for your pet’s health care needs!

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Since 1981, National Pet Week has been widely celebrated throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Each year, its goals are to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the human-animal bond, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine!

General recommendations to provide a healthy lifestyle for your pet:

• Feed a well-balanced diet, formulated for your pet’s individual needs
• Provide proper shelter, fencing, shade and cover from extreme environmental conditions
• Provide regular exercise and enrichment for your pet
• Seek regular (biannual) examinations by your family veterinarian
• Ensure that your pet receives vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian
• Provide monthly flea, heartworm and intestinal parasite control, even for indoor-only pets
• Seek regular heartworm testing and intestinal parasite screening
• Microchip your pet to ensure a safe return if your pet is lost or stolen
• Consult your family veterinarian with any questions or concerns regarding the health of your pet
• If your pet is on medication, follow the veterinarian’s prescription instructions carefully and make sure to follow-up with recheck examinations and necessary testing
• Know where the local emergency veterinary clinics are in your area and how to reach them quickly in the event of an emergency

Contact your family veterinarian today to ensure that your pets are up-to-date on everything he or she needs to live a healthy lifestyle! For more information on National Pet Week and how you can celebrate with your furry loved ones, go to: http://petweek.org/index.cfm.

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Heartworm is a serious and often fatal disease affecting dogs, cats and even other species of mammals. Dogs and cats of any age are susceptible, which is why prevention is so important. Without proper prevention, pets are at risk of contracting this potentially deadly disease.

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease has been found in all 50 states. Mosquitoes infected with the disease bite a dog, cat or other susceptible animal causing infective larvae to enter through the bite wound. In 6 months, the ineffective larvae will mature into adult worms. These worms live in the heart and arteries or lungs causing extensive damage and sometimes death.

How to Prevent Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm prevention is safe, easy and inexpensive. There are a variety of very effective preventative products available, including monthly tablets, chewables or topical medications. These medications interrupt heartworm development before adult worms can reach the heart or lungs and are available through your veterinarian. Treatment for heartworm disease in dogs is possible, but it is a complicated, expensive and often risky process, taking months for infected animals to recover. There is no effective treatment for heartworm disease in cats, so it is imperative that disease prevention measures be taken for cats.

To learn more about the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of heartworm disease and even listen to a Podcast, visit http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm.html or contact your veterinarian today.

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As common as anesthesia is in veterinary medicine, misconceptions still exist, especially where older animals are concerned. It is true that no anesthetic procedure is without risk. In the hands of a good veterinarian and staff, however, modern anesthesia has become a routine and very safe with risks so low that, you should not be dissuaded from pursuing necessary preventive or other surgical procedures for your pet.

Anesthesia is the use of drugs to enable pets to tolerate a medical or surgical procedure. Although there are different types, the most commonly used combine injection and gas. Those who understand the procedure and risks can make intelligent decisions about their pets' care.

Anesthetic risks can be greatly minimized by a history, physical examination and a few basic tests beforehand, including a laboratory evaluation of blood and urine, and possibly a chest X-ray and/or an EKG to evaluate an abnormal heart rhythm. If any such abnormalities are revealed, they can be addressed and corrected first. Although these tests add to the cost of a procedure, they enable your vet to fully understand the health status of your pet before anesthesia.

Before undergoing anesthesia, a pre-anesthetic injection is often administered to help ease the animal’s anxiety and stress, ultimately decreasing the amount of inhalant gas anesthesia needed. Placement of an IV catheter and administration of fluids further add to the safety of the procedure. The major part of anesthesia is accomplished by letting the animal inhale a gas mixture through a mask or, more commonly, through a tube inserted into the trachea. The effects of the gas extend just beyond the time of treatment. Therefore, another major advantage of long-lasting sedation from pre-medication is that recovery is smooth.

While under anesthesia, the patient's vitals are carefully monitored to ensure that the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are functioning well, blood pressure remains steady and the patient remains warm. Monitoring also ensures that the patient is not under too lightly or too deeply.

A common concern many pet owners have is the cost of anesthesia: Why is it so expensive? As you can see, modern anesthesia involves a lot of equipment and expertise, and this unfortunately costs money. Cutting corners by not intubating patients, not keeping patients warm or skimping on pain medications and monitoring can save money, but the price is decreased comfort and safety for your pet.

No matter what the age of your pet, the chances are high that the anesthetic presents no problem if both you and your veterinarian work to minimize the risk. The payoffs, especially those involving dental care, can be significant. Ask as many questions as you can and make sure you are comfortable with the answers. The final call on any procedure is yours, and you need to be fully informed to make it properly!

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Happy Pet Dental Health Month!

National Pet Dental Health Month, celebrated every February, is upon us and serves as a great reminder to take care of your pet's teeth now and all year round!

Oral hygiene is an essential part of caring for your pets. Did you know that oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets? An astounding 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS).

Many think "doggie breath" is inevitable, though, in reality, halitosis is a sign of an oral problem. Other common oral conditions include broken or worn teeth, especially in dogs who aggressively chew on hard objects, such as their crate, rocks, hoof treats or old tennis balls that can act like sand paper. Additionally, their gums can become diseased, indicated by yellow and brown build-up of tartar (bacteria) along the gum line. Not only is dental disease unsightly, but it can also cause discomfort or pain and can lead to loss of appetite, weight loss, and systemic diseases.

If you see any of these signs, or if your pet has never had a dental cleaning, it may be time for a visit to your family veterinarian for a complete oral examination. He or she may need to sedate or anesthetize your pet, in order to complete the examination. Dental X-rays may also be necessary and are often essential for tailoring a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Prevention is the cornerstone of pet dental health. In addition to professional cleaning about once a year, pet owners should practice a regular dental care regimen at home, which may include brushing the pet´s teeth with specially formulated pet toothpaste. Toothpaste for humans is not recommended because some may be toxic to pets. It´s best to start early, but grown dogs and cats can certainly learn to tolerate brushing! For additional information regarding National Pet Dental Health Month and pet oral health, you can visit http://www.avma.org/animal_health/npdhm/default.asp for videos, podcasts and articles.

Call your family veterinarian today to schedule a dental evaluation and to learn how they are celebrating National Pet Dental Health Month!

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"Does this collar make me look fat?"
Pets can have New Year's resolutions too!

Is your pooch pudgy? Is your feline fat? Have you described your pet as "big boned" or "just fluffy" recently? According to recent studies nearly 35% of dogs and cats are overweight or obese. There are many reasons why our pets become overweight, but the most common cause is overeating - that is, the pet consumes more calories than he or she uses. The 'ol "calories in, calories out" adage!

If you're not sure if your pet is overweight, try feeling his or her rib cage. When you try to feel ribs, do you feel folds of fat instead? If you can easily feel the ribs, then your pet is probably a normal weight. If you can see the ribs, then your pet is too thin. If the ribs are difficult to feel, or cannot be felt at all, your pet is likely overweight or obese. Your dog or cat should also have a visible "waist" behind the rib cage.

There are many health risks associated with obesity in dogs and cats including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and other orthopedic diseases. The treatment for weight loss is...Drum Roll...reduced caloric intake and increased energy output. Yep, less food, more exercise!

A reduced caloric intake can best be accomplished by:

• Watch what he or she eats
• Say "no" to unhealthy or excess snacks
• Feed measured meals instead of free-feeding
• Possible diet change to weight control food if recommended by your veterinarian
• Reward your pet the healthy way
• Praise and attention is often as rewarding to your pet as a treat!
• Incorporate toys, fun and games into your pet's day
• Track your pet's weight at home or at your veterinarian's office
• Maintain a healthy activity level

Your veterinarian should be the final judge of your pet's weight and body condition status. Make an appointment with him or her to determine if your pet is truly just overweight and not suffering from signs of heart, kidney or glandular disorders. At your visit, after a complete physical exam and blood work, your pet's dietary needs can be established. Remember, you can give your pet a longer and happier life by providing the proper diet, exercise, and regular veterinary care.

Happy New Year to you and your pets!

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Here are some tips for keeping your pets out of danger during the holiday season.

AVOID Holiday Food Items That Could Cause Problems For Your Pet, including:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
• Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions, onion powder
• Fatty or rich foods (cheeses, turkey fat, bacon)

PLANTS

• Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily can cause kidney failure if ingested.
• Poinsettias can also be toxic to pets, causing potential irritation to the mouth and stomach, or nausea and vomiting.
• Mistletoe ingestion usually only causes gastrointestinal upset, but has the potential to cause more serious cardiovascular issues.
• Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.

HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

• Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction, especially in cats and puppies who are curious about these objects.
• Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset.
• Electric cords if chewed, could electrocute your pet and/or cause ulceration to the mouth. Cover up or hide electric cords, and never allow your pet to chew on them.
• Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS

• Antifreeze has a pleasant taste to pets. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal to a cat or dog. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured cabinets. Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.
• Liquid potpourris can be ingested or absorbed by your pet from simmer pots or spills. Oral exposures result following grooming and can result in severe oral, dermal and eye damage.
• Rat, mouse and mole killers are used more commonly during colder weather. If these products need to be used, place it in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.

Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4 ANI-HELP, http://www.apcc.aspca.org) in a convenient location. Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

Happy Holidays to you and your pets!

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Canine influenza, also known as "dog flu," is a recently identified contagious respiratory disease in dogs. This virus is an influenza A H3N8 virus, and though it originated in the horse, there is no evidence that this virus could affect humans.

What are the symptoms of canine influenza?

• Lasting cough and runny nose
• Lack of energy and loss of appetite
• Possibly low-grade fever

This virus can be spread from dog to dog the same way human flu spreads:

• Direct contact with an infected animal (kissing, licking, playing)
• Through the air (cough or sneeze)
• Contaminated objects (such as surfaces, hands, clothing)

Is your dog at risk for canine influenza? Does your dog:

• Get boarded at a kennel or go to doggie daycare?
• Visit a groomer, go to dog parks or meet other dogs when walking outside?
• Attend obedience training?

If this resembles your dog's lifestyle, he or she may be at risk for canine influenza. Luckily, there is a new vaccination against canine influenza that is available at some veterinary hospitals, including Northeast Animal Hospital!

For more information regarding this virus, you can access the following websites: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/ and http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp, which includes a link to a Podcast by leading Canine Influenza researcher, Dr. Cynda Crawford.

If you believe your dog may be suffering from the symptoms listed above or if you believe your dog could benefit from vaccination, please consult with your family veterinarian.

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Halloween can certainly be a fun and festive holiday for the entire family, but make sure to plan a pet-safe Halloween for your furry friends! Keep these guidelines in mind and you and your pet will have a fun and safe Halloween.

• If your pet will be joining you during trick-or-treating, make sure to keep him or her on a leash. Even the best behaved dogs can become frightened and confused and attempt to run away with all the strange sights, sounds and activities.
• Watch how your dog reacts to children wearing costumes. Children running around screaming in costumes and masks can be frightening to a dog, and, conversely, dogs may frighten the children, especially if the dog attempts to jump. If your dog shows signs of distress, take him home immediately. You wouldn't want him or her to bite a child, or run away in fright.
• Keep decorations out of the reach of your pets. Even lighted pumpkins can be a hazard for little paws.
• If you will be in for the evening, when the trick-or-treaters come to your door, it's a good idea to keep your pets in another room so they won't be tempted to run out.
• Whether you go out or stay in, don't leave your pet outside at Halloween even if it is in a fenced yard. Pranksters may open yard gates and let dogs out. There is also risk of somebody feeding an unsupervised dog candy or chocolate. Strangers walking past the yard can also make many dogs very defensive and possibly aggressive.
• Keep Halloween candy and treats away from your pets. Candy, gum, chips and human food in general isn't good for pets and may cause gastric upset and other adverse effects. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, with symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhea and hyper-behavior to cardiac failure, seizures and death.

If you suspect your pet has gotten into your treats or has been a victim of a trick, call your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately! For more information and additional pet-safe Halloween tips, you can visit the following websites: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.html and http://www.petside.com/health/13-halloween-safety-tips.php.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween from your friends at Northeast Animal Hospital!

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Laser therapy is an amazing new technology for reducing pain and inflammation. A precise beam of light can penetrate targeted tissues interacting chemically and biologically, a process called "photobiomodulation," to accelerate the healing process.

There are many applications of lasers - from CD players and printers to the more powerful ones used in surgery and laser therapy. Therapy lasers are new to the US, but have been utilized for many years outside of the US. The FDA approved class IV therapy lasers in 2005. With this class of laser, people and pets have benefited greatly in the areas of rehabilitation, wound care, and sports medicine. Many patients have been able to return to normal activity with less dependence on pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients tolerate the non-invasive treatments well, experiencing a gentle warming sensation in the tissues, with each treatment session typically taking less than five minutes. The therapy laser is one of the latest and most exciting treatments now offered in veterinary care.

For more information on this exciting new therapy, see www.vet.celasers.com/therapy-small. If your pet has signs of pain or inflammation, ask your veterinarian if laser therapy is right for you.

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Did you know that even a few grapes and raisins can cause severe kidney failure in dogs? Such signs can include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea. If you believe that your pet is exhibiting signs of kidney failure due to grape or raisin toxicity, consult your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital for assistance immediately.

If it is after your family veterinary clinic's regular hours, seek the assistance of an emergency care clinic, such as:

• Animal Emergency Clinic of St. Petersburg
  3165 22nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, 727-323-1311
• Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists
  1501-A Belcher Road S., Suite 1A, Largo, 727-535-3600
  www.tbvsecc.com
• Florida Veterinary Specialists
  3000 Busch Lake Blvd, Tampa, 813-933-8944
  www.fvs.com

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Has your dog been feeling the "Back to School Blues" since his or her human family members have gone back to school? Does your pooch bark, howl, chew, dig, urinate, defecate, become destructive or try to escape when left alone? Although these problems often indicate that a dog needs to be taught some manners, they can also be symptoms of stress or anxiety. Separation anxiety is triggered when dogs become upset because of separation from their owner or family. Escape attempts by dogs with separation anxiety can be extreme, resulting in self-injury and household destruction, especially around exit points like windows and doors. Then, when the owner returns home, the dog often acts as though it's been years since he's seen his family.

As with most behavior problems, treatment involves altering multiple factors including the dog's environment, how your family interacts with the dog, and at times, the use of anti-anxiety medications in combination with behavior modification. Overall, the goal is to resolve the dog's anxiety by teaching him to enjoy, or at least tolerate, being left alone. The following are some tips to ease your dog's anxiety:

Before Leaving

• Pay no attention to your dog for about 20-30 minutes before you leave
• Leave a special treat or a toy, such as a Kong (http://www.kongcompany.com/worlds_best.html) to distract the dog when you go out, and remove the item upon your return

When Returning

• Ignore your dog until he is quiet and relaxed, then interact on your own initiative
• Do not reprimand your dog for destructive behavior or for urinating or defecating in the house

At Home

• Interact with your dog only at your initiative and when the dog is relaxed
• Gradually increase distance and time away from home
• Minimize your "departure cues." For example, move your keys and purse around the home during times other than departure

If you believe your dog suffers from separation anxiety, and behavioral modification has not resolved his or her signs, contact your veterinarian. For additional information regarding separation anxiety, see the The Humane Society of the United States' online resource.

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As we enter the midst of hurricane season, it is important to have a hurricane plan and make preparations to evacuate your family and your pets if such a disaster should strike our coastal community. Proper preparation will pay off with the safety of your family and pets. There are steps that you can take to be better prepared to care for your pets in a disaster. Here are some basic emergency tips and planning information:

• Ensure that all your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and wellness examinations
• If you evacuate, take your pets
• Display identification and contact information for each of your pets
• Find a safe, pet-friendly, destination before evacuation

Also important is preparing a "pet disaster kit" for your evacuation, including the following items:

• Fresh water and pet food
• The pet's medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container
• Sturdy leashes, collars or harnesses
• Carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape
• Blankets or towels for bedding and warmth
• Current photos and descriptions of your pets for identification in case you become separated
• Toys to help reduce your pet's stress level
• The name and number of your veterinarian

For more emergency and disaster preparedness tips and information, please see Humane Society of the United States website.

If you need to board your pet during hurricane season, make sure to call ahead of time to learn about the facility's tropical weather boarding protocols. If you are interested in boarding your pet with us at Northeast Animal Hospital, don't hesitate to contact one of our pet care coordinators today!

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You're right to be concerned about your dog's comfort during hot weather. Dogs with thick coats like Malamutes and Huskies were developed for cold climates, and are often less adapted for warm weather we experience during our Florida summers. However, some hair can be beneficial in hot weather, working to insulate dogs from the heat and shield their skin from the sun. Remember, dogs don't use sweat to cool themselves the way people do, so they don't need to have exposed skin in order to stay cool.

Yet, if a dog has too much hair, the hair can stop being beneficial in hot weather and start retaining too much heat.

Some tips for thick coated dogs:

• You may be able to thin the coat out enough by brushing your dog thoroughly and consistently with a wire or rake type brush, or a de-shedding tool, such as the Furminator, www.furminator.com. These brushes can remove some of the fuzzy undercoat layer of fur, sometimes enough to make dogs comfortable in warm weather.
• Providing access to "cooling" activities such as swimming or playing in a sprinkler or cool water.

If your dog still seems too hot, shaving won't hurt him or her. Just be careful to leave an inch or so of fur so that he or she still has some insulation and protection from sunburn. If you are uncomfortable grooming your own dog, you can discuss a "haircut" with your pet's groomer.

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The number of people who travel with their pets is growing, and so too are the options for pets on the road - from camping at campgrounds to enjoying fabulous four-star hotels. There's never been a better time to pack your pet and go.

Still, traveling with a dog is no picnic sometimes. Finding lodging can be difficult; luxurious inside dining is largely sacrificed in favor of eating takeout in the car or a park. Traveling with dogs offers some challenges, but nearly all are surmountable with some creativity.

People in the travel industry have learned that many people with dogs are exceptionally grateful for pleasant accommodations, and so return to the places that treat them well year after year. As a result, some entrepreneurs have gone to great lengths to attract dog lovers by offering creative pet-friendly options. The following websites help travelers find some of these options: Dog Travel Guides and Pet Friendly Hotels.

On the road, remember:

• Stop at regular intervals, for your dog to relieve himself and get a drink of fresh water
• Keep your dog on a leash for his own safety
• If not microchipped, make sure your contact information is on his or her tag in case you get separated

If a pet-friendly vacation is not an option for your family, boarding facilities are available as a "home away from home" for your pets. If you are interesting in boarding your pet with us or scheduling a tour, don't hesitate to call us here at Northeast Animal Hospital!

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Does your dog get scared or agitated at the onset of a thunderstorm? Does he or she cuddle up in your lap, or hide, seeking refuge from the storm? If so, your pet may suffer from a condition known as "thunderstorm phobia." In general, a phobia, or fear, is a combination of physical, emotional, and physiologic responses to a threatening stimulus or situation that, in the wild, would protect the animal from harm. In severe cases, dogs may shatter windows, destroy furniture, break through fences and cause themselves harm during such storms. Since a specific fear is usually a learned behavior, it can often be treated with desensitization to the specific stimulus.

The first step to help your dog overcome his thunderstorm fear is to discuss your dog's behavior with your family veterinarian. He or she can help you develop a program to "retrain" your dog by gradually and gently helping him or her adjust to storms through behavior modification. The dog should be rewarded for acting calm and confident, taking care to never punish a fear response. If such training doesn't provide your dog the needed relief, your veterinarian may recommend additional anti-anxiety therapies. For more information regarding "thunderstorm phobia" in dogs, click here.

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Is this summer heat too hot for your pet? Protecting your pet from the Dog Days of Summer...

During these "Dog Days of Summer," it is especially important to protect our furry friends from the extreme heat. Dogs and cats are prone to heatstroke because they lack heat releasing mechanisms that humans have.

Signs of heatstroke in our patients can include:

• Collapse after being outside
• Increased heart rate and respiratory rate (intense panting)
• Pale gums and other mucus membranes

The importance of seeking medical attention immediately is paramount, as heatstroke can result in severe organ failure if not medically addressed. If you see these signs in your dog or cat, consult your family veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.

Steps to avoid heatstroke in your pet include:

• Always provide constant access to ample drinking water
• Provide shelter in a well-ventilated environment, preferably inside, out of the heat
• Limit light exercise to early morning and later evening, outside of the prime heat index hours
• Maintain your pet in good body condition, as heat dissipation is decreased in obese patients

To enjoy a safe and fun summer with your pets, don't hesitate to call your family veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet or suspect your pet may be experiencing signs of heatstroke.

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