285 John R Rice Boulevard
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Monday - Friday:
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday:
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Phone: (615) 898-7740
Fax: (615) 898-7994
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Hot Weather Tips
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Overheating (heat prostration) can kill an animal. Never leave an animal alone in a
vehicle, since even with the windows open, a parked car, truck or van can quickly
become a furnace. Parking in shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during
the day. When traveling, carry a gallon thermos filled with fresh, cold water.To
prevent him from overheating, don’t let your dog exercise in hot weather. If you
want to run with your dog, do it in the cool hours of the early morning or late
evening. Heatstroke is life threatening for both dogs and cats. Signs to watch for
are: heavy, loud breathing, a staggering gait, and a bright red tongue or gum
tissue. If heat stroke is suspected, get the animal to a cool place, put cold
compresses on his belly, or in severe cases completely wet him down so that his
hair is soaked. This is a medical emergency – take him to your veterinarian as
quickly as possible.
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Dogs and cats need a cool, shady place to sleep during hot weather, as well as
plenty of clean, fresh water, accessible at all times. Feed your dog or cat in the
cooler hours of the day. Older animals have a hard time in hot weather, so be extra
sensitive to their needs during the hottest hours of the day.
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Be sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Parvovirus, an illness that
flourishes in hot weather, can be fatal to dogs that have not received their
vaccinations. Also, be sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are current. During the
summer months, pets often spend more time outdoors, and the chances of
encounters with wildlife (possible rabies carriers) increase.
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It’s heartworm medication time. If your dog hasn’t been tested for heartworm
this year, see your veterinarian. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, but it
can be prevented by administering a monthly preventive between June and
November.
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Keep your pet well groomed. Daily brushing or combing lets you check for fleas
and ticks. Fleas can cause allergic reactions and “hot spots” in dogs. Hot spots are
large, wet skin sores that appear suddenly in areas where the dog has scratched.
See your veterinarian for flea and tick preventives or if a “hot spot” appears.
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Keep dogs away from picnic garbage. Ingesting corncobs and chicken and other
bones can be life-threatening by obstructing or perforating the stomach. Also,
according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the peels, fruit, and seeds of
citrus plants such as lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits contain varying
amounts of citric acid, limonin, and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal
irritation and result in vomiting and diarrhea.
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If you have a swimming pool, do not leave your dog unattended in the pool area.
Not all dogs can swim – they can drown if they fall into the water.
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