Pets are for a lifetime; Not for gifts

As the holidays approach, the streets are full of hustle and bustle, as everyone searches for the perfect gifts to give their loved ones.   Sometimes it can be so difficult to find that unique gift;  the one you know will be treasured for a lifetime.  Sometimes you think that you've found it, the perfect one, but it can end up being oh, so totally wrong.  Come on, you’ve all been there.  You’ve opened a much anticipated gift, ready to be wowed.  Then you open the package, and your only thought is: “What were they thinking?”   Well, this can be the case if you are thinking about giving a pet as a gift.  I want to remind everyone that this is NOT a good idea.  Pets are a commitment for their entire life and purchasing or adopting a pet as a gift can often lead to heart break.  I have seen many well intentioned people adopt pets for someone who wasn’t ready for a pet.  Pets are a lot of work.  They need to be cared for and loved.  They all need to be fed, and cleaned up after, many need to be groomed and exercised and of course they need your time and love.  The decision to get a pet is one that requires a great deal of thought and consideration.  It shouldn’t be a decision made for someone else, such as your parents, an aunt or a friend.  I have seen too many pets abandoned or looking for new homes after the holidays in cases such as this.

Even if you have given pet ownership a great deal of thought, it is still not a good idea to give a pet as a gift.  Maybe you have been considering a family pet and you think that giving a pet to your child(ren) would make the perfect holiday or birthday gift.  You have researched the right type of pet for your family and your lifestyle; you know exactly what you want and you are prepared to make the commitment.  You think that your family would be thrilled to receive a pet as a gift.  This might be true but it can be extremely stressful for the new addition.  At the best and most calm times it is stressful for a pet to come into a family.  They are introduced to a new environment with new people and a new routine, all while becoming the center of attention.  They have left behind the people and other animals they have become attached to.  For young pets these have been the only other living beings they have ever known.  All of these things can result in a great deal of stress.  It is not unusual for us to see physiological signs of this stress in pets as they settle into a new home.  Now imagine adding the excitement and stress of the holidays to all of these other stressors and you can see why the holidays are not the best time to add a new pet to your family.  There are also many hazards that are unique to the holidays and introducing a new pet at this time can make them more vulnerable.  (For a full length webinar see Keeping the Holidays Merry:  Common hazards to avoid with your pet over the holidays). 

If you have decided that your family is ready for a new pet, it is better to adopt your pet well prior to the holidays or to wait until the excitement has diminished and the house has been cleaned up.  You can purchase items for the new pet as gifts, so that you can still surprise your family during the holidays without creating an adverse situation for the pet.  For example you can purchase a leash and bowls for a dog; bowls, toys and a litterbox for a cat; an aquarium for reptiles; or cages for small rodents.  In this way your family gets to feel the excitement during the holidays and is well prepared when the new addition finally makes its arrival.  Everyone is happy and you are all prepared to start the journey of pet ownership together. 

            
With this reminder, I wish you and your furry friends a very happy and safe holiday season. 

Heat Stroke in Pets.

Today is a scorcher!  I wanted to take my dog to the park today but it is much too hot, so instead we will stay in and play.   We will reschedule our walk for later this evening when it cools down.  Most people are aware that leaving a dog in a parked car can result in devastating effects including death but did you know that dogs can develop these same effects outside in hot weather?  A stationary car heats up very quickly, even with the windowsw open.  When this temperature becomes too hot (which is a matter of minutes), it can result in heat stroke.  

Heat stroke is when the body temperature rises too high.  This will result in hypertehermia and changes to organ function.  In some instances the organs will actually shut down, resulting in death.  The first signs that your dog is becoming too hot include weakness and panting, followed by collapse, vomiting and diarrhea, but sometimes the symptoms set in so fast that it can be too late by the time you realize that something is wrong.  

These same effects can even occur outside.  If your pet exercises in hot weather or even stays out in the sun for an extended period he can develop heat stroke. 

On days like today when the temperature soars, pets should be kept indoors in temperature controlled environments.  If you are unable to provide a temperature controlled environment, keep your pet cool with water play and fans.  Stay in the shade as much as possible and provide plenty of fresh water. 

Schedule walks in the early morning or the evening when the temperatures are not so hot and be sure that your pet is well hydrated.    If you must walk during the day, decrease the length of your walks and be sure to provide fresh water before, during and after.  Also it is a good idea to stop for breaks in cool shady areas. 

If you are at all concerned that your pet may be experiencing heat stroke, proceed to your veterinarian right away.  Don't wait, as it can be fatal!