All Creatures Pet Hospital

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Make your reservations today for Summer Vacation Boarding!

Your Animals don't want to be in a cage all day...SO LET'S PLAY!

We carry the following products for your cats & dogs: Frontline, Heartgard, and Advantage Multi!

Summer is here. These are some hot-weather tips to keep you and your pet happy and safe all summer long!
Summertime can be as much fun for your pet as it is for you. But pet owners need to take some precautions to keep their animal companions happy, cool and safe during the dog days of summer.
Sun protectionMany of the safety concerns we have for ourselves during the hottest months of the year also apply to our pets. Consistent use of sunscreen in order to avoid sun damage is as important for our pets as it is for us. This is especially important if your pet has short hair, white fur or pink skin. Talk to us about choosing a sunscreen (most important to apply on ears and nose) and be sure to limit your pet's sun exposure.
Avoiding heatstrokeLimiting and supervising time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day is also important for your pets because when it's hot for you, it's probably even hotter for them. Dogs aren't as efficient at cooling down as we are, since they release most of their body heat only through the pads of their feet and by panting. Be especially careful with dogs that have short, pushed-in faces (e.g., bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers), puppies and elderly pets. Early-morning and evening hours are best for outdoor playtime, and be sure to provide plenty of water and even ice cubes. As an added precaution, you can soak a bandanna in water and let it cool in the refrigerator before putting it around your dog's neck. Also be sure to never leave your pet in a car even if you crack the windows and or leave the A/C running as accidents can happen.
Avoiding toxinsIf you use fertilizers or other chemicals on your lawn or garden, make sure your pet doesn't have access to these potentially toxic substances. Car antifreeze is also potentially life-threatening to pets and may leak from an overheating car. Keep your pet away from what to them is a sweet-tasting, but possibly toxic substance such as this.
Water safetyIf you're lucky, you and your pets will get to spend some time cooling down near water, whether a pool, lake or the ocean. But even dogs who are good swimmers need to be protected around water. If you have a pool, keep in mind your dog might jump in and not be able to figure out how to get out, so just as with children, never leave a pet unsupervised around water. This is especially true if you have a pool cover on, because pets can get caught under it. As an extra precaution your pet can wear a dog life preserver when enjoying supervised playtime in or near water. The Pool Patrol Alarm from Hunterk9.com ($149.95) is also a great precaution to have in your pool. It will alert you if anything that weighs more than 9 lbs. falls into your pool.

Having your dog or cat groomed during the hot summer months is also a great idea! Our groomer is an experienced, caring individual that will not disappoint! Call us now to schedule an appointment!
1-205-631-6210