Fourth of July Fireworks Tips

Summertime should be a time of fun in the sun.  For some dogs and cats it can be a time of stress and fear.  Some pets can develop a fear, or phobia, of loud and scary noises like fireworks and thunderstorms.  If one of your pets has developed a noise phobia, there are steps you can take to alleviate the fear:

· Play ‘white noise’ such as the radio, TV, or a loud fan to help cover up the outside noise.

· Keep the window blinds closed; the less your dog or cat can see the better.

· Set up a ‘safe room’ in a interior room, one without windows or padded blankets over the windows to deaden the outside noise.

· Instead of coddling your pet (which ultimately can reward the anxious feelings and behavior), try distracting activities like play or even training exercises.

· In severe situations, driving your dog out of the area may be necessary.

· If your pet is still fearful despite these steps, prescription tranquilizing drugs may be necessary.

· This is a very treatable behavioral issue.  We can help coach you through a behavioral modification regime that can be successful in lessening the anxiety.

Please contact us prior to the event so you will have medication available if and when you need it.

Blue-Green Algae Warning

The State of Oregon Department of Human Services has issued an alert regarding toxic blue-green algae in two Oregon lakes. The two bodies of water in Oregon are contaminated with the potentially lethal bloom.  These waters can pose a hazard for both humans and pets:

Cougar Reservoir, 52 miles east of Eugene on Hwy 126

Lost Creek Reservoir in Southern Oregon, east of Grants Pass

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

Dogs have become very sick and even died after swimming in and swallowing water affected by toxic algae. If you find thick, brightly colored foam or scum at a lake, pond or river, don't let your pet drink or swim in the water.

If your dog goes into the water:

· Don't let your pet lick its fur

· Wash your pet with clean water as soon as possible

· If your dog has symptoms such as drooling, weakness, vomiting, staggering and convulsions after being in bloom-affected water, call your veterinarian immediately.

· Serious sickness or death can occur within minutes or hours, depending on exposure.

Immediate action is critical if your pet is exposed .

Welcome Summer!!!!

It looks like we are finally getting a little sun and things are beginning to warm up here in Portland.  This will hopefully mean a little more time for us and our pets to get outside and enjoy a little exercise and some fun in the sun. 

Believe it or not, even in your own back yard, there can be potential hazards that could get in the way of our summer fun.  To protect your pet, simply use common sense and take the same precautions you would with a furry child (who can’t read or talk well).

Poisonings —There are many common plants and flowers that can be poisonous to pets. Some rodent poisons as well as snail and slug bait can be deadly to unwary pets.  Even chemical fertilizers and mulches can result in sickness and possibly death for your pet.  Although rodent poisons and insecticides are the most common sources of companion animal poisoning, there are many less common but potentially toxic agents that should be avoided.

Summer Heat—We got our first heat stroke victim of the year in May...the temperature that day was barely in the 70’s.  Please follow this link to learn more about how to protect your pet from summer heat risks.  Don’t forget, even when your pet has cooled down, there can still be lasting health concerns.

Fleas, fleas, and more fleas - The less-than-stellar summer weather of last year, coupled with a very wet spring and mild winter, has combined to make this spring and summer a real (flea) circus.  Please use your flea medications regularly—even if you don’t see fleas—they can be sneaky little arthropods and a single bite can set off a chain of itchy allergic reactions driving both you and your pet crazy.  Remember, over-the-counter flea medications may be inexpensive, but they rarely work well and can cause some very serious toxic reactions. 

**Special**

Buy a six pack of Advantage or Frontline and receive 2 doses for free!!!

We will continue to monitor warnings about toxic algae on our lakes and other pet related dangers again this summer.  If you are reading this email (and we’re sure you are) you will automatically receive our Pet Alerts as they come.

Be sure to subscribe to our Twitter feed and Facebook to get immediate notifications as we receive them from the State Veterinarian and our other trusted and reliable sources.