Advice and Views about Pets from Art himself!

THE IMPORTANCE OF MICROCHIPPING YOUR PET
What follows is very good information for pet owners. If you haven't given any thought to microchipping, it's worth the minimal the cost to have it done. - Art

Microchipping is quick, easy and virtually painless for your pet. Registering a microchip can be done in a few minutes online, and some veterinary clinics may even complete the initial registration for you. So, to sum up, having your pet microchipped is one of the first things you should do as a responsible pet parent. It provides security, and could play a key role in preventing heartbreak. A microchip is a small implantable device that uses passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and contains a unique number that can be read by a special microchip reader. It is about the size of a grain of rice and is easily implanted via injection just under the skin between the shoulder blades of your pet.

Your veterinarian may have recommended "microchipping" your dog or cat. Even if he hasn’t, there are several reasons why you should do it.

Identification

Once a chip is implanted and registered, it provides a unique identification for your pet that cannot be altered. Collars can fall off or be replaced, tags can be removed or replaced as well, and tattoos can be altered. However, the microchip cannot be reprogrammed or altered in any way. Even if multiple microchips are implanted, the one with the earliest registration date will typically be the valid microchip. A microchip is the most reliable way to provide a permanent means of identification and ownership for your pet.

Travel: international or domestic

Also, make sure the microchip implanted is ISO 11784/11785 compliant. This is the microchip that veterinarians and animal shelters, both internationally and domestic, are most likely able to scan. Many travel websites have recommendations regarding travel, however, it is best to contact the embassy of the destination country prior to travel. There may be individual requirements in addition to the microchip necessary for entrance.

Conclusion

Microchipping is quick, easy and virtually painless for your pet. Registering a microchip can be done in a few minutes online, and some veterinary clinics may even complete the initial registration for you. So, to sum up, having your pet microchipped is one of the first things you should do as a responsible pet parent. It provides security, and could play a key role in minimizing heartbreak.

Have a Secure Spring!
Art
Art's Pro Sports
 
Source: ANGEL ALVARADO, LVT & Pet Coach Licensed Veterinary Technician

HELPFUL TIPS FOR USING FLEA AND TICK PRODUCTS SAFELY IN THE HOME AND ON YOUR PET!

• Never use insecticides on very young, pregnant, debilitated,or elderly animals without consulting your Vet.


• Observe your pet closely after using flea products. If your pet exhibits unusual behavior, or becomes depressed, weak or uncoordinated, you should seek veterinary advice immediately.


• When using a fogger or spray in your home, make sure to remove all pets from the home for the period specified on the container. Food and water bowls should be removed from the area. Allow time for the product being used to dry completely before returning your pet to your home. Strong fumes can be irritating to your pet's eyes and upper respiratory system.


• Be sure to keep products in their original containers to avoid leakage, accidental mix-ups, and loss of important label information should an accidental exposure occur.


• Never keep pesticides, cleaning or other household products near pet food or water bowls, and store pet products in a secure cabinet above countertop level out of the pet's reach.


• ALWAYS read the label first. This simple step could save the life of your pet!!


• Finally, if there's any question regarding the use of pet products, consult with your Vet.

Art
Art's Pro Sports
Source: Source: Foster/Smith 2013

KEEPING THEIR COOL!

"Dogs and cats don't sweat like we do, so heat affects them differently. Becoming overheated can be a life-threatening condition," says Gretchen Schoeffler, DVM, Chief of Emergency and Critical Care at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

What's The Harm In Heat?

Dogs and cats cool off through panting, not sweating. when the heat becomes more than their bodies can regulate, pets can suffer heatstroke, which can cause irreversible organ damage and even death.

Keep Pets Cool

MINIMIZE KEEPING YOUR PET IN A PARKED CAR! Be informed, that some states now allow for the public to break car windows if they suspect a pet is under undue stress from heat.

Even on a relatively cool day, if the sun is out, the inside of a car can get really hot quickly. Have fresh water available at all times - indoors and out. Make sure pets have access to shade when they're outside.

Limit outdoor exercise on hot days. If it feels hot to you,it's even hotter for your pets. Take walks during the cooler hours of the day. Don't forget you pet is barefooted! You know what it's like to walk on hot pavement.

What Should You Do?

If you think your pet is overheated, cool them down slowly. Cooling down too fast can cause more problems. Get into the shade or indoors with air conditioning. Wet your pet with a wet towel or anything wet. Let the airflow reach him/her. Offer small amounts of drinking water frequently. As your pet cools down, your first defense is to call your veterinarian for further instructions.

When You Next Visit Your Veterinarian, Consider Asking These Questions:

1. When is it too hot for outdoor pets to stay outside all day?
2. What kind of exercise can I do with my pet on hot days?
3. Does using sunscreen make sense?
4. While there, ask your Vet for the best products to control fleas, ticks and heartworms.
5. How do I check for ticks?

These suggestions should help you and your "children" enjoy the rest of your summer, and remember this - when in doubt, ask!!

Art
Art's Pro Sports
Source: WebMD July/August 2016

Can I Give My Dog Broccoli?

Sometimes, out of love for our pets, we make diet assumptions which are true in theory only! It turns out that dogs don’t need vegetables, or broccoli, nearly as much we do. That isn’t to say that feeding your dog some broccoli, on occasion, is a bad thing.

While this healthy plant isn’t required eating, you can sometimes allow your best buddy to chow down on small amounts of broccoli. You just shouldn’t make it part of their regular meals. While broccoli itself isn’t poisonous, some dogs may develop gastrointestinal symptoms from eating this vegetable and we will explain why.

Can My Dog Eat Broccoli? Answer: On Occasion

Important Broccoli Info

The head of broccoli contains an potentially toxic ingredient called Isothiocyanate which can be a gastric irritant. That’s the main reason why you should limit your dog’s consumption of this vegetable. The stems are probably the safest part for dogs since only the top flowery head contains that harmful chemical. There’s a chance that gastrointestinal problems may develop as a result of your dog eating too much broccoli.

Your four-legged friend's size plays an important factor in just how much of this vegetable you should provide. In general, a single piece is probably fine. The smaller your dog is, the more cautious and conservative you should be. As a general rule, a broccoli portion should never exceed 5% of your dog's daily food intake. Any more than that can possibly cause stomach and bowel problems. That's why we recommend the broccoli-flavored wet food tray.

The Potential Benefits

According to some research, broccoli can even help to repair DNA in the cells so perhaps it has beneficial anti-aging properties. No doubt it is healthy and probably on the same level as carrots.

Weighing Pros & Cons

All these wonderful properties found in broccoli would seem to help lessen the chances of your dog developing many common health problems. Of course, this is all theory. More dogs have probably gotten sick from eating too much broccoli than have been helped by it. You know how dogs like to overindulge! This is why we always attempt to bring out all the facts so that you can make an informed decision regarding your own dog.

Conclusion on Broccoli

Broccoli is a very healthy bioflavonoid which can potentially benefit your dog if you limit their servings of it. As with most human foods, this green plant definitely applies as well, moderation is very important. Further, this vegetable’s stems are better suited for canines rather than the head portion due to the presence of Isothiocyanate. If your dog develops any stomach pains or diarrhea from eating broccoli, you should take note and stop feeding it to them at once.

Have a Joyful Spring!
Art
Art's Pro Sports
Source: canigivemydog.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Fleas and ticks, and their associated health risks, don't just disappear when cold weather arrives.

These pests remain active all year long, especially in warmer climates. If you're lax in your treatment and minimization in the fall and early winter, you may set yourself up for non-stop parasite problems.

As a rule, you should be using flea and tick products until after extreme winter conditions. Conversely, in warmer climates, provide flea and tick protection year around.

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!
Art
Art's Pro Sports
Source: Foster and Smith, Nov. 2015

Hot Tips for Summer Pet Care

Summertime is fun time, but hot weather makes for some unique summer pet care challenges. Although wild animals are well adapted to the elements, companion animals can be susceptible to extreme temperatures as their owners are. What does that mean for your pet? When the temperatures get extreme, pet safety should at the top of your list! With that said, here are five (5) ways to help you keep your pet safe while enjoying summer activities:

1. Respect the heat. Humans aren't the only animals that can find a hot summer day overwhelming. But unlike you, your pet has a limited ability to deal with the heat. Dogs release heat through their paw pads and by panting, while humans can sweat through all of the skin on their body. Dehydration can be a big problem for pets during the hot weather, too. According to the ASPCA, animals with flat faces—like Pugs and Persian cats—cannot pant as effectively, and are therefore more susceptible to heat stroke. You should also keep an eye on elderly or overweight pets or animals with heart and lung disease. In the summer, make certain that Fido and Fluffy always have access to plenty of fresh, cool water, and avoid letting them run around outside during the hottest parts of the day.

 
2. Keep bugs away—safely. Another summer pet safety issue is the presence of ticks and other summer insects. Not only can bugs carry diseases, but the ways people try to ward them off can also cause problems for your outdoor pet's health. Fertilizers and pesticides may help keep a lawn looking great, but they can be very dangerous for your pet. In the areas where your pets play, it's better to keep the grass cut short to reduce the presence of ticks and other insects. Also keep an eye out for fertilizer warnings on neighbors' lawns when walking your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other insects that are more prevalent during the summer months.

 
3. Beware of antifreeze. In the summertime, antifreeze can leak out of cars when they overheat, leaving puddles on the ground that your dog can easily lap up and swallow. The sweet taste of antifreeze is tempting to dogs and cats, but when this toxic substance is ingested, it's potentially lethal. Pay attention to your neighbors' cars and puddles on your street, and make sure your pets stay clear of it.

 
4. Find out if your pet needs sunscreen. Some pets, particularly those with short fine hair and pink skin, can be susceptible to sunburn. Talk to your veterinarian about which types of sunscreen are safest on your pet's skin, and follow up by routinely applying sunscreen as part of your summer routine. Do not use sunscreen or insect repellents that are not designed specifically for use on animals. The ASPCA says ingesting certain sunscreens can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy in pets.

 
5. Practice water safety. As with other aspects of summer pet care, water safety is all about thinking ahead. Although it's fun to bring your pet to the beach or pool to stay cool together, always keep a close eye on your pet when they're in or near water. Even a strong swimmer could have trouble getting out of a pool, or get trapped by ropes and other obstacles. For more risky summer adventures with your dog, like boating, look into a doggie life preserver. It could prove to be an excellent investment for their safety.
    

Summer pet safety isn't hard, it just requires some thought and attention. Do your due diligence and watch over your pet the way you would a small child—protect them from too much heat, sun, and other summer dangers—and everyone will be happy!

Have a Happy and Safe Summer!
Art
Art's Pro Sports
Source: My Pet News Letter - May 15, 2015

TIPS ON HOW TO TRAVEL SAFELY WITH YOUR PET!

As we slowly enter into 2015 and with the weather soon to warm up, millions of pet owners will be traveling all over the country with their pets.

The tips that follow will assist you in making your journey safer and more enjoyable for you and your "precious cargo" -

• If your animal is new to travel by car, before embarking on a lengthy trip, you may want to consider taking them on short excursions regularly. Starting them when they're young is even better. Consider giving them little treats and having someone with you in the car to calm them, and to let them know their trips always end with returning home.
• Most of us have been guilty of this one, but you should never have your pet sit on your lap. It's dangerous for you and the animal. The driver's air bag could easily kill any pet small enough to be sitting on your lap. More importantly, what do you do if your pet slips under the brake pedal? Do you choose the life of your animal over hitting another car? It's not worth the risk!

    Looks Like Fun, But Not Safe!!
• It's not smart to let your pet stick its head out the window. They may like it, but stones that can chip a windshield can injure or blind a pet. Even a grain of sand or leaf could damage a pet's eyes at automotive speeds.
• Because animals can slip out of vehicles while far from home, they should always be identified by tags showing owner's contact information, and/or microchip.
• If you would like more information, AAA has published a book of tips for travelers with pets: "AAA Petbook." It comes in hard copy and digital for $18.95, as of this writing. The material can be obtained at many AAA Offices.

Happy and safe traveling!
Art
Art's Pro Sports
Source Material: Contra Costa Times - Mark Phelan, Contributor (12.7.2014)