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Helping Your Cat Stay Cool This Summer

July 1, 2018

Summer is here! At this time of year, it’s important to keep a close eye on your cat, and keep her comfortable. This can be a dangerous time of year for kitties! Read on as a local Hyattsville, MD vet offers some tips on helping Fluffy beat the heat.

Water

Make sure that Fluffy always has access to fresh, clean water. You may want to consider getting your furball a kitty fountain or an automated waterer. Be sure to clean your cute pet’s bowls every day, so they don’t start to harbor dangerous bacteria. You can drop an ice cube into your cat’s bowl on really hot days.

Keep Kitty In

We always recommend keeping cats indoors. Fluffy faces some very serious dangers outside, such as cars, weather, and wild animals, including gators. Keep your furball safe and sound in rooms cooled by fans or air conditioners. If you do let your feline pal out, limit her outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day.

Grooming

Brushing your furry friend regularly can also help her stay cooler in hot weather. This will remove dead fur and dander from Fluffy’s coat. These things can make cats rather itchy, and they also decrease the insulating properties of their fur. (Bonus: this is a great way to pamper your kitty, and spend time with her!)

Cool Snacks

Keeping your cat hydrated is very important! Fresh water, as noted above, is crucial here. However, you can also offer Fluffy some cat milk or sodium-free broth as a treat.

Ice Cube

Did you know that cats use their paw pads to regulate their temperature? Put an ice cube on the floor before your feline buddy, so she can play a game of ‘pawkey’ if she likes. This is a great way to both entertain Fluffy and keep her cool!

Cool Bed

While cats are pretty good at getting comfortable, there’s no reason we can’t help them out a bit. Make Fluffy a kitty hammock by tying a piece of sturdy fabric to the legs of a table or end table. You can also put a cool water bottle or frozen towel in your furry pal’s bed, or point a sturdy fan at it.

As your local Hyattsville, MD vet clinic, we are happy to provide excellent veterinary care for cats. Please feel free to call us anytime!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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