Fall 2010 • V ol. 44 No. 3 - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA

Ask The Doctor
Fun in the Sun: pet health tips for Warmer Days
Q: In San Diego County, the summer seems to last until
November! I’m concerned about the hot weather’s affects on
my pet. What do I need to know to keep her healthy?
– Outdoor Enthusiast in Vista
A: Summer in San Diego does seem to last all year ‘round, and
thinking about your pet’s health and safety is important any time
of the year!
Along with the fun in the sun that many San Diegans enjoy
comes a new set of cautions and responsibilities for your pet’s
safety. Here are a few simple precautions to keep our pets safe
when the weather heats up.
Heat exhaustion is one of the most common emergencies seen
in veterinary practices during the summer. When the weather is
nice, nothing beats cruising in the car with your loyal friend. While
it may be tempting to take your pet with you in the car while
running errands, even on mild summer days, the temperature in
your car can reach 100-120 degrees in a matter of minutes when
left unattended. This applies to shaded parking spots as well as
areas in full sunlight. At this temperature, your animal’s internal
body temperature will rise very rapidly. Remember that dogs and
cats cannot perspire like humans and only dispel heat through
panting and the pads of their feet. When left in a hot car, even for
a few minutes, animals can suffer from heat stroke, brain damage,
bleeding disorders, and even death. These disasters can be avoided
by leaving your pet in the comfort of your home during errand days.
Are you thinking of hitting the streets with your dog on a warm
day? The ground becomes hot during the summer months, and
this can cause thermal burns to the pads of your dog’s feet. When
hiking or walking, make sure to take a break in the shade every
so often to cool your pet’s feet. Always make sure that you pet has
adequate access to water. Bring a dedicated bowl and water bottle
for your pet when you go on outings. Most importantly, when it
comes to warm weather, remember if you are hot, your pet is hot. If
you can’t stand the heat, neither can your dog or cat.
However, the heat isn’t the only health threat our pets face on
sunny days. With so many dog-friendly beaches and the perfect
weather to enjoy them, spending a day at the beach with your best
friend is one of the great joys of living in San Diego. That being
said, while at the beach keep an eye on your pet so that she does
not get into anything that you would not feed her at home. Dogs
tend to have a peculiar interest in ingesting rotten fish, seaweed,
sand, and salt water, all of which can cause gastrointestinal
upset. If after taking your pet to the beach she has any vomiting,
diarrhea, or does not otherwise feel well, a veterinarian should be
contacted right away.
Are the sunny days inviting you to spend more time in your
garden? Keep in mind that many of the fertilizers, insect, pest,
and rodent repellents used in gardens and around the house can
be toxic and even deadly to our pets even in small quantities.
Make sure to read the labels of products to confirm that they are
considered safe and “pet friendly.” There are many common plants
that are toxic to dogs and cats as well that should be avoided. Talk
to your veterinarian about any products or plants around your
home that you are unsure of. If your pet is seen rooting in the
garden or ingesting fertilizer, your veterinarian should be contacted
immediately. Remember to apply flea and tick medications at
least once monthly not just during the summer but all year long.
Fleas and ticks are not only a bother to your pet and a nuisance to
their hair coat, but they also transmit gastrointestinal parasites
and even some diseases that can be fatal to your pet. Check
with your veterinarian for the appropriate products to apply.
Additionally, the warmer months can bring out other creatures
that can be dangerous to your pet, including poisonous insects and
snakes. If your pet is bitten, veterinary attention should be sought
immediately.
With these tips in mind, you can feel comfortable getting out
and enjoying the extended summer that our county has to offer
your special furry friends.
Corey Cole, D.V.M.
San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
For more interesting and informative articles on caring for
your pet, please visit www.sdhumane.org. Or, if you have a
veterinary question or issue you would like to see addressed
in this column, email info@sdhumane.org with “ASK THE
DOCTOR” in the subject line.
San Diego Humane Society and SPCA w i s h l i s t
Food/Treats:
• Cat and Dog Treats:
– Bonito flake cat treats
– Dog biscuits (e.g. Milk Bones)
– Natural Balance rolls
– Soft-type dog and cat treats
• For Behavior Training and Veterinary Use:
– Canned chicken
– Cheez Whiz
– Meat-flavored baby food
• For Kitten Nusery:
– KMR Kitten Milk Replacer (powdered)
– Royal Canin dry kitten food
• Purina One dog food (canned)
• Purina One cat food (canned)
Toys/Enrichment Items:
• New cat/kitten toys and scratchers
• Dog Chew Toys:
– Nylabones
– Pigs’ ears
– Pressed rawhide bones
– Bully sticks
• Plastic and large inflatable children’s pool
Other:
• Baby blankets
• Bathmats with rubber backings
*please call for more details
Follow us on
Twitter and Facebook!
• Cat litter (clumping and non-clumping)
• Disposable plastic feeding trays*
• Disposable puppy pads
• Dog and cat grooming brushes and combs
• Dog houses
• Heating pads (electrical, non-automatic
shutoff type)
• Grooming tool kit*
• Facial tissue (white)
• New, unused leashes, harnesses, and
collars (martingale or flat collars only)
• Newspapers
• Overhead trolley system for dogs
Miscellaneous/Other:
• AA, AAA and D batteries
• Assorted utensils
• Bleach
• Cardstock, various weights and colors
• Compressed air cans
• Dawn dish soap
• Defibrillator*
• Digital currency counter*
• Disinfecting wipes
• Double-sided adhesive mounting squares
• General office supplies (see website for
details)
• Investigations Field Evidence Kits*
• Lint rollers and refills
• Paper towels
• Party/non-denominational holiday
decorations (new)
• Pre-paid cell phones
• Reflective safety vests
• Silk flowers (assorted)
• Tall one-door commercial merchandise
refridgerator*
• FRS two-way radios (cordless, with
chargers)*
• Plastic trash bags (45 gallon or larger)
• Ziploc bags
Gift Certificates/Cards to:
• Grocery stores
• IKEA
• Michaels
• Office Depot
• Petco
• Target
• local gas stations, restaurants, movie
theaters and bookstores
Thank You to Our Media Friends
Tune in to learn about the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA!
The following media outlets provide regular coverage on adoptable animals, behavior training advice and other
information for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA at no cost. For questions or comments on any of our media outreach
efforts, contact pr@sdhumane.org or call (619) 243-3419.
San Diego Union-Tribune
Pet of the Week (Thursdays in the Our
San Diego section)
Adopt a Pet section (Quarterly)
San Diego Suburban Newspapers
Pet of the Week (Every Thursday in La
Jolla Light and Friday in the Del Mar
Times, Carmel Valley Leader, Solana
Beach Sun and Rancho Santa Fe Record)
North County Times
Pet of the Week (Thursdays in the Local
News section)
The Coast News
Pet of the Week (Every other Friday)
East County Gazette
Pet of the Week (Every Thursday)
Penny Saver
Pet of the Week (Every Tuesday)
Oceanside Magazine
Humane Education (Twice annually)
KOCT Oceanside Update
Humane Education and Featured Pet
(Monthly)
KFMB-TV Channel 8
Pet Friends (Fridays at 6:50 a.m.)
TheSocialDiary.com
Featured Pet (Weekly)
KUSI-TV Channel 9/51
Pet of the Week segment (Saturdays at
8:40 a.m.)
Ask Dr. Mark segment (2nd Wednesday
of every month at 7:40 a.m.)
Magic 92.5 FM
Jagger and Kristi’s Kritters segment
(Every other Monday at 8:30 a.m.)
SDLocals.com
Pet of the Week (Weekly)
TheNorthCountyVoice.com
Featured Pet (Monthly)
Scooble.com
Featured Pet (Monthly)
H
For more information about Wish List
items or information on how to donate,
please contact devast@sdhumane.org
or (619) 243-3401.
16 www.sdhumane.org AnimalFare • Fall 2010
AnimalFare • Fall 2010
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