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Has your pet ever run away or somehow slipped out of the yard? Every day there are many pets that get separated from their owners. Animal shelters and animal clinics get frantic calls from people who have lost their pets. You may have a collar and identification tags on your pet but what if they are found without their collar? Now there is a way to provide your pet with a permanent pet identification they cannot pull out of or lose. The most recent product that has come onto the market for pet identification is the microchip. A microchip is a tiny device inserted between your pet's shoulder blades. It is placed with a syringe and remains there for the rest of your pet's life. On the microchip there is an identification number that links your pet with your information. Special scanners are used to read that identification number. When we insert a microchip, we will send your information to the national company to be used in their identification database. The registration asks for your address and phone number, an alternate person to contact in case of emergency and your veterinary clinic name and phone number. If your pet is found by a local animal shelter they should be scanned for a microchip. Animal shelters are provided free scanners for their use. The shelter is then able to call the 24-hour hot line for your information in their database. If you are not at home the alternate is contacted. If the shelter is unsuccessful at reaching the alternate then a call to your veterinarian is made. As you can see there are several ways your pet can be reunited with your family. It is tragic when a family pet is lost. Now with a simple injection here is a way to permanently identify them and get them home to enjoy their family again. Don't wait until it's too late, microchip your pet today! We provide microchips at Walnut Creek animal Clinic, please call for details. 
Hot Tips For Cool PetsThe "dog days of summer" are upon us. Air conditioners are maxing out and there is record heat all over the country. We become concerned about keeping cool ourselves but let's not forget our pets need some cool alternatives as well. If you are a walker or jogger that takes your dog with you, make sure you go very early in the morning to beat the heat of the day. If your dog is overweight, now might not be the best time to start a vigorous exercise program. Also the concrete and the asphalt can become very hot and burn the pads of your dog's feet quickly. If your dog is used to rides in the bed of your pickup truck you might think twice before you ask them to "load up". In addition to the burning metal the heat is intensified in the back of a truck. On a hot day it is best to leave your pet at home. It is too hot inside of a standing vehicle and too hot for them standing in the bed of a pickup. At home if your pet stays outside there are several things that will ensure they stay as cool as possible. Provide them with shade and plenty of fresh water at all times. You might try filling your dog's dish with some ice to provide cool water over a longer period of time. There are some automatic self waterers that can be used for an alternative. Make sure your friends water bowl cannot be knocked over. A fun thing for them is a plastic kiddie pool filled with water to get in and take a dip. If you have a swimming pool they might enjoy getting in it. As with the sidewalks and streets through, the concrete around a pool can burn their feet. Dogs can become fatigued swimmers just like people so make sure that you keep a watchful eye for them too. Some pet owners with long hair breeds choose to shave them when the weather turns hot. This is ok for your pet if you provide them with shade to prevent sunburn. Actually, their long hair provides some insulation from the heat. The important factor is to make sure that the hair is brushed daily. Dogs that have an undercoat, it is vital to make sure the entire coat is brushed to the skin. Undercoating can mat to the skin and not allow it to breathe; this can cause fatal overheating. The summertime heat may have an effect on how your dog eats as well. They may decrease their appetite when the temperatures rise. If you free choice your dogs food, provide small amounts twice daily because the heat will spoil the food and be a tempting treat for bugs, especially ants. As with humans, the heat will be especially hard on the very young or very old animals. Take extra precautions and maybe supply a fan or bring them into your air-conditioned house. If you have a pet who spends most of the time inside, do not leave them outside for a long period of time. Just as we are they are not acclimated to the heat and can overheat quickly. Signs of heat exhaustion may include excessive panting, fast thready pulse, blank look in eyes, tacky mucous membranes, vomiting or diarrhea. If you dog has been in a stressful situation, or out in the heat and exhibits any of those signs seek emergency care immediately. On the way to the clinic wrap cold packs between your pets legs next to their body. Although summer heat can pose problems with anybody or any pet, using some modifications and common sense can make the summer more enjoyable for everyone. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. How Many Dogs Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb? Afghan: Light bulb? What light bulb? Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're worrying about a burned out light bulb? Border Collie: Just one. And I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code. Dachshund: I can't reach the stupid lamp! Toy Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. Rottweiler: Make me! Shi-tzu: Puh-leeez, dahling, I have servants for that kind of thing. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeaze let me change the light bulb. Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Can I? Malamute: Let the Border Collie do it. You can feed me while he's busy. Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark. Doberman Pinscher: While it's dark, I'm going to sleep on the couch. Mastiff: Mastiffs are NOT afraid of the dark. Beagle: Light bulb? Light bulb? That thing I ate was a light bulb? Cheesie: It is still up in the ceiling. Now if you'll shoot it down, I'd be delighted to retrieve it! Husky: Forget the light bulb, just open the window and we'll sing by the light of the moon! Cat: You need light to see? Author unknown |