The Rural Voice, 1983-07, Page 36ANIMAL SCIENCE
Summer problems with pets
The long hot days of summer are ideal
for vacations. However, they can bring
some special problems to your family pet
who joins you on picnics, boatrides,
camping, or just enjoying the sun. This
article will offer you some suggestions
and guidelines to help make vacation
time with your pet worry free.
Make sure that your pet is properly
vaccinated. Vaccination for rabies is
especially important because of the
potential danger of this disease to man.
Dogs over three months of age should
receive the vaccine and annual re-
vaccination is recommended in high risk
areas.
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"Just give us a call"
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* Purina Field & Farm
* Purina Cat Chow
* Purina Butchers Blend
* Purina Moist & Meaty
20 kg $11.99
8 kg $10.99
20 kg $19.99
3 cans for $1.00
or $7.75 per case
* Purina Dog Chow - Bonus Bag 20 kg + 4 kg FREE
887-9261
PURINA
CHOWS
RYAN DRYING LTD.
Walton, Ontario
NOK 1Z0
887-6130 527-0527
PG 34 THE RURAL VOICE, JULY 1983
Reports of sporadic outbreaks of
canine parvovirus mean that you should
be concerned about this relatively new
disease. Canine parvovirus enteritis is
characterized by diarrhea (frequently with
blood in it), fever (104- 106°F.), vomiting
and depression. It is highly contagious to
other dogs. The parvo vaccine is often
included in combination with canine
distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza
("kennel cough") and leptospirosis. For
continuing protection an annual booster
is recommended.
Your dog should be controlled at all
times. This is the time of the year when
rabid foxes or skunks may be
encountered. A meeting with a porcupine
is always a dangerous and painful
experience.
However. your dog should be identi-
fied with a tag so that if it strays it can be
readily returned to you.
Minor accidents will happen, so it is a
good idea to have a small first aid kit
complete with gauze bandages, adhesive
tape, an antiseptic and an anti-diarrheal
agent. For more serious injuries it will
save you a lot of trouble (and perhaps
your animal's life) if you know where the
nearest veterinarian can be found.
Care must be taken when a dog is in a
boat. He may try to jump out if excited or
fearful. Remember that not all dogs can
swim instinctively. Fishing tackle
presents another problem. If a fish hook
becomes caught in your dog's skin, push
it until the barb comes through than snip
the barb off. The hook will than slide out
easily.
Summer means barbeques. Remember
that bones are not digestible and can
cause diarrhea, vomiting and even death
in extreme cases. A little care in
disposing of garbage will avoid any
problem.
Pets are also bothered by mosquitos
and black flies so insect repellarrts are
good to have nearby. Mosquitos also
mean the risk of heartworms so take the
necessary precautions, especially if
travelling to the United States.
Finally, a reminder never to leave your
pet alone in the car during the summer.
When it is 78°F. in the shade it will be
90°F. in the car with the windows closed.
Within 25 minutes it can be 110°F. Heat
stroke can be fatal so if your pet is over-
heated, cool him quickly in a lake, pool
or bathtub. Then phone your veterinarian
immediately.
Vince Politi, D.V.M.
Listowel Veterinary Clinic