DOG PARKS

• Reservoir Dogs Park in Phoenixville
• Reynolds Dog Park in Phoenixville
• Harford Park in Radnor
• Teegarden Park in Berwyn

STATE AND NATIONAL PARKS

• Marsh Creek State Park
• Ridley Creek State Park
• French Creek State Park
• Valley Forge National Park

LAND PRESERVES IN CHESTER COUNTY

• Abernethy Forest Preserve
• Airdrie Forest Preserve
• Cedar Hollow Preserve
• Cool Valley Preserve
• Diamond Rock Preserve
• George Lorimer Preserve
• Miller Preserve
• Valley Creek Preserve
• Okehocking Preserve

One of the most common causes of heatstroke is when an animal is locked in a car when temperature and humidity is high. The temperature in a parked car can reach 160 degrees in a matter of minutes even with partially opened windows. Another common cause is excessive activity on hot and humid days. There are certain breeds more at risk, these include all the brachiocephalic dogs and cats (smooched face), for example, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Pekingese, and Persians.

Signs of heatstroke

• Rapid panting
• Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Depression
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Vomiting - sometimes with blood
• Diarrhea
• Shock

What to do if your pet has heatstroke

Treat this as an emergency and call your veterinarian immediately! On the way to the vet you can do these simple things to cool your pet down. The goal is to lower the temperature slowly.

1. Place wet towels on your pet especially on the groin area

2. Spray your pet with cool water, not cold

3. Provide ice chips for your pet to chew providing he is conscious

4. If unconscious, apply Karo syrup to the gums on the way to your veterinarians office.

How to prevent heatstroke

• Monitor outdoor temperature and minimize your pet’s activity on hot, humid days.
• Remove the pet from hot areas immediately.
• Limit sun exposure during the hours of 11 AM to 3 PM on hot days.
• Walk or exercise your pet in the morning or evening.
• Keep your pet in a comfortable environment during extremely hot weather.
• NEVER leave your pet in a car even with the windows open for any reason at any time.
• Provide your pet with plenty of fresh water and plenty of shade. Take extra care with puppies and kittens or geriatric pets.
• If possible, allow your pet to acclimate gradually to high temperatures. Heat illness is common in the spring when the animal has not had sufficient time to acclimate to the warmer temperatures.
• After traveling to a warmer climate, allow your pet several days to become acclimated before allowing any vigorous exercise.
• Make sure outside cats have access to shade.
• Allow your cat to have access to cooler areas of the house.

Dental disease can be put into three categories: gingivitis, tartar and pyorrhea. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. You can easily see this by the increase in the pinkness of your pet’s gums, especially at the gum line. Tartar is the accumulation of plaque on the teeth, usually starting at the gum line in conjunction with gingivitis. Pyorrhea is the most serious of the three conditions. It is pus in the mouth, usually between teeth and gums.

All three of these conditions require treatment. Therapy can range from antibiotics to anesthesia, and a complete dental scaling and polishing. The appropriate type of treatment is decided upon after oral examination. We treat these conditions because they are actual infections. Dental disease can lead to heart, lung, liver, kidney, skin and prostate infections.

All of these conditions are caused by one of two reasons. The first reason is feeding canned or soft foods. These foods give little to no benefits to the teeth and gums because they require little to no chewing. The second reason is genetics. As with our teeth - some people get cavities or excessive tartar due to genetics - some animals have more dental problems than others due to genetics. Since we cannot change our genetics, dry food and hard biscuits are our recommendations. There are also special enzymatic treats that help with the breakdown of tartar and if possibly routine teeth brushing is recommended.

So the next time you complain of dog breath or cat breath, look into your pet’s mouth and then call us for an examination. Let’s cure any problems and prevent more serious ones before they start.

2. Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog’s exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

3. Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

4. Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog’s activity.

5. Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

6. Salt and other minerals in the ocean water can damage your dog’s coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

7. Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.