What are some good tips for pet owners to be aware of with the dog days of summer upon us?

Just like you pets need a shady spot to relax in the heat of the day.

It can be 10 degrees cooler in the shade than it is in the direct sun.

Make sure the source of shade is available all day and does not disappear as the sun moves across the sky.

Dogs pant a lot in the heat, that’s how they regulate body temperature (they don’t sweat), and that panting leads to a lot of body fluid loss.

Along with shade an ample supply of fresh clean water is critical.

Be careful around bbq’s and cookouts.

Some dog’s can’t handle sudden changes in their diet so if they get into the picnic basket or if someone feeds them burgers, hotdogs etc. it could lead to diarrhea, vomiting or worse.

There is a reason they call it PEOPLE FOOD.

The Grill itself can be a source of problems.

Grease dripping from the grill can be double trouble.

Licking the grease can lead to pancreatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Since the grease tastes so good dogs tend to ingest all the stuff the grease falls on like rocks, sticks, leaves etc, and this can lead to GI blockages.

These are but a few things to keep summer lazy hazy and healthy.

                                                                                                Dr. Biggie 

Hey Doc, my great grandma told me if I feed my dog garlic he would never have fleas.  Is there any truth to that?

If you were a flea would you want to suck the blood from someone who took garlic every day?

All kidding aside I have heard many stories of garlic being used to control fleas in dogs but know of no scientific studies to back that up, not to mention that garlic like onions can be toxic to pets (a specific toxic dose is not known so why take the risk).

Keep in mind that the fleas you see on your pet only represent about 5% of the total flea population.

And each of those female fleas can lay 50 eggs a day quickly leading to a population explosion in a short time.

Flea pupae (protected by a cocoon) can live in the environment for months which is why getting rid of an infestation or preventing an infestation is a long term project not just a onetime treatment.

There are many different products available to combat or prevent a flea problem.

It is important to remember that not all products are the same and not all are effective.  Over the counter products are dangerous and can kill your dog or cat.   

I would recommend talking to your veterinarian who can make suggestions based on lifestyle (dog swims every day, or has kids climbing on him 24/7) location (you may live deep in the woods or maybe a high rise apartment), other pets (do you have a single pet household or perhaps 15 or 20), and other factors.

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