Sandra Lindstedt

July is also known as the dog days of summer so this is an appropriate time to share some tips on keeping your pets safe.

Know the signs of an emergency. Unusual whining, bleeding, irregular or difficulty breathing and constant pacing are among the things that should be checked out. Heatstroke is very common during our summer months so be sure to limit the amount of strenuous exercise your dog receives and be aware if he pants excessively, has pale gums and a bright red tongue and thick saliva.

Learn how to treat common pet injuries and perform CPR. The American Red Cross offers pet first aid/CPR courses in the Tampa Bay area. Visit www.FLWestCoastRedCross.org for a schedule. The money and time spent may save your pets’ life.

Assemble a pet first aid kit. The Humane Society of the United States provides a list of items that should be in every pet owner’s first aid kit including gauze pads, adhesive tape, a blanket, antibiotic ointment and hydrogen peroxide.

Post a list of contact numbers near your phone for your vet, an emergency 24-hour vet clinic (along with driving directions) and a poison control center. Better yet, store the numbers in your cell phone. In an emergency, minutes may be the difference between life and death.

Prepare to care for your pets during emergencies, such as hurricanes and tornados, by creating a pet evacuation kit. At the minimum, your kit should contain a two week supply of food and water along with your pets’ bowls, medication, carrier, collar and/or harness and leash, a recent photo of your pet, bags for pet waste, toys and treats, and of course proper identification for your pet including his name and your contact information, rabies tag and other vaccination documentation, microchip number and phone numbers for your veterinarian.

Remember that it’s always best to be prepared for unplanned pet emergencies. I hope you and your four legged family have a fun and safe summer!

The Pet Nanny of Trinity
www.ThePetNannyofTrinity
727-534-6576