A Safety Plan for Your Pet This Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is here. As a pet owner, you want to keep your animal family safe and protected under any and all circumstances. While there’s no way to predict how this hurricane season will pan out, there are lots of safety measures you can take to ensure your pet stays healthy and safe.

To protect the health and welfare of pets throughout Stevenson, AL, and the surrounding areas, North Jackson Animal Clinic is here to explore everything pet owners need to know and prepare for in the event of a hurricane.

Here’s a safety plan for your pet this hurricane season!

Have Your Pet’s ID Ready

Pets should wear ID tags at all times, but it’s important that they wear them during hurricane season. That way, you won’t have to scramble trying to find your pet’s ID if they run off and get lost.

Consider Microchipping

Torrential thunderstorms, heavy winds, and tornadoes are common between June and October. Some animals are easily frightened by these weather events and are prone to running away.

Unfortunately, collars and ID tags can easily break and fall off. By microchipping your dog or cat, you can increase the chances of having them returned if they run away or get lost.

Stock Up on Your Pet’s Medication

Like humans, some pets rely on daily or weekly medication. If a hurricane makes landfall, there’s no predicting how soon you’ll be able to pick up your pet’s prescription medication.

Talk to your veterinarian and inquire about getting a two-week supply of your pet’s prescription. Even if your pet doesn’t rely on prescription medication, they may be coming up on their next round of heartworm medication.

Keep in mind that hurricane season also coincides with flea and tick season. Have your pet’s next doses of heartworm and tick medication ready to go if you’re unable to see the veterinarian in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Get Your Pet Vaccinated

In addition to stocking up on any medication for your pet, now is a good time to get them caught up on their vaccinations.

In the event that you and your family take shelter in close proximity with other families, vaccines can prevent the spread of kennel cough and disease among your pets. Vaccines can also provide an extra layer of protection from disease should your pet go missing for an extended period of time after a hurricane or bad weather.

Make extra copies of their vaccination records and consolidate them in one folder for easy access.

Create an Emergency Pet Kit

When an emergency weather alert or hurricane watch goes into effect, don’t scurry at the last minute trying to gather all of your pet’s essentials. By creating a portable emergency kit for your pet, you’ll be able to grab it and go at a moment’s notice.

What should your pet’s emergency kit contain?

• Collar with identification
• Leash
• Harness
• Extra leash & collar
• Medical & vaccination documentation
• Rabies certificate
• Two weeks worth of food
• Clean water
• Water & food bowls
• Prescription medication
• Kitty litter & litter box
• Pet waste bags or puppy pads
• Pet treats

Consider bringing a crate or carrier to wherever you may shelter. Because your pet will be going to the bathroom indoors, you don’t want to forget cleaning supplies!

Keep Your Pet Calm During Bad Weather

Your entire family ‒ including your pet ‒ is prepared. Once a hurricane or bad weather strikes, what else can you do to keep your pets safe?

Pets can experience anxiety during major storms or away from home. It might be a good idea to pack their bed, favorite toy, or blanket to comfort them.

Keep your pets close and indoors. Speak to them in a soothing voice and comfort them to alleviate their anxiety. You can also read up on how to understand your pet’s mental health and discover ways to console them during bad weather.

Keeping Our Pets Healthy & Safe This Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is inevitable in the Southeastern United States. By being proactive and preparing before a hurricane makes landfall, you can protect your pet and keep them healthy and safe, no matter what kind of weather comes your way.

North Jackson Animal Clinic is also here to protect our animal patients and their families. We recommend scheduling a checkup for your pet to ensure they’re all up to date on their vaccinations.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions and concerns regarding your pet’s health and safety. We hope you and your animal family stay safe!

4 Pet Myths: Debunked!

A cat always lands on its feet… A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s…

We’ve all heard these tales about dogs and cats ‒ but just because people have always said these things doesn’t make them true.

In reality, following these myths and urban legends can make all the difference for the health and well-being of our pets. As a pet owner, you want the best for your canine companion or feline friend ‒ so you should educate yourself and learn the truth behind these stories.

Northside Animal Hospital is here to debunk four of the most common pet myths, once and for all. If you’re located in the Valdosta, GA, region and would like to schedule a veterinarian appointment for your pet, contact us today!

A Dry Nose Means Your Dog Is Sick

Did you know that a dog’s nose needs to be wet to function properly? Thanks to a mixture of saliva and mucus, a wet nose regulates a dog’s body temperature and also helps them smell better and identify odors.

With that said, it’s commonly believed that if a dog’s nose is dry, something is wrong ‒ but this is not always the case. It’s true that a dry nose can be a sign of dehydration; but in most cases, a dog’s nose dries out from being in a warm environment, allergies, or old age. A dog’s nose naturally dries out while they sleep, as well.

A frequently dry nose, or one that cracks and bleeds, may be cause for concern. If your dog suddenly seems unwell, a dry nose is not always the first sign to indicate that something is wrong. Instead, pay attention to these signs:

• Low energy & lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Frequent urination
• Excessive drinking or drooling
• Foul breath
• Heavy panting
• Difficulty moving or climbing up/down stairs

Reach out to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian if your dog is currently experiencing any of these symptoms or if their nose is frequently dry, cracked, or bleeding.

Cats Purr Because They’re Happy

Curled up, eyes half closed, and purring are all signs that your cat is happy, right?

For the most part, yes ‒ cats purr when they’re happy, comfortable, and relaxed. But they also purr as a means of communicating their needs.

Cats tend to purr when they’re hungry. How can you tell the difference? A hungry cat will let out a normal purr or mew with troublesome undertones. This type of purring is most common in the mornings. If your cat is rounding your feet and looking up at you while they’re purring, this is another sign that they’re hungry.

Cats also purr as a means of relieving themselves when they’re scared or physically hurt. Some studies even suggest that the low frequency of vibrations caused by purring can stimulate muscles and bones. This means purring may have the potential to repair muscle, heal injuries, support bones, and reduce pain and inflammation, and even combat stress.

Typically speaking, purring is a sign that your cat is content, but you shouldn’t overlook it, either.

A Dog’s Mouth Is Cleaner Than a Human’s

Our dogs love to show us their affection by plopping slobbery kisses on your faces… but the next time your dog runs up to lick you, you may want to reconsider allowing them to! Because contrary to the old adage, a dog’s mouth is not necessarily cleaner than a human’s.

Like humans, dogs’ mouths are full of bacterial microbes, most of which aren’t harmful to us. So generally speaking, the possibility of catching a disease after a dog licks your face is minuscule.

Still, dogs sniff and lick any variety of things around the house and in nature, meaning their mouths could sometimes harbor bacteria humans aren’t typically exposed to. Additionally, dogs who are prone to eating fecal matter can potentially pass on parasites or zoonotic bacteria ‒ so err with a side of caution before you let your dog lick you or jump into bed with you.

Even though you may not brush your dog’s teeth as frequently as your own, it’s important to bring them to the veterinarian for a regular oral checkup. Professional teeth cleanings for dogs can remove gum disease, minimize bad breath, and prevent widespread bacterial infection. If it’s time to schedule an oral checkup for your dog, contact us today.

Cats Always Land On Their Feet

It’s true that cats are graceful on their feet, and while they have a superior balancing system known as a “righting reflex”, cats aren’t always capable of landing on their feet.

The “righting reflex” does allow a cat to orient themselves, making them more likely to land on their feet when they’re falling ‒ all thanks to the vestibular apparatus inside their ear that helps them balance and maneuver their head and body accordingly. Their naturally angled legs also help with this.

That doesn’t mean the “righting reflex” is flawless. The height at which a cat falls has a lot to do with whether they land on their feet or not. The higher the fall, the more time the cat has to brace their bodies and feet.

So, while cats do land on their feet more often than not, cat owners should still be careful. Cats aren’t invincible to injuries. If your cat is an avid climber, or if you live in a tall building or next to tall trees, it’s a good idea to keep your windows closed and install any other safeguards to protect your cat from escaping and falling.

Don’t Believe the Pet Myths ‒ Always Call a Veterinarian!

When it comes to the health and safety of your pet, take pet myths, legends, and friendly, non-expert advice with a grain of salt. If you ever have questions or concerns about your dog or cat’s behavior, demeanor, physical, or emotional well-being, always turn to a veterinarian.

Are you located in the Valdosta, GA, area? Contact Northside Animal Hospital today to schedule an appointment for your pet.

Common Reasons Your Dog Has Itchy Skin

Every dog has itchy skin from time to time; behind their ears, on their sides, and they’ll even roll around on their backs or brush up against furniture to relieve themselves.

But when the occasional scratch becomes frequent and excessive, it can be harmful and uncomfortable to any dog, no matter their breed or size.

There are many causes of itchy skin in dogs. Some may be environmental while others may be due to infection, immunity, and health conditions.

If your dog has itchy skin, here are some possible causes ﹣ and what you can do about it.

Reasons Why Your Dog Has Itchy Skin

Allergies

Like humans, a dog’s immune system can react to dust, pollen, and other allergens in the environment. Your dog may have seasonal allergies if they develop skin changes and excessive scratching during certain times of the year.

Dogs can also develop food sensitivities and allergies to ingredients in their diet. A dog with food allergies is more likely to scratch their ears and their paws. Food allergies in dogs are often accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Fleas

Scratching accompanied by licking and biting are the telltale signs of a dog with fleas. Fleas are external parasites that can take up residency on your dog’s skin. It’s common for dogs to be allergic to flea saliva, making a dog’s skin uncomfortably itchy.

If your dog has fleas, their gums may become pale or they can develop fur loss as the result of severe itching. Fleabites can cause redness, inflammation, and scabs. Dogs with fleas will also bite or scratch the base of their tail, and you may even be able to spot fleas or flea dirt, as well.

Parasites

Fleas aren’t the only parasites that can cause itchy skin in dogs. Mites and ticks can also cause adverse skin reactions in dogs, resulting in scratching, hives, bumps, and redness. Severe skin reactions to mites and ticks can also cause excessive licking and biting, fur loss, and lesions.

Untreated parasitic infestation can cause worsening symptoms, leading to infected lesions and even tapeworms, while untreated tick bites can cause Lyme disease.

Dry Skin

Dry skin in dogs may not always be attributed to fleas or allergies. Cold weather, dry air, pesticides, and harsh soaps can cause dry skin and other symptoms, including:

• Dandruff
• Flaking
• Oily fur
• Scaling
• Scabs
• Redness

Some breeds, including hairless dogs and large breeds, are prone to certain skin conditions that can result in dry, flaky skin.

Dry skin can also be indicative of cancer, hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, and other conditions. If your dog develops dry skin or any of the other symptoms discussed, your veterinarian can help you narrow down the causes.

Behavior-Based

Your dog may excessively scratch themselves out of habit or because of boredom or anxiety. If you can rule out other causes, your dog may be scratching themselves because they’re cooped up and need stimulating activity.

Tips to Prevent Itchy Skin

Flea & Parasite Prevention

Flea and tick prevention products can protect your dog. These products are available as topical treatments or as oral medications. Talk to your veterinarian about which preventative medication is best for your dog. You should also talk to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention!

Veterinary Treatment

If your dog has fleas, ticks, or mites, it’s important to seek veterinary treatment for them right away. Your veterinarian will need to examine your dog and run blood, urine, or skin tests to diagnose and determine the right course of treatment.

Your veterinarian may prescribe oral medications, antibiotics, or topical treatments to eliminate the infestation. Steroid medications may also be administered to help relieve your dog’s symptoms.

Food Changes

Common allergens can include wheat, beef, egg, lamb, or soy. Talk to your veterinarian about testing your dog for food allergens. Your veterinarian can also make recommendations for dog food, dietary supplements, and how to wean your dog off their current food. The goal is to eliminate allergens and maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Lots of Attention, Love, & Be Proactive

Playtime and love are the best preventative measures against scratching and itchy skin, especially if your dog is prone to boredom and anxiety.

Regular grooming and bathing can help you keep an eye on your dog’s skin and fur. Give your dog a bath once or twice a month (and no more, unless your dog enjoys rolling in the mud). Be sure to use gentle shampoos without perfumes. An oatmeal-based shampoo is best, especially if your dog is prone to scratching.

You should also check your dog’s skin and fur after playing outside or walking through wooded areas. This will help you detect ticks and mites before they become a real problem.

Put an End to Itchy Skin Once & for All

Excessive scratching and itchy skin can affect your dog’s physical and emotional health. If you’re located in Bainbridge, GA, and suspect your dog has an underlying cause to their itchy skin, Bryan-Hight Veterinary Hospital is here to help.

Get in touch with us to schedule an evaluation with one of our veterinarians. For more pet-related health news and information, stay tuned to our blog!