PhilaPets.com Newsletter: July 2006
Smile!
Want to show off your pets? Just send us their pictures and we will make them forever famous in our client gallery. Their image will also show in the upper left-hand corner when you login to my.philapets.com.
Here are some of our latest additions: Madison & Dunkin, Peter & Cowboy, Eli & Reef, and Demetri.
PhilaPets News and Information
PhilaPets Customer Satisfaction Survey
Thank you to everyone that has responded to the PhilaPets customer satisfaction survey. We've had over 200 responses so far!
Many people have given great feedback, ways to improve our services, and thoughts on the web site. We will review all of the suggestions to determine how we can incorporate them.
If you have not yet had a chance to participate in the survey, there is still time. The link is below:
http://surveymonkey.com/s.asp
Doggie Dining
People who travel with their dogs and take them around town have probably dined at an outdoor restaurant, coffee shop or fast food restaurant with their pooch. While U.S. state health codes usually ban pet dogs from the inside seating areas of restaurants, there is often the question of whether or not dogs are allowed at outdoor dining areas. DogFriendly.com has investigated this situation, including Federal, state and local laws, and whether or not it is legal to dine outside at a restaurant with a dog.
See the full article on DogFriendly.com
Meet Stella
Hiya! I'm Stella.
I am just 7 month old and am looking for a good home.
I have been staying at the University of Penn's vet hospital for a little while so that I can get all better. I was hit by a car and had to stay in the hospital while my broken arm healed.
If you have room in your home and in your heart, please send me an email and maybe I can come and live with you!
Thank you!
Labor Day Is Coming!
Are you planning for an end of summer trip or vacation?
Labor Day is Monday, September 4th this year.
Be sure to book your pet sitting needs early. Labor Day is one of our busiest holidays and we want to make sure to plan accordingly.
Pet Health
Summer Health Tips For Your Pets
Should I shave my thick-furred dog in the summer?
Some hair can be beneficial in hot weather, working to insulate dogs from the heat and shield their skin from the sun. Remember, dogs don't use sweat to cool themselves the way people do, so they don't need to have exposed skin in order to stay cool. That being said, if a dog has too much hair, the hair can stop being beneficial and start retaining too much heat. You may be able to thin the coat out enough by brushing your dog thoroughly and consistently with a wire or "rake" type brush designed for heavy-coated breeds. If she still seems too hot, shaving won't hurt. Just be careful to leave an inch of fur so that she still has some insulation and protection from sunburn.
Water, water everywhere.
Whether you're indoors or out, your pet needs access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so be sure her water bowl is filled and bring along water when you go outside.
Be Aware
Short-nosed dogs, such as Boxers and Pugs, ALL puppies, and very old dogs are more sensitive to extreme heat than other breeds and adult dogs. If your pet fits into any of these categories, be extra sensitive to his needs during hot spells, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pets need sunscreen too.
Your pet can get sunburned, particularly if she has light skin and hair. Sunburn in animals can cause problems similar to those it can cause in people, including pain, peeling, and skin cancer. When you go out, rub a bit of sunblock on unprotected areas like the tips of her ears, the skin around her lips, and the tip of her nose.
Watch out for antifreeze.
Hot weather may tempt your pet to drink from puddles in the street, which can contain antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, but it's extremely toxic. When you're walking your pet, make sure she doesn't sneak a drink from the street.
Use tick and flea control.
Fleas can make life miserable and disrupt your household with a vicious cycle of biting and scratching. They can cause flea allergy dermatitis and carry dangerous diseases. Ticks attach to pets and feed on blood until they are engorged. Ticks may carry and transmit diseases, including Lyme disease, that can cause serious health problems for pets and people. Even in the city, it is vital to protect your pet from fleas and ticks. There is a wide selection of flea and tick prevention products available at your veterinarian's office.
Make sure your pet doesn't overexert herself.
Though exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, overdoing it can cause her to overheat. Keep the walks to a gentle pace and provide plenty of water. If she's panting a lot or seems tired, it's time to stop.
Keep an eye out for heatstroke.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency! Signs of heatstroke include panting, staring, anxious expression, refusal to obey commands, warm and dry skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and collapse. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animal's body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body.
Never leave your pet in the car.
Though it may seem cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down.