Cedar Creek Veterinary Clinic Home Page

Cedar Creek Veterinary Clinic

Richard Smits, D.V.M.
12625 Leo Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46845
(260)627-5859

Summer Pet Care Tips

Heat Stress

Any pet can suffer from heat stress. Younger and older pets, overweight pets, short-nosed breed pets, and pets with cardivascular or respiratory disorders are more susceptible to heat stress.

You can help prevent heat stress by

Signs of heat stress include profuse panting and salivation, staring or an anxious expression, failure to respond to commands, warm dry skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, muscular weakness or collapse.

If your pet has heat stress, reduce his temperature by gradually immersing him in cool water, spraying him with cool water, or applying ice packs to his head and neck. Then take him to the veterinarian immediately.

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is transmitted by misquitos and can be very dangerous to your dog or cat. Check out our page on Heartworm Disease for more information.

Fleas, Ticks, and Intestinal Parasites

Fleas and ticks are parasites that are prevalent during warm weather. Our office has various products to help you control them. More information is available on our Heartworm Disease page.

Fleas, if ingested, can cause tapeworms. Please see our Intestinal Parasite page for more information about tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.

If your pet becomes infested with fleas, you will need to treat your pet and treat their bedding and environment. In severe cases you may want to call an exterminator who will guarantee their work.

Ticks can carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If you find a tick on your pet, use tweezers to pull the tick from your pet. Be sure to get the head. Use alcohol to clean the area. We do have a Lyme Vaccination available for pets in areas with heavy ticks.

Vacationing

When you plan your vacation, you need to plan for your pet's care. You have to decide if you will take your pet with you or leave them at home. Consider your pet's personality, the length of your trip, and your destination when deciding.

If you decide to take your pet with you be sure to check our page Traveling With Your Pet .

If you are leaving your pet behind, some options include boarding your pet or hiring a pet sitter. Here are come general tips:

  • Ask your veterinarian or other pet owners for recommendations of reputable boarding facilities or pet sitters.
  • If boarding, visit the facility to meet the people and to check the safety and cleanliness of the operation. If hiring a pet sitter, meet the sitter in your home to see how he/she and your pet interact.
  • Make reservations well in advance of your trip. Many facilities book/fill up early, especially over holiday periods.
  • Be sure your pet is current on all vaccinations required.
  • If your pet is on medication, be sure to leave an ample supply and clear, complete instructions.
  • Leave explicit instructions on feeding and a supply of your pet's regular food. If leaving your pet with a sitter, discuss your pet's exercise routine.
  • Be sure your pet wears a collar with identification tags. Cats should have special safety collars.
  • Leave information on your veterinarian including office and emergency numbers.
  • Be sure to leave a number where you can be reached.

Accidents and First Aid

Our webpage on First Aid has information for putting together a First Aid kit for your pet as well as First Aid Treatment for your pet.
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