SUMMER PET SAFETY

Summer is a great time of the year…especially for our pets! We want you to get out and enjoy this season with them safely. There are a number of hidden dangers that you should be aware of in order to keep your pet safe and secure during the warm weather.

HEAT AND DEHYDRATION

Want to take your pooch on a long walk in July? Consider early mornings or late evenings in order to avoid overheating and potential heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke include; heavy panting, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, excessive thirst, dizziness, fever, vomiting, purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness. Pavement (even sand) gets really hot and can actually cause burns to your pet’s paws…walk your pet on the grass, if at all possible. Never ever, leave your pet alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise very quickly, even with the windows cracked. Your pet can suffer irreversible organ damage in a short period of time and may even die. If you are out for a stroll, be sure to carry ample amounts of water for your pet and continue to keep him hydrated.

FIREWORKS AND THUNDERSTORMS

Does your pet suffer anxiety from the boom of thunder or fireworks? Keep in mind, that your pet cannot control his/her reaction to loud noises, and may run away or injure itself trying to flee from the noise. You can contact us here at Independence Veterinary Clinic for options to help your pet cope with the anxiety from loud noises.

BITES AND STINGS

Just like humans, your pets can suffer bites and stings. The most common reaction to an insect bite includes swelling and redness at the site. Some pets can have a more severe reaction which can cause vomiting, severely inflamed skin, breathing difficulties and possibly, even death. If you notice a severe reaction to a bite or sting, you should seek medical attention immediately. During the warm summer months, you should consider preventative measures in dealing with fleas and ticks. Independence Veterinary Clinic has many options for flea/tick prevention.

POOLS AND WATER

Did you know that not all dogs are good swimmers? If you have a dog who does not know how to swim, you should consider investing in a dog life vest and never leave the dog unattended around the pool area. You may even want to take a course in pet CPR…this may not only come in handy around the pool, but in other situations. Pets tend to be more sensitive to chlorine than us humans. Consider hosing down your pet after a swim. Water can also cause ear infections in your pets…be sure to dry those ears really well after your doodle takes a dive in the pool.

FERTILIZERS AND INSECTISIDES

Who doesn’t want the best looking lawn on the block? Fertilizers and insecticides can be harmful to pets. There are many options available to keeping your lawn looking lush while protecting your pet from harmful chemicals. Look for natural and chemical-free lawn care and insecticides. Check out some of the options available at Yard Guard and Yard Organics.

We hope you found these tips useful…now get out and enjoy the beautiful summer months with your pet safely!

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Independence Veterinary Clinic

4.9 out of 5 stars

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5 out of 5 stars

posted 2 weeks ago

Called this morning to see if they could see my Hazel for allergies because her regular veterinarian could not after calling several times this week. IVC told me to come right in, and they would fit me in. The BEST experience we ever had. Not only is Dr. Michelle incredibly thorough and took so much time with Hazel, the office is immaculate. No pet smells or smells from heavy cleaning products. Loved our entire experience, and Hazel is on the mend. The staff was also very helpful and super friendly! We just found our new veterinarian clinic!

Jennifer

posted 8 months ago

My husband found this veterinary clinic about a year ago when we first got our pups, and he stated he liked their service. It's been about a year, and it was time for a follow-up, so this time, I came and brought my Chihuahua for his yearly follow-up. This location is super close to our home. The appointment was set for 8:30 am and walked in around 8:20 and was immediately brought to an exam room. The receptionist was super nice and welcoming. This is located in a business park so there are plenty of parking spaces to choose from. The inside was super clean and modernly decorated. They had plenty of treats located conviently around the office and exam rooms. The Dr. I believe it was Dr. Benjamin, and she was super nice and knowledgeable. She explained exactly what my dog needed and what she recommended. I loved that before I agreed to any treatment, medicines, etc., they offered to let me know exactly how much everything was going to cost before I accepted. They help you out, and if for some reason you can not get everything done right away, she let's you know what's more important now and what can wait. I definitely recommend this place and will continue to bring my doggies here.

Anna Huggins

posted 1 month ago

I cannot say enough good things about these fabulous doctors and their top notch staff. My pets are always well taken care of and I am always able to get an appointment quickly. They have handled complex medical issues for several of my dogs and taken excellent care of them. Thank you for the fantastic work you do for our pets!

Claud Y.

Been taking my kitten here for 2 years. They treat her the same as they would their own. Staff are caring and considerate. They are willing to answer all your questions.

Amber Kilgore

For my thirteen year old dog, Ella, vet visits have always been extremely traumatic for her. It hasn't ever been a fault of the vets or staff I have encountered, she is simply an anxious dog with severe animal aggressions issues and she gets easily overwhelmed. However, this last visit with this clinic was the first time she has had a good experience. The staff went above and beyond to meet her needs in a way that she was comfortable with. They greeted her like a guest of honor and treated her like the princess she is. And the relief it gave both me and her cannot be put into words. Previously, I had to make judgement calls on whether it was more harmful to bring her in for regular visits than it was worth and this visit has taken the anxiety out of vet visits for both me and Ella. I genuinely cannot thank the staff enough for their bedside manner and the regular check-ins they made after our visit and their patience with my excessive questions. It really shows that they care about the animals they treat and the pet parents that fret over their babies, not just the money they get for doing so and I genuinely cannot give them enough praise for all they did. 10 out of 10, would definitely recommend.

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