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About:

Lorton Valley Star Newspaper
monthly and on the web
www.LortonValleyStar.com

Covering the greater Lorton, VA area from Fairfax /Franconia Parkway to Prince William Parkway.

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Floyd Harrison,
Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
Lorton Valley Star Communications, LLC

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Lorton Valley, VA 22199

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Lorton Valley Star Comm.
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Mother's Grieving Heart

On November 10, 2000 Maria's daughter Crystal was killed in a terrible accident. Maria went through what no mother in the world wants or expects to go through.

Go To Site…

To moms who have suffered the loss of a child:

When Maria was faced with the death of her child, all the books she read provided the same answer. This answer was not good enough. She began to write poetry. Her poetry was a way for her to find the answers to the terrible crisis that she could not find in any book. Through writing her poetry, Maria became closer to God and she found during her journey, that God's mercy is a sufficient answer to any crisis or devastating situation.

Those poems are now available in the book, "Crystal, A Mother's Grieving Heart" published by Lorton Valley Star. It is available in Occoquan at the Coffee House of Occoquan and at Attic Treasures. It is also available online from Maria's web site.

Buy the book now…

Copyright © 2003 Maria Carneiro, of Montclair, Prince William County, Virginia, USA

All international rights reserved.

94 Pages
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1994 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.



Catalog Data:

Carneiro, Maria A.
Crystal, A Mother’s Grieving Heart
Original Publication:
A.D. 2005
ISBN 0-9764770-0-9

Grief, Poetry

Library of Congress Number TXu1-189-869

Cover Art:
Michelle Carneiro
Graphics and Layout:
Floyd Harrison




Publisher:
Lorton Valley Star Communications
P.O. Box 1436
Lorton, VA 22199
USA

See Coffee House

See Attic Treasures

Rescues:

Candy-Eight year old female spayed Pomeranian mix. Housetrained, crate-trained and responds to a handful of commands. Walks well on a leash and likes to be the center of attention. Shy, but friendly. Would be best in a quieter home. If interested, contact A Forever Home rescue at 703-961-8690 or visit aforeverhome.org.

Fuzzy- Around six months old male Pomeranian mix soon to be neutered. Extremely friendly, walks well on leash, active, likes car rides and good with other dogs and cats. Working on housebreaking and is a quick learner. Came from the pound in bad condition and is now healthy and happy and ready for his forever home. He is quite the lap dog, but has the energy for long walks. Will make a wonderful family dog and companion. If interested, contact A Forever Home rescue at 703-961-8690 or visit aforeverhome.org.

Peppy Pomeranians

By: Lori Craddock
 
The Pomeranian, also known as a Pom, is a toy breed of dog of the Spitz type originated from Central Europe.  Historical owners include Michelangelo, Sir Isaac Newton, King Edward, Queen Victoria, Marie Antoinette, Harry Houdini, and Charles Darwin.  Modern day Pom owners include myself, Sharon Osbourne, and Maria Sharapova. With their trademark move of tilting their head sideways and staring up into your eyes or turning circles when excited, these dogs immediately make their way into your heart and your home.

The head of a Pomeranian is wedge-shaped giving it the appearance of a fox.  They have a sort of lion’s mane and a distinct tail that curls up over the back and wiggles like a cheerleader’s Pom-Pom when excited.  Poms weigh an average of three to seven pounds and live an average of 12-19 years.  Their hair is long and should be brushed twice a week or daily as they shed often.  The Pom has an undercoat that it sheds twice a year.  Bathing is only necessary once a season.  Feeding this breed dry food and brushing their teeth regularly is recommended as they are prone to getting bad teeth.

  Pomeranians are a friendly, hyper, and playful breed.  They are extremely intelligent, so they are easily housebroken and trained and are a great breed to teach tricks to.  If not given enough attention and training, however, they can act up and develop bad habits.  Positive reinforcement is a great way to get these dogs to recreate good habits.  They are very loyal dogs and will follow their owners from room to room.  Poms usually adapt to all environments and situations well and are great pets in condominiums and apartments due to their small size.

Dog Harnesses: Safety, Control and Convenience

By: Lori Craddock
 
Dog harnesses are becoming the norm for pet owners to use for safety, control and convenience when dealing with their dogs.  A dog harness should fit snuggly against the body so the dog cannot wiggle out, but loose enough that it can breathe comfortably. 
  A dog harness can be used in combination with a pet car-seat or seatbelt snap in device to secure the dog safely onto the seatbelt within a car.  This prevents damage to your dog in the event of a car accident. 
  Keeping a harness on an active dog all day makes putting a leash on it a snap.  A dog that jumps and moves its head around a lot when it’s time to go outside can make it hard to put the leash on before the dog has an accident from getting excited.  With a harness, the owner can grab the dog and quickly clasp the leash onto the loop on the harness that rests on the middle of the dog’s back for easy access.  A harness can be easier to grab than a collar when trying to prevent your dog from running away from you if it gets out or for training purposes.
  Most importantly, the harness can be a healthier alternative for your dog as a leash hooked to a collar pulls on your pet’s neck and can cause irritation to the throat and trachea. Small dogs are especially prone to a collapsing trachea, so it is recommended to always use a harness on small dogs during walks.  Remember that collars should still be worn in front of the harness as it has the dog tags and licenses in case your dog ever gets away.

Wild Deer Grazing at Lorton Home: Click Image

Rescues:

Big Al- Six year old male pure bred Dachshund rescued from West Virginia puppy mill.  Loves to be cuddled and held.  Learning potty-training.  Good with other dogs and children, not sure about cats. Not a fan of stairs or rain.  Likes car rides, playing outside, and being a couch potato.  For more information, email: Info@aforeverhome.org or call 703 -961-8690.

Rusty- 2year old male pure bred smooth-coated miniature Dachshund rescued from West Virginia puppy mill.  Doing well with potty-training and crate-training.  Likes cats and dogs.  Learning to walk on solid ground after being a cage his whole life, so is a little wobbly and not yet perfected stairs.  Progressing quickly, very friendly, and looking for a patient and loving home.  For more information, email: Info@aforeverhome.org or call 703-961-8690.

The Delight of a Dachshund

By: Lori Craddock
 
 
The Dachshund is an easily identifiable dog with its long, low body that has been said by some to resemble that of a “hotdog”.  This clever, friendly, and lively breed is one of the most popular breeds according to AKC Registration Statistics.  There are three different coat varieties (smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired) of Dachshund and they come in two sizes; standard (30-35 pounds) and miniature (16-22 pounds).

  Dachshunds originated in Germany in the early 1600s.  They were bred to be courageous, even fearless, and their bodies were bred to allow them to dig into badger holes and fight them to the death as there was an overpopulation of vicious badgers at the time. 

  In the 1900s, the breed became popular in the United States, but World War I led to a fall in favor as America distanced itself from anything German. As Dachshund is a German word, Americans temporarily translated this breed’s name from the Dachshund to the English version “badger dog”.  After the war, Dachshunds from Germany were imported again to increase the gene pool and encourage breeding of this popular pet.

Dachshunds are an ideal pet for many homes, including children with supervision.  They require moderate exercise and adapt easily to most environments.  They are both lovable and playful.

Recently, many Dachshunds were rescued from a West Virginia puppy mill that was shut down due to the poor conditions the dogs were kept in. Over 1,000 dogs were rescued, 90% of which were Dachshunds and a good number of these dogs are here in Virginia waiting for a loving family to show them the care and patience they deserve so they can put their sad past behind them.  For information on adopting or donating money for these Dachshunds, visit A Forever Home rescue online at www.aforeverhome.org or call them at 703-961-8690.

Diet And Exercise Are Important For Pets Too

Talking about overweight pets is often a very sensitive issue for many pet owners, but it is very important to consider when thinking about their quality of life. If Fluffy or Fido aren’t able to physically enjoy their lives it puts an emotional strain on them and a financial strain on pet owners. Treatment for obesity related diseases is often expensive and time consuming. Most overweight pets suffer health problems related to their increased body mass such as arthritis, breathing problems, diabetes, heart problems and much more. They are also unable to enjoy exercise or playing. It is extremely important for pet owners to discuss their pet’s weight with their veterinarian and develop a realistic plan to improve their pet’s condition.
  One way to help a pet lose and then maintain a healthy weight is through changing their diet.

There are now many specially formulated prescription diets that your veterinarian can recommend. It is also not uncommon to use one food to achieve the desired amount of weight loss and then another type to help the pet maintain their new healthy weight. Once you and your veterinarian have chosen a suitable diet for your pet the most important thing to remember when feeding them is portion control. Most prescription food packages display suggested serving sizes based on the ideal weight that needs to be reached.
If your pet likes treats, occasionally feeding them low calorie alternatives or, for dogs, things like raw carrots and apples can also help them lose weight. For pet’s with allergies or other health problems ask your veterinarian what kind of treat would be best.
 


Another way you can help your pet lose weight, not to mention spend some quality time with them, is to have them exercise. It is important to start slowly and gradually work up to a more rigorous routine. For dogs this may mean walking only half the block for a couple of weeks and then working your way up to the whole block over the next few weeks. For cats it may mean starting out with just a couple of minutes of active play with a favorite toy and then adding a minute or so more every few days.
 


For dogs there is also a new prescription medication called Slentrol. When Slentrol is used along with a proper diet, exercise, and careful monitoring by a veterinarian most dog owners are successfully able to help their dog achieve a healthy weight. Talk to your veterinarian to find out if Slentrol can help your dog.


Don’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s weight. Remember they are there to help you both and they are your best resource for keeping your pet healthy. It’s never too late to start your pet on a path to a healthier and more active lifestyle.
 
Senior Awareness Month is here! Schedule an appointment in the month of October and receive a discount on senior bloodwork for your pet. Call 703-690-6600 for more information.

Allergic to Pets? 

Testing before Adoption

By: Lori Craddock
 
I recently took in a cat from a friend, whose mother made her get rid of it as they discovered or rather noticed a year after adoption that her younger siblings are allergic.  This is an age-old story of people adopting animals only to find out they or their loved ones are allergic and have to give up the pet.  Shelters are full of these perfectly healthy, but unwanted pets and some are doomed to death by shelters when parents dispose of the animals carelessly.  People need to take responsibility to expose themselves and their family members to these animals before making a lifetime commitment, which is what a pet should be.

A quick trip to a local allergist, which medical insurance covers, can lead to a simple allergy test that will determine if you are allergic to animals.  If a person is allergic to animals, there are several ways to proceed.  The simplest choice is not to have animals.  However, a person with mild pet allergies can indeed learn to live in close proximity with the animals they adore with a bit of extra work.  Medicine can help with taming an allergy and make it tolerable to interact with the animal.  Another option is to take rounds of allergy shots at the allergist to allow you to better tolerate the animal’s presence, which is something that sounds much worse than it is. 

If you cannot afford the trip to the allergist, take your family to your local animal shelter and play with the pets there, which is free to do.  It is recommended to make several trips to be around pets to see if an allergy buildup occurs over a few days of constant exposure.  Not only will you see in a short time if your family has pet allergies, but it will also be wonderful interaction for the shelter pets to be cuddled and loved as they spend their entire days in cages.  The public is allowed to visit and play with these lonely animals during shelter operation hours.  Rescue organizations also hold adoption days, usually at local pet stores, on which a family can play with the animals.

There are a few ways to make living with a pet you are allergic to more bearable.  Of course, washing your hands after petting a furry friend you are allergic to is always a good idea as rubbing the eyes or scratching the skin subconsciously can lead to a bad breakout.  Also, do not let your pet sit on items you will have close contact with, like your pillow.  Vacuuming floors and sofas as well as washing blankets or other items the pet has come in contact with often is a good idea.  Another way to lessen the pet dander around the house is to have your pet regularly groomed.

Rescues:

Goliath- 3 year old pure-bred Saint Bernard. He was given up by a breeder.  He likes to gallop energetically like a horse and plays well with other dogs. He also likes to just lounge around the house. He listens pretty well and acclimates quickly. He loves people and belly rubs and does well with kids. He is learning to walk on a leash.  For more information on Goliath, call A Forever Home rescue at 703.961.8690 or visit them online at www.aforeverhome.org.
 

Maddie- 2 year old pure-bred Saint Bernard. She was given up by a breeder.  She has learned to trust people and loves playing with other dogs.  She is curious and likes to poke her head around corners in the house.  She has learned to walk on a leash and loves pig ear treats.  She is a very sweet and gentle girl and would be a great companion for anyone that has love and patience.  For more information on Maddie, call A Forever Home rescue at 703.961.8690 or visit them online at www.aforeverhome.org.

Saint Bernard and His Mountain Dogs

By: Lori Craddock

At a summit in the Alps, lies the Hospice of the Great St. Bernard, founded by Bernard de Menthon in 962 A.D. and the origin of the Saint Bernard breed of dog, which is estimated between 1660 and 1670.  The current inhabitants of this hospice act in much the same capacity of the original monks who lived there as they aid weary travelers through the treacherous pass near the building.  This pass is frozen nine months out of the year, so monks, with the aid of their Saint Bernard companions, guide and rescue lost travelers.
  Saint Bernard dogs not only have an incredible sense of direction, but also have an acute sense of smell that allows them to locate a human body covered by several feet of snow. It is also said that this dog has an amazing talent of knowing when an avalanche is approaching. These dogs not only guide their monk guardians, but also form two-dog search parties to go out on rescues on their own.  If the dogs cannot assist an injured person or dig the person out on their own, one dog will stay while the other runs to the hospice for help.  Traditionally, each dog is equipped with a small barrel of water or whiskey around its neck for the injured person to partake in.  One famous historic hospice dog, Barry, was responsible for saving at least 40 people and is best known for saving a little boy whose mother was killed by an avalanche. 
  The Saint Bernard is a great family dog with its need to protect and serve.  They are gentle giants and great with kids.  The dogs range in height from 26-30 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 120-180 pounds.  They do not need a lot of room, but apartment dwelling dogs need to be walked more frequently to make up for the exercise they could take at their leisure in a bigger home.  The rumor that these dogs will “eat you out of house and home” is not true and they eat just as much as any other large breed of dog and, sometimes, less than smaller active breeds.  There are both short and long-haired types of Saint Bernard dogs as the monks began experimenting to see which coat would suit the cold weather. Once they realized the long hair would freeze in the extreme cold, they returned to using short-haired dogs at the hospice, but both types made their way into the world as pets.  They shed twice a year and drool on occasion. In order to handle hotter climates, this dog will need a cool, dry place to nap and plenty of fresh cool water.  The dog will naturally cut down on both his food intake and activity level to adjust.  As an owner of a Saint Bernard, be aware that abrupt temperature changes are extremely hard on this breed of dog and so going from an air conditioned place to an extremely hot climate outside can be harmful. 
For further information on Saint Bernard dogs, visit the Saint Bernard Club of America at their Web site http://www.saintbernardclub.org.

Cocoa Mulch Can Kill

By: Lori Craddock
 
There is nothing like taking your dog on a walk as you look around a newly landscaped neighborhood, but did you know that a popular kind of mulch, Cocoa Mulch, that is sold at local stores like Home Depot can be lethal if ingested by your curious pet?
  Theobromine is an ingredient found in chocolate, which is proven to be harmful to pets.  The cocoa bean shells used to make this gardening Cocoa Mulch contains lethal amounts of this ingredient.  Although your garden might smell good, unsuspecting dogs being walked nearby that eat the mulch can have seizures and die.  According to Hershey’s, 50% of dogs who eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog), but they claim that the majority of dogs do not eat the product.  However, according to Doctor Larry Family of Aqueduct Animal Hospital in a recent article on www.snopes.com, “Cocoa mulch is a risk, especially to dogs.”  Responsible pet owners and advocates should use and promote safer mulches, such as cedar-based mulches. 
  In general, the toxicity of the chocolate intake depends directly on three factors: type of chocolate, size of animal, and amount ingested.  Unsweetened baking chocolate is the greatest threat on the chocolate scale and white chocolate the least.  However, please remember that chocolate of any kind is bad for your pet, so do not feed it to them.  Also, be aware of chocolate being in areas a pet can easily get into.  Last year, one reader almost lost her Yorkshire Terrier, who ripped open and ate most of a box of chocolates under the Christmas tree.  This owner was lucky enough to be able to rush her pet immediately to the emergency veterinarian to get its stomach pumped before it was too late.   It was a close call.  If you suspect your dog has ingested a harmful amount of chocolate please contact your local veterinarian immediately.  For further information on the facts on Cocoa Mulch, visit www.snopes.com.

Senior Pet Care

Shelby Moses
Vet Assistant Crosspointe. 

Last month, my ten year old cat Alligator Frog (I feel I must explain that a four year old child gave her this name) came to work with me and had her geriatric check-up and her yearly senior lab tests done. The doctor checked her eyes, ears and teeth; listened to her heart and lungs; and checked her for lumps, bumps and other possible abnormalities. We talked about how she was doing at home and I told her that she was doing fine other than a few minor behavioral changes because her brother had recently passed away. In fact, my kitty looks and acts like she is much younger than she is. We decided that the only things I needed to do for Alligator Frog were to put her on a diet because (how do I put this delicately?) she had been snacking too much, and to have her teeth cleaned because she had some gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Happy that my kitty was doing so well, I scheduled her teeth cleaning and we returned home that evening and promptly changed her diet. Imagine my surprise when two days later the doctor told me that my kitty has hyperthyroidism! I couldn’t believe it. She had no signs - no unkempt fur, no increased drinking, no unexplained weight loss (obviously). The senior lab test results had come back and the doctor was able to determine that she is in the very early stages of the disease. And fortunately, because she found it so early, we will be able to control it with a very low dose of medication and semi-annual blood tests and avoid having to deal with what could have been very time-consuming and costly medical care. How amazing is it that doing just a few simple lab tests could save my pet and I so much heartache?
  Most pets are considered to be senior around the age of seven and there are a few simple things you can do to help your senior pet stay as healthy as possible. The first thing you can do is to make sure that your pet has a senior wellness exam twice a year. Animals have a much shorter life span than humans and therefore they age much faster, so a single yearly exam is usually not frequent enough. Having a senior wellness exam gives you and your pet’s doctor an opportunity to discuss things like behavioral and physical changes that may indicate underlying health issues. It is also a good time to discuss dietary and supplement needs. Older pets usually have decreased caloric needs as their metabolism slows and many have joint stiffness or pain that can be helped with dietary supplements. It may also help you to come to the exam with a written list of your concerns. We are all so busy with our lives that it’s easy to forget to mention the strange rash you found on Fido’s pinkie toe two weeks ago. Having a senior wellness exam also gives the doctor a chance to thoroughly physically examine your pet. For example, they may be able to feel things like lumps in an area where you may not normally touch your pet or detect changes in their eyes that you can’t see yourself without the use of special equipment.
  Another simple thing that you can do for your pet is to have yearly senior lab tests done. At Crosspointe Animal Hospital we offer the Golden Paw. It includes both blood and urine tests that as you read earlier, can detect many hidden health issues. We will be offering a discount on the Golden Paw in October so if you’ve never had your senior pet tested before it would be a great time to start!
  There are also some easy steps you can take to make your pet‘s environment more senior friendly. Older pets often have joint pain that makes it difficult for them to do things like lower their heads to eat from a bowl on the floor. Elevated feeding and water bowls can make their dining experience much more pleasant. Animals with joint pain can also benefit from pet beds with thick, firm inserts. Sleeping on a hard or cold surface makes them uncomfortable and stiff making it more difficult for them to rise to a standing position. Senior pets with severe joint problems may also benefit from using a special ramp made for getting in and out of the car or up and down the stairs. Another important thing to remember is that older pets are more sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Keep this in mind when spending extended periods of time outside or exercising your pet and always have plenty of water available for them.
  Making our pet’s golden years the healthiest they can be is the best gift we can give them for all the love and companionship they give us. Always remember that your pet’s doctor is your best resource when it comes to their senior health. Don’t hesitate to call us with any senior pet questions you may have. We are always happy to help you and your pets and we really enjoy educating our clients. See you in October for our Golden Paw special!
  And by the way, Alligator Frog already lost a pound…

The Chartreux Cat

By: Lori Craddock
 
The Chartreux cat is noted in documents as early as the 16th century for its unique coat and color.  Although some say the cat is named for the legend that they lived with Carthusian monks and shared their Chartreux liqueur, it is more likely that they were named after a well-known Spanish wool due to the wooly nature of their fur.
 
The Chatreuex’s body has been referred to as a “potato on sticks” with its robust body supported by bony legs.  Its muscular body enables it to be a fine mouser as referred to in French literature.  Its gray fur is referred to as being blue in color and its dense undercoat gives it the feeling of sheep’s wool.  The double coat should never be brushed, but rather fingers should be run through its fur on a daily basis.  A trademark smile can be found on the Chartreux cat due to its softly contoured forehead that tapers to a narrowed muzzle creating this illusion. Its eyes range in color from gold to copper in color.
 
This cat becomes quickly attached to its family, usually one member, and will follow its owners from room to room.  They are known for their dog-like qualities such as fetching a ball and responding to their name.  Breeders name the kittens according to a particular letter that year according to an alphabetical schedule. This cat is a quiet breed that makes a chirping noise instead of a meowing noise if any at all.  They are very intelligent, great travelers, and tend to be fascinated by television. 
 
These cats can be hard to attain.  During World War II, there was a French effort to avoid extinction of this breed and they were brought to America.  Now, many American-bred Chartreux are being returned to French breeders, further reducing their availability in America.  There are fewer than two dozen active Chartreux breeders in North America as of 2007.  For information on rescued Chartreux cats, call the National Chartreux Breed Rescue and Referral at (972) 579-0505. 

Choosing the Purr-fect Cat for your Family

By: Lori Craddock
 
So, you have decided to add a feline to your family.  Cats make great pets as they are not very demanding and usually adjust well to all environments and lifestyles.  Each one has its own unique personality, so it is important to think about the age, activity level, attentiveness, and appearance you want in your new pet when choosing which one to bring home.
 
The age of your new cat determines different levels of your responsibility.  A kitten tends to be much more active, curious, and playful.  They are not old enough to be de-clawed yet and need to be taught the “house rules” on where they can chew, play, and scratch, which requires a keen eye and a lot of attention from the owner.  Young children are usually not responsible enough to handle these fragile fur balls, so it is recommended for families with kids six and under to adopt cats of four months or older.
 
Adult cats are much more relaxed than kittens.  They still like to play on occasion, but prefer to lounge around.  They are quick to understand rules and learn basic commands fast such as “food”, “no”, “come”, “up”, “down” and can even respond to their name or be taught to fetch a toy (takes more work).
 
Cats’ fur can vary in length and texture and the choice for your pet should be based on willingness to upkeep.  The short-haired cat is most common and easy to manage.  Grooming is beneficial, but not needed often.  The long-haired cat requires frequent grooming.  Both types of cats shed, some more than others.  Most cats enjoy being brushed and all cats bathe themselves, so baths are rarely needed.
 
The personality of your cat should be considered when adding to your family.  Although a shy cat can be known to form a strong bond with an owner, it might not like hyper children or animals already in your family.  An outgoing cat is more likely to come to new people and adjust to all environments.  Some cats are lap-cats while others prefer to be left alone.  Sometimes, the personality of a cat can be hard to determine when in a shelter as they can be in a state of fear.  Some shelters offer adoption advisors to assist you in choosing the pet for your family and it is always advised to spend some one-on-one time with the cat before bringing it home.    Remember, with any cat you choose, spay or neuter them when they are of age.

Animal Rescues

Jimmy- 3 months/gray fur- A sweet boy with lots of playfulness that adores toys.  Good with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. Is neutered, but not de-clawed.  He will make a wonderful companion and friend. If interested, please call  (703) 940-9183 or visit www.animalallies.com.

Iris- 3 months/gray fur- A very playful, sweet, affectionate little girl and is good with other cats.  She is not spayed or de-clawed.  Iris has very pretty gold eyes, the color of pennies. She loves to be picked up and held. If interested, please call  (703) 940-9183 or visit www.animalallies.com.

Summer Safety Tips For Your Pets

By Shelby Moses, Veterinarian Assistant
Crosspointe Animal Hospital

As we move into the real heat of summer it’s time to review some summer safety tips for our pets. Just like us, our pets can suffer from dehydration and heatstroke and since they don’t use sweat to cool themselves like we do, it can sometimes be hard to remember that they may be uncomfortable or ready for a break.

One of the most important summer safety tips to remember is NEVER leave your pet in the car alone even if you think you’re just going to run into the store ‘really quick’ to grab that gallon of milk. It only takes a few minutes for the temperature inside of your car, even with the windows cracked, to rise to as much as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This can happen even on a day when the temperature outside doesn’t seem very hot to us. Don’t let an errand become fatal for your pet. Leave your furballs at home and bring them a healthy treat from the store instead! If you must travel with your pet, never leave them unsupervised and always provide plenty of fresh water.

Making sure your long-haired or thick-coated pet is comfortable in the heat is another important thing to think about during the summer. For some of them, thinning the coat or giving them a shorter haircut can be helpful. Take care not to cut them too short though as this may leave their skin unprotected from UVA and UVB rays making them vulnerable to getting a sunburn. Also, for pets with short or thin hair, it’s usually safe to apply a hypoallergenic sunscreen to bare areas such as the nose, lips and tip of the ear or sections of the skin were the hair is very thin. Ask your veterinarian which sunscreen may be best for your pet.

If your pet must be outside for long periods during the hot weather it is very important to supply them with plenty of cool, fresh water. Providing them with a shaded and adequately ventilated shelter is also very important.
A baby pool can also be a fun way for dogs who love the water to cool off, but remember not to let your dog play in one unsupervised. If possible, simply avoid having them spend extended periods of time outside, particularly with very young, old or sick pets. Also, when your pet is playing outside make sure they get frequent breaks inside or in the shade and again, plenty of water.

Some important things to look for to help you determine if your pet may be suffering from heatstroke are excessive panting, an anxious or distressed look on their face, not listening to you or obeying commands, warm dry skin, fever, rapid heartbeat (you can usually easily feel your pet’s heartbeat by placing the palm of your hand on the left side of their chest), and vomiting. If you notice any of these signs it is EXTREMELY important to get your pet to a cool area if possible, and call your veterinarian right away to let them know what is happening and that you are on the way. Heatstroke can be deadly and ALWAYS requires immediate medical attention.

Let’s all have a safe and fun summer with our pets. Remember, frequent breaks and water, water, water. As always, give us a call with any questions you may have about keeping your pets healthy this summer - and don’t forget to keep protecting them against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes by continuing to use monthly prescription preventatives.

703-491-3888