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The long, hot days of summer can take a toll on everyone, including our animal friends. As the temperatures rise, it’s important to understand how to protect your pet from heat, humidity, and intense UV. In areas that are prone to occasional power outages, this can become a dangerous mix. 

Summer, however, is also a great time to get out and enjoy fresh air and sunny days with your four-legged friend. That said, the team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center is here to provide some tips on keeping your pet safe during the summer. 

The Basics of Summer Pet Safety

There are few key elements of summer safety that can be implemented by any pet owner. Using some caution, you can continue to exercise, play, and enjoy some relaxation outdoors  with your best friend. Keeping your pet cool is a matter of following these simple tips.

The spring season is definitely something to celebrate, especially for those of us who like to hike with our dogs. Getting out into nature with our pawed pals is something we cherish when the weather warms. And no doubt, it is great for our health and the health of our pets. But there is also something else that comes with the season – snakes.

This is the time of year when most wildlife emerges, including baby critters, and of course, cold blooded reptiles who thrive in the sun. This season sees a spike in the number of animal emergencies related to snake bites, about 150,000 bites to cats and dogs each year. To keep your pet safe this season, we are here to give you the snake safety and rattlesnake vaccine information you need.

From the cupboards to the garage, there are many possible pet poisons that can be intriguing to a curious pet. Things we may think they would never investigate, they will. In fact, each year there are more than 180,000 pet poisonings. The effects of a pet poisoning can range from mild symptoms to critical, but even the mildest of toxicity is still frightening (and potentially expensive to treat).

March is national Pet Poison Prevention Awareness month and your friends at East Sacramento Veterinary Center want pet owners to be informed about pet poisonings and potential toxins. Through education, awareness, and vigilance, our hope is to decrease our beloved fur friends’ exposure to poisons.

Marijuana, cannabis, pot, weed… whatever you want to call it, if you live in California, it’s legal. With recreational and medical marijuana use becoming more and more mainstream, there are an increasing number of pets who are being accidentally or intentionally exposed to the stuff. 

Part of responsible marijuana use is knowing what risks it may have for you and your family. East Sacramento Veterinary Center would like all of our readers to understand pot and pets and how they mix.

When Pot and Pets Mix

When pot and pets mingle, the results aren’t always for the best. Whether Fido finds your edible stash, decides to eat a discarded roach on the ground outside, or you give him something to help with his arthritis (please always call us before giving medicine or supplements to your pet!) there can be some serious consequences.

Whether it’s a special skill one consciously works on, or it’s simple, dumb luck, getting through the holiday season without getting sick or hurt is critical. While this way of thought definitely applies to people, it’s of equal importance for the pets in our care. 

Since a pet’s wellness isn’t accidental, their overall health utterly depends on an owner’s approach to holiday pet safety. Don’t worry, your friends at East Sacramento Veterinary Center have you covered.

…And Other Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Anyone who has pets knows the pain of resisting those puppy dog eyes; but when it comes to Thanksgiving safety for pets, it’s important to understand the risks and repercussions of giving in. 

Letting your pet partake in your Thanksgiving feast is not the only risk to their health around the holidays, however. Keep reading for East Sacramento Veterinary Center’s best tips for Thanksgiving pet safety, and avoid an emergency room visit on this, the most festive of holidays.