FLEAS, HEARTWORM AND DOGS: DAILY SUMMER DANGERS

The Weather in Georgia is finally warming up, so I don't have to pack my sweater when I go to work. This would be all in good but warm weather brings worries to Mom about mosquitos-those  biting annoying nasty creatures that like to give out gifts of heartworm.   Mom is always torn, torn between giving me heartworm and flea preventive and the possible health dangers from the products, whether pill or topical.  Notice I didn't include flea collar because that is a big no-no with Mom.   As I have posted to y'all before, Mom doesn't like collars on dogs, only harnesses, and, never,  never collars on us little guys.  When I was rescued from the Shelter, I had been given  a topical flea and heartworm (combined)  product.  Mom decided to stay with this same product as I never had any adverse reaction to it.  And, it works as stated. Mom has asked me to urge my readers to regularly Google the type of flea/heartworm product you are using to see if there are any reports of problems with the medication, with the manufacturer, reports by the FDA, reports of problems by other users, and just to get general user feedback.  Mom checks at least every 3 months, and always before getting a refill!  When it is time for a refill of your flea or heartworm medication, ask your vet if they have received any negative reviews or warnings from the  manufacturer.  Google the name of the medication and the words "recall" "opinion" "reviews" "FDA" "adverse".   Mom gives me the heartworm medication because of my long ago brother that did get heartworms and had to undergo treatment.  He survived!  She did not  want any other dog to experience this.  So, Mom remains torn between possible unknown health issues from these medications and concern that without them, I could get heartworm.  I live in the south, so we have longer warm seasons.  Stay safe my friends.  Enjoy summer, the outdoors, and the pool, but if the mosquitos are bad, go inside.
Take care,
Tuck the Law Dog
http://twitter.com/TuckTheLawDog      (Tweet me! I luv to meet new Twitter anipals)
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HOT DOGS and HOT TIMES IN THE SUMMER

It's been in the 90's here in the south for the past few days.  So once again, it's time for that annual warning to not leave your dog (or any other animal) in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open.  Even when the temperature is hovering around 80 degrees, a vehicle's inside temperature can rise to 120 degrees in a few minutes.  You humans know that in warm weather it can get very hot and stuffy in a parked car even with all the windows rolled down!  Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke, and heat stroke can lead to brain damage and death.   Make sure your dog has lots of fresh water during the summer.   Keep my buddies out of the sun when it is especially hot.  Dogs can get sunburned, too.    Ask your vet about what kind of sunblock or lotion can be used on a dog's nose and ears.  And remember, the pavement can get very, very hot, which can burn the pads of a dogs foot.  So be careful.  My Mom feels the pavement with her hands, and if it feels too hot, she carries me (that doesn't work with you big dogs) or we take a different route, or try to walk on the grass.  Avoid too much exercise in the hot weather.  If you go for walks, bring a small water bottle with you.  My Mom carries
small bottles of water, a bowl, and a dropper everywhere we go.  Be every mindful that intentionally leaving a dog in a parked car in the hot weather resulting in a significant rise in the vehicles interior temperature such that physical damage or death is caused to the dog, can be result in the owner or whoever caused the situation, to be arrested and convicted for animal cruelty.  Take care of my buddies, and have a safe and fun summer, ya'll.

Tuck The Law Dog
Georgia Law (Dog)

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