SPRAYED BY A SKUNK? DON’T PANIC, HERE’S WHAT TO DO

What To Do If Your Dog Or Cat Gets Sprayed By A Skunk

Here at Fisher Glen Animal Hospital, we’ve all been there: you’re out walking the dog, when you hear a rustling in the bushes. Your dog runs toward the sound, and before you can even begin to start calling your pup back, your eyes start to water as the smell hits you. You’ve been sprayed by a skunk.

If your pet gets skunked, the first thing you want to do is make sure that they are physically fine. If there is a scratch or puncture it is always best to see your vet. We can help your pet to avoid infection, and make sure you are up to date on your rabies vaccination. Additionally, you will want to check your pet’s eyes and nose well. If they get blasted there it’s very uncomfortable for them. You will need to be clean the area thoroughly.

The Best Skunk Remedy

There are many ways to get the smell out of your pet’s fur. The recipe we recommend here at Fisher Glen is the following:

  • 1 quart (or litre) of hydrogen peroxide
  • ¼ cup of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of Dawn (works best) liquid dish soap.

Use an open bucket and mix all the ingredients together. Rub the mixture well into the fur. Always shield your pet’s eyes to prevent the mixture from getting in and irritating them further. Leave it on 5-10 minutes, then rinse well. You may have to repeat this procedure if the skunk hit your pet particularly badly. If the skunk hit your pet directly in the eyes, or if the eyes remain watery and red after cleaning, please call your veterinarian.

If you want more tips on what to do if your cat or dog gets sprayed by a skunk, check out PetMD.com.

PETS IN PARKED CARS: A REMINDER ABOUT DOGS AND HEAT STROKE

Summer is upon us! And here at Fisher Glen Animal Hospital, we love the summer – there’s nothing better than a fun family BBQ or a sunny day at the beach. But while we are all enjoying the wonderful weather, it is important to always remember that our four-legged family members have only a very limited capacity to beat the heat. This can lead to heat exhaustion or even death. Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. So never ever leave your cats or dogs in hot cars, and keep an eye out for other signs of heat exhaustion in your pets. Read on to learn more about dogs and heat stroke!

Dogs and Heat Stroke: The Facts

Unlike you and I, dogs can not sweat to cool off. They get rid of heat primarily through their tongues and airway. As a result, dogs are in frequent danger of overheating, especially when the weather becomes humid and evaporation off the tongue is slowed down. Furthermore, heat stroke can permanently damage a dog’s thermoregulatory system, predisposing them to further heat problems. This is why it is vitally important to recognize the signs of overheating and stop it before it progresses to heat stroke.

Preventing Heat Exhaustion

Dogs can react to heat in different ways. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-nosed dogs like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers), older, obese, and pregnant dogs are more prone to heat stroke. Young active dogs, especially large breeds and dogs with thick coats are prone to exertional hyperthermia – overheating from exercise. Always pay attention to your dog and your dog’s mood, because even a healthy dog can have an off day. Here are a few additional tips to help you prevent heat exhuastion in your favourite pup.

  • Hydrate
    Offer water at the signs of panting, and avoid exercise if your dog isn’t drinking enough. Encourage your dog to pre-drink plenty of water in anticipation of a long walk. Additionally, avoid letting your dog drink from puddles, as they can pick up diseases transmitted from other animals. Always carry clean water for yourself and your dog.
  • Time Your Walks
    On very hot days, try to exercise your dog only before sunrise or after sunset.
  • Watch What You Wear
    If you’re wearing a t-shirt or tank top, remember your pal probably needs a rest!
  • Rest Early
    Stop at the earliest signs or overheating -panting or slowing down- and wait until your dog cools off.
  • Seek Shade
    Dogs seek shade instinctively when it’s hot. The sun alone is enough to overheat a dog, especially one with a thick, dark coat or a health condition. Rest and walk in the shade as much as possible, and never tie a dog in the sun or leave it in the yard without shade.
  • Get Wet
    Wet down your dog’s coat, take them for a swim, or spray them with the garden hose.
  • Beware Of The Car
    NEVER leave your dog in a car in the sun. Even in cool weather, the temperature in a car can climb above 48°C (120°F) in 20 minutes. Don’t put your dog right into the car after exercising, either. Cool off both the car and your dog first. Turn on the air conditioning or open the car windows to keep the temperature moderate while you drive.

Signs Of Overheating

Overheating, or hyperthermia, happens when there is a build up of body heat and your dog’s body temperature climbs above the normal maximum of 39.3°C (102.5°F). Hyperthermia begins as heat stress and progresses to heat exhaustion and then, if untreated, to heat stroke, which can be fatal. Here are the signs to watch out for, from mild to severe.

  • Heavy panting, tongue extended
  • Slowing pace
  • Shade seeking
  • Intense thirst
  • Red gums (due to increased blood flow to the mouth)
  • Rapid heart rate, bounding pulse, followed by weak pulse due to dehydration
  • Rapid, laboured breathing
  • Heaving chest
  • Anxiety and confusion
  • Staggering and falling
  • Fainting
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Treating Heat Exhaustion

Here are some steps you can take to help alleviate the symptoms of heat exhaustion, until you can get your dog to the vet.

  • Move to a cool, shaded area
  • Encourage drinking
  • Gently hose with cool water or, better, submerge in cool water, keeping water away from the dog’s airway if it’s anxious and panting.
  • Check temperature every 15 minutes, and keep cooling down to 39.3°c (102.5°F) being careful not to go any lower.
  • Transport to a veterinarian while keeping the dog cool with ice packs and water.

For more information about heat stroke and other pet health risks, check out the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association’s Pet Safety Tips! If you are worried that your pet might be suffering from heat exhaustion, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us right away!

FISHER GLEN IS NOW OFFERING A CANADIAN ARMED FORCES DISCOUNT

New Canadian Armed Forces Discount

Fisher Glen Animal Hospital is proud to announce we now offer a discount to members of the Canadian Armed Forces!

To thank you for your service, we now offer our brand new Hero Discount. It is all about recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of all of our incredible Canadian heroes. We know you’re out there doing the jobs that many of us can not, and we appreciate your service. The least we can do to show our gratitude is help provide the best in care for your beloved pets!

So whether your pet is a service or companion animal, we’re now offering a 10% discount on all services provided. Additionally, your first exam with Fisher Glen Animal Hospital is now absolutely free! It is just our way of saying a big thank you to all those who are serving or who have served with the Canadian Armed Forces.

So drop by Fisher Glen Animal Hospital today to see that your pets get the very best in veterinary care! And always remember that we support and appreciate you. Thank you for your service.

PS: Hey, did you know that flea and tick season is here? To learn more about what you can do to ensure your pets are protected read What’s New: All In One Prevention of Heartworm, Fleas and Ticks! And if you’d like to read on about everything we do here at Fisher Glen Animal Hospital, visit our Services section to learn more! You can also Get To Know Fisher Glen and all of our dedicated veterinarians and awesome staff that work hard to keep this place running smoothly. Finally, Contact Us if you have any questions at all, or if you’d like to make an appointment to visit Fisher Glen Animal Hospital today!