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JUNE 2017 PET HOLIDAYS:
Adopt a Shelter Cat Month
June 4-10: Pet Appreciation Week
June 4: International Hug Your Cat Day
June 11: World Pet Memorial Day
June 23: Take Your Dog to Work Day
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| Hurricane Season is here, do you have a plan that includes your pet?
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| We all hope a tropical storm or hurricane will not threaten our area, but you need to be prepared just in case. Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. You know the importance of creating a hurricane preparedness kit for your family but many forget to include supplies for their pets.
We are often rushed when forecasters predict a hurricane, gathering supplies at the last minute that we may not fully prepare for our pet's needs.
Here's our must do list of preparing your pet in case of a hurricane:
Microchip pets: Microchipping pets not only helps in severe storms, it helps ensure you and your pet are reunited any time they wander off.
Update your information: Make sure your address and phone number on your pet's tag is up to date and your information is correct with the microchip company.
Create an Emergency Kit: Pack the following items to build an emergency kit for dogs or cats:
- A pet first-aid kit
- Four-day supply of your pet's food and medications
- Bottled water
- Feeding dishes
- Litter and/or disposable garbage bags
- Extra leashes and harnesses
- Photocopies of your pet's medical records
- Pictures of your pets in case you are separated
- Labeled crates and carriers
To ensure the safety of your pets, Largo Veterinary Hospital has a strict policy for boarders during hurricane season. In the event of a Mandatory Hurricane or Tropical Storm evacuation, Largo Veterinary Hospital WILL evacuate. As we have seen in previous Hurricane seasons neither humans nor animals are safe.
If you are planning to board your pets at Largo Veterinary Hospital during hurricane season you will need provide us at time of boarding with the following:
- Your out of town contact information (phone, e-mail, etc)
- Names and numbers of 2 local people that are willing to pick up your pet in the event of an evacuation.Please be sure the local contacts are aware and willing to pick up your pets if we have to evacuate the hospital. We will give you as early a notice as possible, to give you enough time to have your pets picked up and out of harms way.
We cannot overstate the importance of this policy. We will do our absolute best to remove all pets to a safe place but we cannot guarantee shelter in a natural disaster.
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 I am a 12 year old domestic short haired cat who loves to cuddle. My mom says I am "such a sweet cat" so she lets me sleep in bed with her. She hates it when I get sick and she cries when I don't feel well. I always butt heads with people I love. I am a tricky cat, one time they tried to barricade me in the kitchen, silly humans, I found an opening they didn't think I could get through by climbing on the counter. Shhh...don't dell Dr. Daniels but my favorite treat is catnip!
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| Are you signed up for
our FREE rewards program?
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| Are you signed up for FREE REWARDS at
Largo Veterinary Hospital?
1000 points = $25 credit to your account
OR a free nail trim
Activating your account automatically gives you 200 points
Every dollar you spend on services or products
= 1 point
There are more ways to earn points too, once you sign up we'll email you all the details! How do you sign up?
Activate your VetScene Portal here:
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Do your pets need protection from mosquitoes?
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Yes, mosquito bites carry deadly consequences and can transmit diseases like heartworm and West Nile. Heartworm disease is the greatest concern when it comes to mosquitoes biting your dog or cat. This disease is caused by a tiny worm that lives in animals’ hearts and veins. Heartworm disease spreads when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then bites a second animal. Heartworm offspring can be carried from one creature to the next. Our pets have some natural protection against mosquitoes thanks to fur, but your dog’s or cat’s ears and nose are still exposed. Because dogs spend more time outside, they have a greater exposure time to being bitten by mosquitoes.
They experience the same irritating itch humans feel from a bite, but mosquitoes also can carry harmful parasites and diseases. That’s why mosquito control for pets is so important.
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| 6 Ways to Protect Your Pets From Mosquitoes:
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| DON’T use human insect repellent on your pets Human bug sprays are great for us, but they’re toxic for our furry friends. DEET, the main ingredient in most drugstore bug sprays, can cause vomiting, seizures, and skin irritation when exposed to pets. When you apply bug spray to yourself, make sure your pet doesn’t lick your skin, and if they do, contact your vet immediately.
DO avoid leaving stagnant water around your home One of the easiest things to do is make sure there isn't any space on your property that would make a good breeding ground for mosquitoes. Get rid of anything that can hold water, whether it’s old buckets, used tires or a wading pool used during the summer. If you keep watering cans, your pet’s water bowl or other items outside, be sure to toss the old water every two days or so.
DON’T walk your dog during peak mosquito times Just like how us humans have rush hours, mosquitoes have their own time of the day when they’re the most active, and those times are at dawn and dusk. Avoid walking your dog during these hours and they’ll be less likely to be bitten.
DO buy insect-repellent products made for pets Fairly self-explanatory, but stick to products that are made for pets. That way you know they’re safe to use. Most flea and tick products are formulated to repel mosquitoes as well.
DON’T ignore natural remedies
According to research, Catnip is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents. Lemon eucalyptus oil is also an effective repellent that keeps mosquitoes (and possibly other people) at bay with its repugnant smell. Geranium oil and soybean oil when mixed together can also be used as a repellent. Although you can find products with these ingredients in health food stores, you can also mix together these oils yourself and make your own D.I.Y. bug spray.
DO fix any broken window screens in your home Most mosquitoes get into the home through open windows or broken window screens. If you wake up with new bites on your arms, your windows might not be protecting you and your dog-roommate as much as you think. Be wary of any holes or tears in screens that might be letting bugs in. And don’t forget to fill in the gap between the air conditioner and the window frame, too.
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| In honor of "Adopt a Shelter Cat Month" here are two cats awaiting their forever home and links to some of the locations you can adopt.
"Gina"
"Biscuit"
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