Welcome to the first issue of our newsletter! Each month, we'll be sending you useful articles about pet care and the latest news from our office. We'd love to hear your comments or get suggestions for topics to cover in future issues. Just send us an email at info@dedhamvetassociates.com.

As we all enjoy the summer sun, please don't forget that heat stroke is a very serious issue for pets. Take a moment to read our article on avoiding heat stroke and watch for the warning signs that your pet may be at risk!

Please visit our website for more information about keeping your pet healthy and the latest news from our practice.

Sincerely,
Dr. Beverly Mason
Medical Director
Dedham Veterinary Associates

Safe Fun in the Sun

The hot summer sun can take a toll on your pets. Follow these tips from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to help your pets safely enjoy the warm weather:

• Water, water everywhere. Whether you're indoors or out, both you and your pet need lots of fresh water during the summer. Check your pet's water bowl several times a day to be sure it's full.  
• Never leave your pet in the car. Even if it feels cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down. If you need to run errands, leave your pet at home.  
• Be cautious on humid days. Our four-legged friends pant to rid themselves of excess body heat. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As the air is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Humidity and close quarters can interfere with the effectiveness of this process.  
•  Avoid overexertion. Keep the walks to a gentle pace on hot days and make sure your pet has plenty of water. If he or she is panting a lot or seems exhausted, it's time to stop.  
• Do not leave animals outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the afternoon, and pets can become ill quickly if they overheat.  
• Watch for the warning signs of heatstroke:

~Panting

~Staring

~Anxious expression

~Refusal to obey commands

~Warm, dry skin

~High fever

~Rapid heartbeat

~Vomiting

~Collapse

 

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Have someone call our office immediately. Meanwhile, lower the animal's body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body. Once your pet is in the veterinarian's care, treatment may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent or reverse brain damage.  

 

For more information, please read our handout on Avoiding Heat Stroke in the general section of our online handout library.    

DVA In the Community  

DVA participates in the Dedham Flag Day Parade

The whole practice turned out to march in the Dedham Flag Day parade on June 14th. We walked with our co-workers from Boston Veterinary Specialists, as well as our human and canine family members. It was great to see so many clients as we handed out patriotic candy and bracelets along the parade route!