How To Keep Your Pets Safe In The Heat

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

With summer in full swing, it's only natural for us to spend as much time outdoors as we can - pets included. But, although the warm weather can be inviting, it can also be dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken.

To ensure that your pets have the best summer possible, we've rounded up a few of our favorite tips for how to keep them safe in the heat; take a look below.

Never leave pets in the car.
It doesn't matter if you'll be back in two minutes - your pets should never be left in the car. According to the American Red Cross and The Humane Society of the United States, the inside of your car can reach temperatures of 102 degrees or even 120 degrees, and no, this doesn't really change if you're parked in a shady spot. So, as much as you may be tempted to bring your furry friends with you to run errands, unless you know they can come inside the stores with you, your safest bet is to leave them at home.

Keep an eye on the humidity.
High humidity levels are hard enough for people to deal with, so imagine how your pets must feel when outside on an extremely humid day. When the humidity is too high animals can have trouble keeping themselves cool, and the result is having their temperature rise to dangerous levels faster than you may even realize. That said, if you know humid conditions are coming, it's best to leave your pets inside.

Provide enough water.
Animals are just like us - they need water to help stay hydrated and keep cool. If you'll be bringing your pets outside, make sure that you have a water bowl readily available for them to drink out of. On extra hot days, even throw in some ice cubes so that the water stays cold.

Be smart about exercise.
On those extremely hot summer days, avoid taking your pet out to exercise when the sun is the strongest and temperatures are the highest. Instead, restrict outdoors time to early morning or late at night when temperatures haven't reached their peak yet. Reiterating the previous tip, regardless of when you take your pet out, always make sure that you have water with you so that you limit the chances of your pet becoming dehydrated during activity.

As a pet owner, it's also extremely important that you know the warning signs of heatstroke in case of an emergency. Some of the most common include:

• Heavy panting
• Fast heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Increased salivation

If you notice any of these signs in your pet, start by taking them into a cool, air-conditioned room (or shady spot, if you're outdoors), and place an ice pack or cold towel on their neck, head or chest to help him or her cool down. While you call your veterinarian, provide your pet with some cool water or ice cubes that they can lick in the meantime.

Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we know just how hot it can get in New Jersey during the summer, and if your pet doesn't react well to the heat, we want to help.

For information about our emergency veterinary care services, please visit us at www.berkeleyheightsah.com. Additionally, if your pet shows any of the above signs or other warning signs of heatstroke this summer, please call us at (908) 464-0023 right away so that we can provide the care they need.

5 Things To Do Before Bringing Your Dog To Work

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

No one likes having to leave their pups behind when they head out to work each morning, but what if we said you might not have to? At least for one day, that is - June 24th is Take Your Dog To Work Day!

If your company is participating in this event, how could you say no to bringing your furry friends in? We work with animals all day long, so we know just how much more enjoyable they can really make a day at the office!

Should you have the opportunity to bring your dog in this year, here are a few tasks to complete before you do:

1. Make a spot for them. Don't wait until your pup arrives to figure out where they'll stay all day - instead, clear a space close to your desk beforehand so that you can set up a pillow or dog bed for them to rest on as soon as they get there. 
2. Puppy-proof your office. Or your cubicle, or any other work space you may have. That means, make sure there's nothing dangerous on the floor (such as exposed wires your pup can chew), and take anything off of your desk or shelves that are low to the ground that you think your pup can get a hold of.
3. Talk to your colleagues. Just because you love dogs doesn't mean everyone in the office does; you may even have some coworkers that are allergic. So, before you commit to bringing your dog to the office, talk to those you work closely with and sit near to ensure that they're okay with you bringing a guest.
4. Check their medical records. Is your four-legged friend up-to-date on his or her vaccinations? Especially if other dogs will be joining yours on take your dog to work day, you want to make sure that yours is healthy and prepared to be around other animals.
5. Have an emergency plan. It's not unusual for animals to feel stressed in a new environment, so you'll need to have a plan for what you'll do if your dog exhibits signs that they're feeling uneasy. For example, if you notice that your dog is panting or drooling more than usual, it's probably best that they are removed from the situation and given a chance to calm down. 

If you're definitely planning on bringing your dog to work this year but still have questions on how to prepare, write to us on social media! We want your pets to be as safe as possible in your work environment and would love to be able to answer any questions you may have!

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital has been caring for sick pets since 1976. Veterinary services include, but are not limited to, vaccines, surgical procedures, spays and neuters, and animal dentistry. For more information, please call (908) 464-0023.

How To Show Your Pets That You Appreciate Them

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Aside from the love you receive from your family and friends that are close to you, there really is no love greater than the love that comes for your pet. Although they cannot talk and tell us how they really feel, you can just tell by their actions that their love is forever and unconditional.

While you likely feel the same and provide your pet with a similar unconditional and forever love, since this week is Pet Appreciation Week, we think it's appropriate to take it up a notch - here's how you can do so:

1. Shower your pet with love and attention when you get home from a day at work, school, or any other activity that keeps you out of the house for an extended period of time. You know they missed you, so let them know you missed them too!
2. Set aside some play time for just you and your pet. It doesn't matter if you play a game of fetch in your yard or take them on a walk/run for some exercise, all that matters is that you give them your undivided attention for a bit - they'll know and appreciate it more than you can imagine!
3. Don't skimp out on the treats! Especially if your pet is young and still in the training process, make sure they know when they've done a good job. And although you don't want to give them too many treats in one sitting, a little something extra this week won't hurt.
4. Bring them a gift. If it's been a while since your pet received a new chew toy, or if they've been sleeping in their same bed for a few years now, think about presenting them with something new! Should you go the new toy route, remember tip #2 and set aside some time for the both of you to play with it.
5. Spend some more time petting and cuddling. Let's face it, your pets just want to be with you as often as they can, so the more time you spend with them, the better! Whenever your pet or cuddle them, remember to get down close to their level so that you can be face to face rather than tower over them.

Last but not least, you can also show your pet how much you care by making an appointment for a wellness visit with your vet! While your pet may not be a fan of the vet, making sure they are healthy and in good shape is one of the best ways for you to keep looking out for them.

For those of you in Berkeley Heights and New Providence, NJ, we at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital can provide all of the medical care your pet needs! We've been caring for pets since 1976, and would love to have you and your furry friends come on board. 

To learn more about our veterinary services, please call (908) 464-0023 or visit us on our website. And don't forget, for all of our new clients, the first exam is FREE!

The Benefits of Adopting a Cat

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Did you know? June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! As is explained by the ASPCA, June begins the height of kitten season, which means there will be tons and tons of felines out there looking for their forever homes. That said, there's no better time than now to start your search for the perfect addition to your home if you've been thinking about adopting! But if you haven't been, here are 7 reasons why you should adopt a cat right now:

1. Adopting a cat helps you contribute to the larger effort that is to minimize overpopulation in shelters.
2. Animal shelters are truly focused on the best interests of the animals rather than making a sale, so you can rest assured knowing that your kitten has been well taken care of before they enter your home.
3. If you find the right place, sheltered cats may already be spayed or neutered so that you don't have to take on the responsibility of having it done (if your cat hasn't had this type of medical attention yet, though, we can help with that!).
4. Between their sweet, soothing purrs and soft fur, cats are awesome stress relievers for their owners.
5. Cats can be extremely independent, so your schedule won't be too heavily impacted by having one to care for.
6. Cats can be the best friend you never knew you were missing and will stand by you every step of the way.

And most importantly, the seventh reason why you should consider adopting a cat is that you'll be saving a life.

Do we have you convinced yet? If you're ready to rescue a kitten and make them the newest member of your family, know that the team here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital will be there for all of their medical needs! From spays and neuters to dentistry, other surgical procedures and emergency care, we truly do it all.

For more information about our veterinary care services, please visit our website or call (908) 464-0023. And don't forget, the first exam for all new clients is FREE!