Jacobson Veterinary Clinic

06/28/2025

06/23/2025

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/summer-safety-tips-for-dogs/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLGh2hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHq20GhnxEu9ngZ1yWHtLSB9-tGUPOFYCvmb8zGWYtvOKM0IekkaZWvIBo0pb_aem_5aUbCDVvZFHhBY6ahHXp3w

Hot weather can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for dogs. Follow these summer safety tips for keeping your dog safe this summer.

06/20/2025

The fireworks are coming! Now is the time to order your pet's medications for the 4th of July.

06/19/2025

Heat Warning

HEAT STRESS

Dogs and cats only have a small amount of sweat glands located in their footpads so; they are unable to cool themselves down through sweating as humans do. This means that dogs and cats rely primarily on panting to cool down and regulate their body temperature. Due to these factors, dogs and cats can suffer from hyperthermia and heat stress which can lead to heat stroke. Hyperthermia occurs when the body temperature exceeds the normal accepted temperature ranges of 99

°F-102.5 °F. Heat stroke (>105°F) is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature increases to dangerous highs, leading to serious consequences, including organ failure, and even death.

It doesn't always have to be hot for a pet to develop heat stroke. Being in a warm confined area with poor ventilation, vigorous exercise in warm weather and stress and overexcitement can all cause a pet to overheat.

Which pets are more susceptible to heat stress?

• Overweight animals

• Brachycephalic "flat faced" breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Exotic, Persian or Himalayan cats.

• Pets with thick coats

• Pets with pre-existing heart, lung or airway conditions

Symptoms of heat stress and heat stroke

• Panting that can advance into noisy breathing

• Drooling

• Pacing, agitation or restlessness and seeking water or shade.

• Red gums or tongue

• Increased heart rate

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Confusion, weakness, ataxia or collapse

• Seizures



Tips for Safe Summer Veterinary Visits

• Consider scheduling veterinary appointments during the cooler parts of the day.

• On the day of your appointment, pre-cool your car with A/C 10-15 minutes before leaving for your appointment.

• Bring a bowl with water for your pet to be available in the car or ask a staff member for a bowl of water upon arrival.

• Does your pet get stressed for veterinary visits? Ask a staff member about low-stress medications and how we can help reduce your pet's fear, stress and anxiety (FAS). Reducing FAS for your pet not only promotes a more positive veterinary experience but also reduces their risk of heat stress and heat stroke.



Tips for a Safe and Stress-free summer

• Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle or confined poorly ventilated space. Taking a road trip? Start and cool your vehicle prior to loading your pet, try portable fans or cooling travel mats are all good options for a cool and comfortable travel.

• Adjust exercise and walking schedules to the cooler parts of the day. During the hot summer months, even regular exercise could be dangerous for your pet, so, you may need to adjust their schedule to the cooler parts of the day. Remember to check the sidewalk before adventuring out on a walk; if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws. Consider protective booties.

• Don't forget the pet friendly sun screen. Your pet can get sunburned and develop other diseases due to sun exposure so remember to apply sunscreen to the areas most exposed to the sun. These areas include, top of the nose, around the muzzle, ear tips, groin, inner thighs, abdomen and anywhere else the skin with light pigment. Consider UV sun shirts, hats and other cooling and UV protective apparel.

• Ensure your pet always has access to shade and water while outdoors. Small wading pools and water pads are a fun and safe way to provide stimulus while keeping your pet cool in the summer heat.

Dermatology for Animals

06/14/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/19DEHd4JG8/

Send a message to learn more

06/04/2025

Scout is the new assistant!!

05/27/2025

Happy Birthday Roxie!!

05/17/2025

Pepper and Yoda came in today for their heartworm and f***l testing. They are the sweetest pups and got lots of treats for being so good! 🐾♥️🐾

04/30/2025

Who's cuter..Sadie or puppies!?!?!

I think both!

04/30/2025

Great way to start the morning!!!

Puppies!!!!!