The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet
How to Know When It’s Too Hot to Walk Your Dog
What is That Pouch on a Cat’s Stomach?

The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

No matter how careful you are with keeping your pet safe, anything can happen. Dogs can get loose, cats can run out the front door, a dog can dig under your backyard fence. What would you do if your pet got lost and how could you get your pet back home?
Pets should wear collars with ID tags, but collars can slip off, so it is also important that your pet is microchipped. “Microchips are a good back-up option for pet identification, but should never be the main one,” according to the article, “High tech: Identifying lost pets with microchips,” at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Microchips carry a pet’s ID, and the chip is implanted in the pet.
“Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size of a grain of rice, that can be implanted in your pet’s skin by many veterinarians and animal shelters; some shelters implant one in all pets they place,” the HSUS article said. A special scanner can read the chip, but it’s not something most people have. Shelters, many animal rescues, and animal control officers have them to check for microchips on animals.
Even if you microchip your pet, you must be sure to register the microchip. According to the article, “The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet,” at Today’s Veterinary Nurse, “Without registering the microchip, it won’t have any information on it and is essentially useless.” When the microchip is registered, your pet will receive a “unique identification number,” and you fill in all you and your pet’s information on the manufacturer’s online recovery database, the Today’s Veterinary Nurse article said.
Microchips are a great way to get your pet back if your pet becomes lost or stolen. They have helped reunite many pets over the years.

How to Know When It’s Too Hot to Walk Your Dog

When the summer heats up it can be too hot to take your dog for a walk. The pavement becomes hot to touch. If you can’t keep your hand on the pavement, then it’s too hot for your dog to walk on it. So how do you know when it is too hot for a walk with your dog?

If temperatures rise above 85°F, it can pose a real danger to your dog, according to the article, “What Temperature Is Too Hot for Dogs, and When Is It Too Cold?” at GoodRx Health. “At that temperature, pavement and asphalt can register as high as 140° F. The heat can damage your pup’s paws.”

According to the article, the following are some tips about walking your dog when the weather is too hot:

• Walk your dog either early morning or later in the evening.
• If you touch the pavement with the back of your hand and it’s too hot after five seconds, then it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
• Bring water for your dog.
• Try dog booties.
• Take shorter walks.

There are other things you can do to protect your dog on hot summer day walks. According to the article, “7 Tips for Walking Your Dog in the Summer” at be.chewy.com, “Plan to take frequent breaks and enjoy the shade and cool grass together,” and also choose shady routes for those walks.

According to the be.chewy article, it’s also very important to keep your dog cool on walks and is extra important for flat-faced breeds including Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, and French Bulldogs. “Their shortened muzzles can make breathing and panting more difficult, especially in hot weather, which makes it more challenging for these dogs to stay cool,” the article said.

What is That Pouch on a Cat’s Stomach?

Do you ever wonder what that pouch is on your cat’s stomach? You may have felt the area and thought your cat was gaining weight. However, that layer of skin is likely the primordial pouch. But what is it?

“Most cats have one toward the rear of their body, with this low-hanging belly being an essential part of the feline anatomy,” according to the article, “Why Do Cats Have a Hanging Belly? (Primordial Pouch Meaning),” at Senior Cat Wellness.

Located along the length of the stomach and in front of the back legs, the primordial pouch actually swings while your cat walks, according to the article. The pouch happens in males and females and is more common in adult cats.

“The primordial pouch has evolved for many reasons, and without one, cats would find it difficult to survive in the wild,” according to the article. “While the precise reasons for the primordial pouch are still unknown, many scientists agree that it’s an essential part of a cat’s genetic makeup.”

There are many theories about the primordial pouch and why it’s there. According to the article, “The Primordial Pouch: All About Your Cat’s Adorable Belly Flap,” at be.chewy.com, the pouch typically develops when a cat is 6 months old, and not just in house cats. They can occur in lions and tigers too.

Some theories of why the pouch happened, include the following, according to the be.chewy.com article:

• If offers “protection to the cat’s internal abdominal organs, which would be especially beneficial for wild cats,” the be.chewy article said.
• It provides flexibility when a cat runs.
• Energy. “It’s also possible the primordial pouch comes in handy when food is scarce,” the be.chewy.com article said.

What Are the Best Foods for Your Dog
What You Should Know about Retractable Leashes for Your Dog
Dog Parks and Safety: What You Need to Know

What Are the Best Foods for Your Dog

When you have a dog, you want to make sure to do everything you can so that he has a long, healthy and happy life. Making sure your dog has the best food is part of keeping him healthy. There’s often a debate on whether dog food or human food is good for your best friend. There are human foods that are not good for your dog. But some are. According to the article, “12 Healthiest Human Foods for Dogs,” at Cosmic Pet, “many human foods are perfectly safe and even healthy for dogs to eat as an occasional treat.” It’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian first. According to the article, some of these foods are: • Peanut butter in moderation • Carrots, both raw and cooked • Cheese, as long as your dog is not lactose intolerant • Plain yogurt without artificial sweeteners and added flavors • Blueberries • Plain chicken • Salmon, but not raw According to the article, “Nutrition – General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs” at VCA Animal Hospitals, “Because of the dietary needs of dogs, both their tooth structure and intestinal tract have become adapted to an omnivorous diet.” Dogs can have a diet that is a mix of plant and animal foods. “The source of the proteins and fats is less important than the quality and digestibility of these essential components of the dog’s diet,” the VCA Animal Hospitals article said. As part of a dog’s diet, there are certain requirements including six basic nutrients that are “water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins,” the article said. Regarding dog food, make sure it’s the highest quality food that you can find and afford. Also, speak with your veterinarian for advice about good dog food. A good food should include “real, recognizable, whole-food ingredients,” the VCA Animal Hospitals article said.

What You Should Know about Retractable Leashes for Your Dog

Many people use retractable leashes on their dogs, but there is some controversy over them. Some people believe their dogs have more freedom with a retractable leash and that the leash offers convenience, but there can be a lot of dangerous issues as well. Many dog trainers refuse to have them in training classes, according to the article, “Are Retractable Leashes Good or Bad?” at Preventive Vet. “Retractable leashes are not ideal for safe and effective leash handling by the human,” the article said. “And leash handling skills are crucial for safety, effective loose leash walking training, or other issues like leash reactivity.” Retractable leashes are bulky in the handle and area for the cord. The leashes can also cause injuries, the article said. Injuries include: • Cuts and burns on fingers and legs • Amputation of fingers on humans • Facial and eye injuries • Shoulder or neck injuries to dogs There are some serious dangers that retractable leashes can cause dogs. According to the article, “Retractable Leashes: Dangerous And Deadly For Dogs And Humans” at DogTime, “When the leash runs out of line, there is a sudden jerk on the animal’s neck that may cause neck wounds or burns, lacerated tacheas, or spinal injury.” There have also been instances where dogs have been hit by cars when running off but still attached to their leash. “There have been cases of dogs getting twisted in the cord and having a tail or leg amputated by the deep cut made when the cord retracts,” the DogTime article said. The retractable leash will teach a dog to pull. Dogs learn fast “that pulling extends the lead,” the DogTime article said. “Dogs should learn to walk politely on a regular leash and stay close enough to their humans to be safe.”

Dog Parks and Safety: What You Need to Know

People take their dogs to dog parks and let them run free with other dogs, many of whom are strangers. While parks can be great for dogs, it’s the dog park that can be negative. According to the article, “The pros and cons of dog parks: Are they safe?” at Vetster, there are good and bad to dog parks. The pros include: • Your dog can learn and practice social skills • Great exercise for your dogs • Mental stimulation The cons include: • Spread of disease or parasites • Dog fights • Injuries When it comes to cons and the spread of disease, it can happen anywhere but especially when dogs come together in an open setting. Some of the contagious diseases that can spread at a dog park and are spread from dog to dog through air or feces include: • Canine distemper • Kennel cough • Canine influenza • Parvovirus Additionally, there are internal and external parasites that can spread including worms, giardia, fleas, and ticks. A monthly treatment plan can prevent many of these parasites. While fights and injuries can happen at your local dog park, there are concerns that a large dog will play rough with a small dog. If your dog is one who doesn’t like being around multiple others, a dog park is most likely not for your dog. According to the article, “The Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Parks” at Pet Health Network, start by ensuring “your dog is at least 4 months old and current on all vaccinations.” Other important do’s and don’ts include: • See the other dogs before you enter. • Watch your dog at all times. • Your dog should be under your voice control so that he comes when called. • Read your dog’s body language. • It’s best to leave if you see people who don’t have their dog under control.

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Your cat’s safety is also at risk when outdoors, the American Humane article said. Concerns include:

• Getting hit by a car
• Wild animals and loose dogs
• Poisons and toxins, such as antifreeze and rodent poison

Cats can be happy indoors, and they will be healthier and safer as well, according to the article, “10 Reasons Why Your Cat Should Be an Indoor-Only Cat” at PetHelful.com. Your cat can enjoy fresh air if you buy a harness. Or you can get a stroller designed for cats, according to the article. “Be sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and flea prevention before taking them outside, even with a harness and leash or inside a pet stroller,” PetHelpful.com said.

Valley Fever in Dogs and What You Should Know

If you live in the Southwest, you’ve probably heard of Valley Fever. Humans and dogs (and other animals) can contract it. If you plan to travel to the Southwest or plan to move there, you should know about the disease that can be severe in dogs.

The disease is most prevalent in south-central Arizona and “is caused by infection with a type of fungus called Coccidiodes immitis” according to the article, “Valley Fever in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know,” at PetMD.com. “The condition may also be called coccidioidomycosis, California disease, desert rheumatism, or San Joaquin Valley Fever.”

According to the article, “Coccidiodes organisms live in desert soils and produce long filaments that contain infectious spores.” When dogs dig or when there is construction going on, soil is disturbed, and that is when the spores are airborne and inhaled, the article said. Dogs are often diagnosed with Valley Fever because they play, mess around, and sniff dirt.

The PetMD article points to symptoms limited to the lungs, including: