Zeus the German Shepherd who lives in the south recently had a trip to the veterinarian because of heat stroke. The 3-year-old dog spent 10 days at the clinic receiving care for kidney failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). DIC is a condition in which the proteins and platelets coagulate within the blood stream, causing small blood clots throughout the body.

Fortunately Zeus survived the ordeal, but this claim is an important reminder to provide a cool safe-haven for pets during the heat of summer and to never leave pets in cars, even if the windows are cracked.

Total claim amount: $6,473.66
Deductible applied: -$100.00
Exam fees: -$131.25
Unrelated costs (food): -$69.70
10% co-insurance: -$617.27
Trupanion repaid: $5,555.44

Rescue Me: My Life with the Battersea Dogs
by: Melissa Wareham
This book is a true story about the author’s time spent in a dog shelter in England.

Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love
by: Larry Levin
This is an amazing story of an amazing dog who survived being used as a bait dog and found a family to love and who loved him back.

Heir of the Dog: A Dog Walker Mystery
by: Judi McCoy
A light, fun read about a dog walker who can read the minds of dogs.

Life Lessons: From People Who Shouldn’t Be Giving Them
by: Nealy Stapleton
A short book that reads like an advice column, with a section for “How to Raise a Puppy”.

Pet Peeves
by: Taylor McCafferty
A mystery novel about a detective hired to solve a murder case that involves a woman, her cat, and her parakeet.

What are your favorite pet-related books? Please share! I need some new books in the rotation as well!

In general, these insects are not known to harm cats and dogs, either, unless they are ingested in large quantities. In 1987, several veterinarians in Cincinnati had to treat cases in which a pet had consumed so many cicadas, simultaneously, that the skins (which are non-digestible) had blocked a portion of the pet’s digestive track. And recently, veterinarians in Greenwood County, South Carolina, saw an increase in dogs coming into the clinic with upset stomachs because of cicada ingestion. (Read the story here.)

Pets who ingest too many of these insects usually experience upset stomachs, vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme case where the skins create a mass in the digestive track, the pet must be treated for a foreign body ingestion, which could lead to surgery.

If you live in an area known for cicadas, and especially if you have a pet known for eating insects or foreign objects, it is important to keep an eye on him or her and keep them from ingesting too many. While eating a small amount of the insect does not seem to cause any issues, ingestion of large quantities has proven to be harmful.

Do you live in an area where there are cicadas? What has your experience been?

The following is a guest post from Ashley Spade. Ashley, in addition to being Sir Winston Pugsalot the First’s favorite human, is a blogger and law student. She volunteers at her local pug rescue in between studying and training for triathlons (sometimes at the same time).

Why Sir WP, you look smashing! Sir WP showing off his metrosexual flair at the local dog park.

Now that summer is here, I can’t wait to get outside! Once it stops raining, that is… Chicago has crazy weather in summer. It gets really hot, but the next day can call for a jacket. I am so excited that I am taking a trip to the lovely beaches of Marbella, Spain this summer! And, of course, Sir Winston Pugsalot gets to experience his second plane ride ever so that he can frolic on the beach as much as his pug heart desires. While I am visiting the tanning salon, learning to speak spanish, and shopping for cute sundresses to prepare for the trip, it also occurred to me that I need to prepare Sir WP as well.

Even if you are not going on an international beach adventure this summer, it is important to protect your pup from the heat. A dog pants as a personal cooling system, but even panting is not as effective as sweating as we humans do. Pugs are even more at risk than other canines, due to their shorter airway (those pug noses are so cute, but not always the best healthwise). Here are a few tips to keep your furry friend safe from the oppressive summer sun!

• Get a kiddie pool so your dog to frolic in cool water. Most dogs hate bath time, but I have seen many a dog jump into a baby pool without hesitation. It will help them cool themselves down in a fun way! Make sure the water is not ice cold – the quick and drastic temperature difference is not good for your companion.
• If your dog resists jumping into a pool, or if it just isn’t a practical idea, cool towels do the trick. When you see your dog laying down frequently and panting heavily, grab a few washcloths (or towels, depending on how big your dog is!), soak them in cool (again-not freezing cold) water, and place them on your dog. This will lower his or her body temperature in a safe way.
• Exercise common sense. If you are sweating, your dog, who is under all that fur, is probably hotter than you. Do not walk your dog or take him or her outside if the temperature seems particularly warm or humid. Asphalt and concrete get really hot, and it could hurt their paw pads. If you do take your dog outside, always have fresh water readily available – they get thirsty too! There are even frozen treats available for dogs! Also – if your pup’s nose seems particularly dry, you can dab it with a bit of water.
• Finally – take all safety procedures you can. Your dog is your best friend. If you take him or her swimming, look into getting a life vest. If you feel as if you must take him or her in the car (do NOT leave your dog in a locked car alone, under ANY circumstances), and you have a more bulgy-eyed breed (like pugs) look into getting him or her goggles or sunglasses. If your dog has particularly short or dark hair, look into getting doggie sunscreen (yes, they make it!) to protect your pup’s sensitive skin. If you take your dog into the ocean, make sure you have fresh water on hand – your dog will want to (and most likely will) drink the salt water, leaving him or her dehydrated.

Your dog is your favorite companion and your best friend – make sure you take care of them all through the summer! After all- your pup’s cuddles keep you warm in the winter, so it only makes sense that you keep your canine cool in the summer!

As pets continue to become more integrated into their owner’s lives, more and more will be joining their family for summer adventures. Since it is projected that Americans will spend roughly two billion dollars on boarding facilities in 2011 according to the American Pet Product Association, why not put some of those dollars towards including pets on vacations rather than leaving them at home? Award-winning writer and author and pet lifestyle expert, Sandy Robins, shares her travel tips and the safety accessories pets should never hit the road, trails, high seas or friendly skies without.

Paw Protection: Whether standing on a hot boat deck or navigating the rough terrain during a hike, protect dog paws with booties. A unique new product is the Planet PETCO LuvGear booties with TempAlert technology. These not only prevent the paws from abrasions or serious burns, the TempAlert patch lights up to let pet parents know when the outside temperature becomes too unsafe and the dog is act risk for heat stroke.

Life Jacket: Most dogs are tempted to jump off the boat into the water for a refreshing dip, but whether they prefer the chilly water or to kick-back on board, a life preserver should be part of their permanent style. The PETCO Dog Flotation Vest comes in both neon pink and yellow, making it easy to spot your pooch in or out of the water.

Beach Bum: If a dog doesn’t take to the water right away, never force them into the water. Instead, if the waves bring on anxiety, try gently coaxing or using a treat or toy as a lure so they can become familiar with the water at their own pace. And, it is always a good idea to check with a lifeguard to evaluate the conditions for the day as rough waters can exhaust a dog more easily. Also, much like humans, treat a dog’s nose and ears with sunscreen.

Drive with Pets in Mind: More than half of all dog owners consider their pet’s comfort when buying a car, according to the American Pet Product Association. Catering to this growing audience, automobile manufacturer Toyota launched a campaign geared towards educating pet owners about properly securing pets in their vehicles. The Toyota Highlander, Venza, Prius, Sequoia and Sienna have become popular among pet owners, offering features such as water resistant fabric-trimmed seating to allow for easy pet clean up; low load-in height to eliminate heavy lifting for pet parents and to make it easy on pet legs; high safety ratings in front and side impact crashes; tinted and UV protected windows and automatic rear climate control.

Buckle Up: According to a 2009 survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 61 percent of owners surveyed do not secure or restrain their dog in the car. An unrestrained pet can distract the driver and injure themselves and the driver in an accident. Robins suggests a dog seatbelt or a barrier by pet safety specialists, Kurgo, to help keep them contained and comfortable. Also, keep pets out of the front seat unless they are secured in a booster seat that won’t trigger the front airbag in an accident. Pets should be secured in the backseat or cargo area of the vehicle for their safety.

Cool-Down: Pets and pet parents have a lot of the same needs, and hydration is one of the most important. Considering dogs sport a fur coat all year long, when the weather heats up heatstroke and dehydration can happen more frequently. Portable bowls, such as Handi-Drink Instant Dog Drinkers, are one of the easiest additions to any picnic basket just as long as pets receive clean water throughout the day.

Airborne: If pets are traveling in the airline cabin they must fit comfortably under their seat in a pre-approved carrier. If flying in the cargo area make sure pets are kept in strong carriers that are well ventilated, and just big enough that a dog can stand up, lie down, and turn around comfortably. Be sure to include dog blankets and toys in the carrier, as they will be alone in a strange place. And always check with the airline on their requirements for carriers, pet-size and vaccinations – each one differs.

Bug Off: Summer months exacerbate flea and tick infestations, so prevention is key.  Use a shampoo or oral product like Capstar for immediate relief, and apply topical treatment such as Advantage or Frontline several days after bathing to ensure the best efficacy. With a flea infestation it is best to concurrently treat the home and the yard with flea products while treating pets, recommends Sandy.

No matter what method of travel chosen, it is vital that a pet’s tags and microchip are updated with the most current information and a check up to consider any special needs pets may have is important.

About Sandy Robins

As one of the country’s leading multi-media pet lifestyle experts and authors, Sandy Robins documents the wonderful relationship that we have with our pets highlighting trends and innovative ideas as they happen. Her award-winning work is very visible on many of the country’s leading pet platforms such as MSNBC.com. She is also the lead lifestyle writer on MSN’s dogcentric website DogCentral.MSN.com and a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national publications such as Dog Fancy, Modern Dog and Cat Fancy.

About PETCO

PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $60 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support about 7,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

Lyme disease is most prevalent in the spring and summer months.

(Vocus) April 4, 2011 — April is Prevent Lyme in Dogs Month and Trupanion, the nation’s fastest-growing pet insurance provider, today released tips and information about the disease in an effort to help pet owners protect their pets this spring and summer.

Lyme disease, or Borreliosis, is transmitted by the bite of infected deer ticks, which are more commonly found after the winter thaw.

The most common signs and symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, loss of appetite, lameness, lethargy, unusual breathing, and in extreme cases kidney damage. Rarely the pet will exhibit heart problems or neurological symptoms such as seizures. If any of these symptoms occur (even if no tick has been found), it’s important to take the pet to a veterinarian immediately. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Pet owners should be aware, however, that not all pets show symptoms when they are infected. If the pet owner believes the pet may be exposed, the pet should be taken to a veterinarian regardless of the lack of symptoms shown.

When it comes to Lyme disease, prevention is key. Pet owners can protect their pets in the following ways:

• Administer tick preventative regularly. Products such as the Preventic collar, Advantix, Frontline, and Revolution will either kill the tick or cause it to drop off the pet before it causes damage.
• Cut or mow grassy or overgrown areas regularly to prevent an infestation.
• Closely examine all pets after playtime outdoors to detect embedded ticks.
• Safely remove ticks if found. Place fine-point tweezers around the tick as close to the pet’s skin as possible, and gently pull until the tick detaches. Disinfect the bite site and the tweezers after removal. Place the tick into a small container for later examination by a professional.

An infected tick must be attached to the pet for 48 hours before transmission of the disease occurs. So, as long as ticks are found immediately and disposed of, the pet should be in no danger.

Treatment for Lyme disease can be quite expensive, depending on the severity of the case. Trupanion covers this treatment as long as all preventative care advised by the pet’s veterinarian was followed and the first signs and symptoms did not appear prior to the pet’s full policy coverage.

Exercise is important for animals all year round.

Trupanion notes an increase in pet insurance claims for cruciate ligament damages and ties this to warm weather.

(PR.com) August 16, 2010 - Trupanion, a pet insurance company, reports a 29.76% rise in pet insurance claims for cruciate ligament damage between January and June of 2010. The company regularly sees an increase in claims in the summer months, due to a spike in physical activity during warmer weather.

Cruciate ligaments are criss-crossed over the knee, stabilizing the joint while allowing for a very large range of motion. The damage occurs when the ligaments are ruptured or torn, usually from excessive physical activity, resulting in instability or a limp.

Cruciate ligament damage is most often treated with surgery. Veterinarians will determine what type of surgery is most suitable for the pet, based on size, lifestyle, and other factors. The option most commonly seen by Trupanion is Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy. During this procedure, the knee joint is opened and the damaged portion is removed. Then, the tibia is cut and rotated so that the knee joint stabilizes as the animal puts weight on it.

Cruciate ligament repairs are among the most expensive claims Trupanion receives. One such claim saw a total veterinary bill of $4,005.40. The policy holder had a zero deductible policy, and since Trupanion covers 90% of actual costs, the company reimbursed a total of $3,604.86.

The most common breeds that are prone to this injury are Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, and Mastiff, but Trupanion has seen claims in a wide variety of breeds.

There are a few things pet owners can do to decrease the chance their pet will suffer from cruciate ligament damage:

• Monitor the pet’s weight. Overweight animals have a higher chance of injuring themselves due to the added weight placed on their joints.
• Give the pet plenty of exercise all year round. If the pet is used to exercise, he will be less likely to strain himself if playtime becomes more strenuous.
• If the pet is older or has another structural issue such as a luxated patella, pay close attention to him as he plays, as he is at greater risk for a ligament injury.

If you suspect your pet has an injury, be sure to take him to your vet as soon as possible.

Because the weather is warmer, it’s a great idea to get outside with your dog and get some exercise and explore the great outdoors. Even if you live in the city or suburbs, you can usually find some good trails (whether flat or mountainous) within a short drive.

When planning a hike with your dog, be sure to consider a few things:

• Is your dog in good physical shape? If you’ve got a small dog, a fat dog, and old dog, etc. be sure not to take them to a trail that might be too strenuous.
• Bring plenty of snacks and water. Dogs exert lots of calories when hiking as well and would enjoy a good snack for energy.
• Bring a leash, poo bags, and first aid supplies such as tweezers and bandages.
• Be sure your dog is equipped with a visible ID tag in case he should become lost.

Have fun with your dog as you get in touch with nature together!

Dallas News recently posted an article with some awesome tips that I include along with some other important facts.

Keep Fido away from the picnic table. Human foods such as chips, candy, and other snacks can upset your pup’s stomach. Other foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, and avocado can be toxic to dogs and cause serious health affects if they eat too much.

No meat. Greasy grilled steak can also cause stomach upset. Dogs should never be fed cooked chicken bones as they can break apart and splinter your dog’s insides.

Hot grills. Keep your dog away from the grill while it’s being used. Dogs like to linger because of the enticing smells, but they can easily get burned or injured, even after the grill has been turned off.

Keep him leashed and tagged. If you’re going to a place that is unfamiliar to your dog, be sure that he is microchipped and/or wearing his ID tags should he become lost.

Be safe in the sun. If you’re outside during a bright, sunny day, be sure to equip Fido with some sunscreen on his nose, ears, and other parts where the fur is thin.

See more sunny day pet tips to be fully prepared!

If you decide to bring Fido a long for some beachy fun, let him romp in the sand and water and chase the waves, but please remember these top pet safety tips when bringing your dog to the beach.

1. Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog may easily become dehydrated on a hot day, and especially at a saltwater beach. Be sure he has plenty of cold water to drink to keep his thirst at bay and also cool him down.
2. Make sure your pet has a shaded area to lay. Dogs can’t take off their coats when they get hot, so be sure that they have a sanctuary to go and cool off.
3. Never leave pets unattended in the car. You should know this by now! Even on a mildly warm, 70-degree day, a car can heat up to over 100 degrees.
4. Use pet-friendly sunscreen on pets with short hair or bald spots, ears, nose, and belly. Pets can get sunburns too, so be sure to keep their skin protected.
5. Best to find a spot on the grass – sand can get very hot to walk on and burn animals’ paw pads. On really hot days, it might be best to leave Fido at home rather than making him trudge through scalding sand. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for his paw pads.
6. Buy a pet life jacket if your pet plans on going in the water. Though many dogs are capable of swimming, it doesn’t mean they enjoy it. Give them a rest (swimming is tiring!) and put on a life vest so that they can enjoy some smooth sailing if they go into the water.
7. Thoroughly rinse pets who have been swimming in salt water. Licking the salt water off himself can cause dehydration to your dog and even make him sick. Keep Fido clean and fresh after a salty bath.
8. Opt to take pets to the beach in the morning or late evening or on cooler days. Your dog will have an easier time enjoying himself if the temperatures are more comfortable.
9. Allow pets to stay home or in a cooler/air conditioned place during the heat of the day. If temperatures are high outside, it may be best to leave your pets at home.
10. Lastly– HAVE FUN! Encourage your dogs to chase, fetch, romp, swim, splash, play, run, and enjoy themselves!

*Photo of Tiki from Georgina M. via Trupanion’s Facebook page.