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>> Hi and welcome back to Pet Life .

I'm Emilie Henry and we're so glad you're joining us today we are talking about seasonal pet safety from extreme temperatures and holiday hazards to traveling with your pets and preparing for severe weather.

There are plenty of things pet owners should keep in mind to keep their furry family members safe throughout the year we are joined by Amy Jo Sites and we want to hear your questions too.

So give us a call or send us a text during the show and stick around until the end when we will introduce you to an adoptable pet looking for a forever home.

>> He is really, really cute.

Let's get started.

I say that every week but it true.

Amy Jo, thanks for joining us.

So we are in the midst of a big seasonal change right now.

We think about ourselves and our families and kind of what what we need to do to keep ourselves safe, what are seasonal dangers we need to be aware of for our pets.

So as the weather changes there's going to be some environmental changes that also occur.

So you might notice some changes within your dog or cats, maybe allergy sensitivities, things like that to things out in the environment mushrooms when you're on those hikes, you know the dead leaves and all the strange smells and mold and all the fun things.

So those are all things that can affect dogs and cats.

They just display the symptoms differently.

>> OK, so if you have if a pet is new to your family and you're like what is going on, it's a good chance that it's probably some sort of environmental reaction worth calling the vet.

Absolutely.

There's nothing wrong with you ruling things out.

Right.

So then you know what to expect as the seasons change.

Right.

And what about the differences between dogs and cats?

Do they have sort of different issues, if you will?

>> Seasonally always.

Yes.

So dogs are probably a little bit more obvious when they are having issues cats not so much.

>> So you really have to pay attention to cats because they hide it very, very well and what kind of things might we be looking for ?

>> So especially with behavior changes maybe if your cat is hiding a little bit more or if they're excessively grooming things like that where dogs it's usually you know, maybe panting or pacing or scratching or things like that.

>> So those are some things that you might want to pay more attention to.

>> So how important is it to sort of adjust our pets routine as the seasons change?

>> I feel like that's probably one of the things that people underestimate.

So as the seasons change we sometimes take for granted how fast the weather can change, how dark it gets, you know, faster now.

>> So all of those factors it's like a big gamut what what are some of the things that we should be considering changing?

>> I would say if you're going to be taking like walks especially with dogs getting reflective collars, making sure they have lights like I have a black dog.

Yeah, So she's got a clip on late so even though I'm lit up she's not and she's obviously going to go ahead of me.

>> So for safety factors you want to make sure they're lit up as well.

That makes perfect sense.

What are some other simple precautions that we can take for our pets?

>> So time change has been super fun in my house so you might need to make those small incremental changes to get them used to it because animals do like routine.

>> So when we are changing time frames you might have to just wean them back to get them on schedule.

>> OK, so we're talking bump dinner.

Yes.

Fifteen minutes.

OK all right well that may I hate it too.

So let's talk a little bit about warmer weather.

I know we're not up against that at the moment but what are some of the biggest dangers that that pets face when it's hot so a lot of people underestimate again how fast the temperatures rise or how hot it actually is and they take for granted that again if your cat or dog is not actively displaying symptoms right then that there was no damage and that's not actually what's happening.

>> Yeah.

So what are some things that we should be doing?

>> I mean is is it sometimes simply too hot to take your dog for a walk?

Yes.

And one of the things that we have in the ordinance is actually eighty five degrees so above eighty five degrees is what you probably should refrain from taking your pets out into walks especially long walks.

>> Yeah.

So one of the touch tests that you can do is five to seven seconds on the on the asphalt or on the sidewalk OK if it's too hot for your hand it's too hot for their paws.

>> Yes we see poor burns all the time and again it's not malicious it's just individuals just well this is the time I take my dog for a walk.

>> Yes.

Yeah that concrete is like a heat conductor.

>> Yes.

OK now if you if it's below eighty five degrees and you are going to take your dog for a walk I'm assuming you need to bring water.

Yes and you should also probably pay more attention to their body language so when they start to get like panting really heavily or their tongue gets wider so they're really struggling OK at that point in time so slower pace walks maybe not running a five K you know even if it's eighty three degrees you know that kind of thing and you also have to consider the heat index so all of those factors go into play.

>> Yeah OK that makes sense.

What about leaving our pets in a parked car even if the windows are cracked so your car is an oven your car is again a heat conductor so it can actually raise twenty degrees within 15 minutes of the doors being closed even with the windows cracked there's actually studies that show windows being cracked have zero to no influence of where the wind coming through whenever yeah it's usually stagnant air so just don't plan out your day differently.

Yeah.

So besides providing the water and really watching their body language, what are some other things pet owners can do when it's just really hot?

So bringing them inside obviously especially if they're an outdoor dog already so trying to bring them into a temperature controlled environment you can also do some water play that helps.

>> OK, so you can do frozen treats like frozen yogurt treats like not you know like sugary and stuff like that but you can make them things like that but it's things to help cool them down because they cannot regulate their body temperatures like we do.

>> They don't sweat like they do so which is where the panting comes which is where the panting comes in.

>> Yes.

And actually not soaking them but maybe like cooling them off with a little bit of cool water, that kind of thing their pads or their paws types of things.

But again it's really limiting how much exposure they have outside if you're not outside they shouldn't be outside.

>> Yes.

So let them go and then bring them back in back in.

OK on the other end of the spectrum as we are starting to face now cold weather has its own set of challenges.

What are some things that we really need to be aware of during the winter for our pets?

So I know it's going to sound repetitive but you really do need to pay attention to your animals body language and what they are displaying to you.

So with the cold they're going to have that shaking right when they stop shaking and it's still cold, you need to be concerned.

>> OK, OK so how can I call that or go to the emergency vet?

>> Yes, absolutely because if they're no longer showing symptoms of duress even though they're in the same environment ,we probably have a problem.

So they might be shutting down at that point in time, especially if they become unconscious.

>> So yeah, there's a and it can happen so fast those you know, being exposed to the weather like that.

>> Yeah.

So how cold is too cold below thirty two degrees and especially that wind chill.

So just like the summer when you're worried about the heat index and the temperature in the winter you're worried about not only the cold but the wind chill as well.

So you're trying to take that all into consideration.

So if it's feel like that's what you're going by.

>> Yes, OK.

Do certain breeds tolerate the cold better than others?

Absolutely.

So those double coated dogs.

Right.

So your huskies, your Saint Bernard, your Bernese mountain dogs, all of those things we get calls all the time about a dog outside even though it has proper house and whatnot.

But he won't go in the house.

He won't go into his dog house .

>> It's a husky.

He doesn't want to go into the dog house but even then you still have to it's almost like OK kids, it's time to come in.

>> Right.

You're done playing.

So it's that same thing because I don't understand when they've had too much.

>> Yes.

OK, so for dogs like that do they need coats?

Do they need that cold weather protection or I would say that they don't necessarily need coats per say but you do need to be careful about their paws and then to dry their fur like the best that you can remember I said it was double coated so you're not going be able to get it all right.

>> But you can get all that excess off.

OK, so to help yeah.

So they can regulate their body temperature.

Sure.

OK now what are signs of hypothermia or frostbite is that the when they stop shaking.

Yes.

So they're going to be excessively shaking.

Their breathing is going to be either labored or very shallow.

They're going to be lethargic so almost like they're sleepy those types of things.

>> So think about them literally kind of shutting down .

>> If you see your dog kind of trying to do that, you should be concerned.

Oh, that's terrifying.

>> Yes, it is.

Speaking of terrifying, how dangerous is ice melt so on their paws it can actually cause some burns.

>> It can also cause indigestion issues and maybe some some other concerns.

>> Yes, And some vomiting.

>> Yes.

Now with antifreeze you're looking at very small doses can be fatal for dogs and cats.

>> OK, so that is something that you really need to be conscientious of especially in the winter time.

>> OK, what about outdoor cats during the winter?

>> I mean there's a concern there's a concern for them so we actually have you can Google it.

You can look on our website there's ways that you can create homes for them.

So like just really quick shelters but they have the same issues that dogs they can't necessarily regulate their body temperature.

They have susceptibility to frostbite on their paws, their ears, their tails, all of those factors.

So they are also susceptible to the weather.

>> Yeah, well as I mentioned, it's not only getting colder but now the holiday season is hot on our heels which is, you know, so much fun for families but there are also a lot of unexpected hazards for pets.

So what are some of the biggest ones to watch for so you're going to look at all those sweet treats that you get as gifts or that you're baking or maybe even all the decorations that are in your home or the wrapping paper, the bows, the ribbons, all of those things can be actually pretty dangerous to your pets.

>> OK, so is that because they try to ingest them?

>> Yes.

Oh yeah.

That's that's not great.

Yes.

Yes.

OK now around Thanksgiving and Christmas what are some common foods that are really unsafe so a lot of people try to say oh I'm going to give this cooked bone like the ham bone.

>> Right.

Those are actually things that you should not be utilizing for your pets.

OK, Because they can splinter, they can cause some damage internally and they can cause the digestion issues as well.

>> Yeah, especially when they're not used to it and I don't know about you but holiday food tends to be a little richer and richer and fat, you know all of those things because that's why we love him so much.

>> In other words, it makes it amazing but it's not great for your pet so you could actually make them very, very sick.

>> OK, and I don't I feel like a lot of families think oh well it's a special time for us.

We should treat our pets but there are better ways to do it.

Yes, Safer ways that you can do it and you can actually still give them like Turkey but you give it to them when it's not seasoned.

>> OK, OK yeah so which is kind of hard to do because unless you're cooking a separate turkey for yeah yeah I'm barely cooking my own so what about guests at parties and kind of changes in routine how does that create stress for our pets and what can we do about it.

>> So just like humans they get overwhelmed as well so making sure that they have that opportunity to get away, to hide, to have decompression time especially if your pets are not used to being around small children and maybe your family is very large or maybe you have family that tend to be a little louder and you have a quiet home all of those factors.

>> So you want to give your pet an opportunity to go I'm going to step out for a little bit.

>> I'll be over here, OK?

And that's their safe zone.

So you do need to advocate for your pet.

Sure.

Even though it's their home and even though your family is welcome, they need a space as well.

>> Right.

OK, what about things like electrical cords?

You know when we've got the the lights and all of that, is that something we need to be worried about?

We need to be conscientious of what's happening and if you see that your pets are being a little curious, you want to distract them, maybe trade up with a good treat so they know that they're like oh I'd rather have this than an electrical cord.

Yes.

OK, let's talk about traveling with our pets.

I was telling you before we started the show I have been fortunate enough I've never had a dog who's anxious in the car but that is not the case.

>> No for all dogs no not all dogs love to travel so there are some dogs that it is absolutely petrifying for them to be in a vehicle.

Yes.

And it could be from past trauma just could be from the motions whatever sights they see whatever.

Yeah.

The safest place for your pet is going to be in the back seat preferably in a carrier, OK because they've actually done some studies about the pet safety belts and they're they're not conclusive as to whether or not that they're safe.

It does prevent them from being a projectile in your vehicle.

Right.

But it doesn't necessarily keep them safe.

>> They're actually safer in a crate if possible.

OK, and what about a dog who is anxious?

>> Is there anything we can do?

You can consult with your veterinarian and there are lots of medications out there that you can actually use to help.

I don't want to necessarily say sedate but to calm them OK, take the edge off so they're not so anxious in the car.

Yeah, perfect.

What should owners pack when they are traveling with their pets?

>> What are the common things you use at home?

So it's going to be the same thing so similar to when they had babies.

I was just going to say that yes.

So you are packing your your pet just like you would a child .

>> So the toys, the treats, the food, the bowls, the bed, the bed.

Yeah yeah.

Something from home so it's comfortable right.

So you want to make them as calming as possible so they can ease that transition.

>> OK and how often should we be stopping for bathroom break.

So it's going to depend on your pet I'll be honest I have a very large dog so she would go probably for a couple of hours in the car but again you're moving around if their anxiety is amping up or if they're just like oh I'm not really sure about this, it could actually cause them to have to use the restroom a little bit more.

>> So if you start seeing them getting antsy, pull off.

Yeah yeah.

OK what about pets who get cars so they actually suggest that you can do a small meal before they ride which you would think would be counterproductive but everything that we have seen on our recommendation says a small meal but again I would consult with your veterinarian OK and if you're staying somewhere unfamiliar what precautions should you take?

>> So first things first you're going to keep your pet on a leash.

I'm always going to assume that you're traveling with your dogs ,not necessarily cats.

Right.

So when you're with your dog you're going to make sure that you have them on a leash first so they can kind get used to the smells and scents and then you can also see where the dangers are.

Yeah.

So just like non baby proofed you're looking for a non pet proofed home.

>> Yeah it's so similar in many ways.

>> How important is it to make sure your pets microchip information and their identification is is up to date?

>> You would be surprised at how many people lose their pets while they're traveling and they don't have their information updated so then they have to try to call home and get their veterinarian paperwork or what have you.

>> So keeping that up to date is going to allow the shelters that are responsible for containing them to be able to contact you immediately and that's what we want.

We want to be able to reunite you with your pets.

So the microchip information is current.

The vet information is current.

Jutras travel with a copy of your current vaccine.

>> Oh Smar yes.

So you have all that information OK you have that never would have occurred to me because there's actually a state law that requires you to have your current rabies vaccine before you can actually travel out of state lines.

>> So just little nugget of info.

>> Yeah, this might be a stupid question but I know like for my kids for their vaccines I can go online to the patient portal divests have a similar situation where some electronical some vets do but there's also there's companies out there that you can actually upload the information about your pet especially if it already has a microchip you can actually upload that information in there.

So it's current we have a text apparently look at us.

OK, this is from Tom in Columbia City.

Food and water for a dog in the car.

So if you are going to leave your dog in the car number one ,please make sure it is on.

So keep that engine running.

Yes, at least it's accessible to water food not necessarily is required but the water is especially in the heat.

>> OK, and what if you're just traveling is it a good idea to have food in the car or is that a it does a recipe for I I personally wouldn't but I think it's going to depend on your pet.

>> OK, so well thanks for your question Tom.

We don't have much time left but I do want to quickly cover you know it's the good old Midwest city thunderstorms and tornadoes and all those fun things.

>> What should we have in a pet emergency kit?

So just like travel you're going to want the same things in your pet emergency kit.

You're going to want three or five days worth of food.

>> You're going to also want any medications that your pet needs water bowls, treats, all of those things.

>> If you used canned food, make sure you throw a can opener in there unless they're the PopCap ones.

Right.

But even then just have one just so all the things that you would normally travel at home or travel with, you're going to put in one of those like, you know, storage containers.

>> Yes.

And then I'm assuming that every so often we should be checking to be sure that that stuff is still good, correct?

Yep.

Yep.

Take it out.

Replace it with new use it up in the house.

OK, should pets have carriers leashes and ID ready to go in the case of an emergency yes you should absolutely know where everything is so you can go if you want a backup leash and collar it's really not a bad thing like my dog does not wear a collar inside the home but I know where hers is.

It's like right by the door.

>> Yeah.

So I'm going to make sure that I have it as we walk out.

Yes.

Perfect.

What do families do if they need to evacuate their home?

>> So having a plan in place prior is important.

>> OK so if you have to go if you have to leave ask family and friends first like hey you're my backup plan.

Is it OK if if Buffy and whoever come with me yeah perfect.

OK sometime though you might have to actually go to a hotel.

Do you know the pet friendly hotels in your area?

>> Those are the things that you might want to ask so smart.

Yeah as always I have about forty eight more questions.

>> We don't have time because we have to go to adoption corner OK I can't wait for everybody to see this sweet baby boy.

>> I'm excited.

All right let's head over here.

Thank you everybody meet Cole.

How cute is he OK he's six months old.

Six months old yes but he's going to he's going to be a big he's going to be a big boy.

>> Yes.

We have him as a lab mix because of course we're not quite sure without genetic testing.

Of course.

>> But he is a very good car writer and right now he is learning all sorts of new things.

>> He's been very good with his training.

Good.

He's going to be very large.

OK, what do we know about his affinity for other dogs?

So from what we understand he does seem to play well and the person that found him initially did have children and so they were they said that he was fine with kids.

>> OK, so great.

Yeah, And what about other dogs?

>> Other dogs as far as we know he does play very well.

Good boy.

Are you going to show you boy and obviously very cheap move as we can see.

>> I mean yeah me too.

Yeah me too.

Yeah.

What else should we know about Cole?

So we don't know a lot about Cole because he came to us as a stray and he just wasn't claimed OK so what we're seeing right now is that he is very friendly.

He is outgoing.

He does want to learn he's motivated.

He is good with dogs again we have limited exposure to children but from what they saw it was actually a very positive person is very positive and for a lab mix like Cole he's going to be one who requires walks.

Yes.

Some more time outside weather permitting.

>> Weather permitting, of course.

Yes.

And he's at that nice young age that you can train him on those things.

Right.

So you can go on walks.

You can try the car rides.

You can make sure that he has all the exposure he needs.

>> Yeah, no.

All right.

All right.

Yousuke here.

>> Yes.

OK, now is the time when I have to remind you that if you're interested in Cole or any of the adoptable cats you saw tonight, please don't call us here at PBS Fort Wayne.

We'd love to hear from you but we cannot facilitate an adoption.

So yes, you would like coal or any of the other pets you saw.

You can either scan QR code or give animal care and control a call and you always recommend having the application completed ahead of time.

Yes and because we are doing the adapter who's your shelter pet month for the month of November adopted.

Who is your shelter pet?

He is included in our promotion so he has an adoption fee that's been reduced to fifty dollars.

>> The steal the deal I had to steal of a deal.

>> Is there anything that we should be concerned about knowing that he is going to be big?

>> I feel like big dogs don't know their size and then and people don't realize the size as well so but I have a Great Dane at home she's one hundred and ten pounds and your horse?

Yes, many horse but she just doesn't think she is.

>> Yeah so but he is a bigger dog so if you have smaller children they might get knocked down when these playing but again these are all things that can come with time.

Have you watched him interact with small dogs.

No I have not.

OK yes but our adoption counselors can go over all of what they've seen in the playgroup so but yeah.

>> And you do always recommend bringing your pets.

Yes.

You're your current pets with you if you are looking to adopt because we want to make sure that we set up everybody for success.

Yes.

Your pet at home as well as your family.

>> Yeah, absolutely.

Oh cool.

Hi sweet boy.

Yes.

OK, I know it's a bit early to to be having this conversation but let's talk about the idea of giving a pet as a gift to so we actually promote certificates.

>> Yes.

OK, yes.

So then if somebody wants to adopt they can come in and make a perfect match for themselves.

Yes, I love that.

I want to pick out something for someone else.

Yes.

I also have a family member in my life who is an especially dear lover of pets doesn't need any more at her house.

So I have given a gift certificate on her behalf.

Yep, as a gift absolutely just great.

So obviously we're all kind of getting into that mindset but we should as tempting as it is right?

Yeah.

Not a great idea.

Right Cole and not everyone is ready either.

Yeah.

And it's a huge time commitment.

Yes, absolutely.

As we have talked about before Cole, you're just the cutest thing.

>> We love you.

You're going to find it forever home.

Yes.

Amy Joe, thank you so much for being here and we hope you join us next on Candlelights