Binghamton Agway Farm & Home Store
145 Broad Avenue Binghamton, NY 13904
(607) 723-7409
bafeedback@binghamtonagway.com
 

Store Hours
Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm
Sat 8am - 6pm
Sun 8am - 5pm
click here for store location

PET CARE FOR ALL SEASONS

SUMMER CARE

Dogs and cats don’t have sweat glands. Always leave the windows open in the car and keep pets in shaded areas to prevent heatstroke. Heavy panting, an anxious, staring expression, salivating, rapid pulse rate, dizziness and vomiting are all signs your dog or cat need immediate relief from the heat. Always supply plenty of fresh water.

Parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and heartworms are all prevalent in the summer, too. If you suspect a parasite, have your vet analyze a stool sample. Commercial flea and tick collars make good sense as well, and vaccinations should be kept up to date.

Also, don’t cut long hair on dogs and cats. The extra fur insulates against heat as well as cold. And make sure pets always have adequate ventilation and cool, comfortable quarters where they can lie and escape the heat.

Outdoor pets early only about three-fourths as much in summer as in winter, so cut back on portions. Don’t leave bones (not biscuits or commercial bones ~ meat leftovers) around for more than a day, either, since dogs can get food poisoning from meat that’s gone bad in the heat. Putting bones in the freezer can prevent this problem.

WINTER CARE

Pets are not much different from you when it comes to handling cold weather. Puppies are older animals should stay indoors. Outdoor dogs should stay outdoors. You’re not doing the animal a “favor” by bringing him in the house on cold nights. Going from the cold into a heated environment can do more harm than good. On the coldest nights, let them sleep in the garage or basement, rather than the house – someplace that approximates the outdoor temperature, while still providing shelter from the harshest weather.

 A helpful option is a pet door, which will allow the pet to enter and exit as needed. A dog house makes good sense, too. Give it double wall for insulation and a flap or blanket over the opening to keep out the wind. Outdoor cats should have access to a compartment small enough to retain their body heat.

Outdoor pets need extra food, too. Add extra calories to your pet’s diet with high-protein, premium foods to fortify against the cold. Put baby oil on pets’ paws to prevent cracking and bleeding from exposure to the salt used to melt ice and snow. And pets need fresh water, too, so remember to check their bowls often to ensure that it is not frozen. Or use a heated water bowl that won’t freeze.

 Also, consider a sweater. Any dog that shivers outside is just as cold as you are and will benefit from the protection a sweater provides. Make sure the sweater fits snugly around the belly, which has less hair.

Dogs and cats grow more fur in winter as well, so you should pay special attention to grooming to keep hair from getting matted and tangled.