Despite the dog days of summer ending on August 11th, heat records continue throughout the United States. Lean how extreme heat affects our pets and how to help.

Death Valley experiences extreme heat
Courtesy: Jplenio / Pixabay

THE Hottest Month on Earth!

On Friday, August 13th, the “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared July 2021 the world’s hottest month in 142 years of records.” Even Death Valley, California hit a new world record at a sweltering 130 degrees F!

In addition, records were also broken in Turkey, Northern Japan, Italy and Northern Ireland.

These extreme temperatures are life-threatening for humans, imagine how our pets felt trying to adapt and cope with extreme heat!

Extreme heat affects marine life
Courtesy: Donieve / Pixabay

All Animals Are Affected by Heat

Both wildlife and domesticated animals are affected by these scorching temperatures. Even marine life has paid a high price on the Pacific Coast with millions of mussels, sea stars, barnacles and hermit crabs dying.

So how can you protect your beloved pets during these all-too-common heatwaves?

Extreme Heat: How Pets Cool Down

First, it is important to remember that physiologically cats, dogs, and rabbits cannot deal with extreme heat as we do. While we can regulate our body temperature through our largest organ, skin, animals are different.

Extreme heat affects our K9s
Courtesy: Couleur / Pixabay

Dogs and Cats: Sweat only through their paws and noses. Panting also helps them cool off.

Cats: Through grooming their fur, the saliva evaporates off their hair and helps cool them down.

Rabbits and Birds: Do not sweat at all! They try to cool down with panting. Birds open their mouth and “flutter” their neck muscles to promote heat loss. They also flap their wings. Rabbits dissipate heat through their ears.

Horses: Cool themselves through 1) the dilation of skin capillaries and 2) sweating through their skin.

Remember, deal with dangerously hot temperatures from your pet’s point of view, not your own.

Extreme Heat and Risks

Animals don’t always let us know how they are feeling. So, the pet owner needs to understand each animal and protect them in extreme temperatures.

Extreme heat affects our pets and can cause dangerous conditions including:

Extreme Heat: 8 Ways to Protect Your Pets

Extreme heat affects our pets
Courtesy: Madhurima Handa / Pixabay
  1. Offer plenty of fresh, cool water.
  2. Run the AC; do not rely on just a fan.
  3. Make sure any pets in cages are away from all windows. Pull the shades to keep the heat out.
  4. Brush them often to remove old, excessive hair.
  5. If your pet begins to overheat, slowly cool them down and contact your vet.
  6. Keep a closer eye on pets susceptible to heatstroke including:
    a. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers.
    b. Pets with heart issues.
    c. Overweight pets.
    d. Very young or very old pets.
  7. Remember humidity adds to the overall heat index so be extra vigilant!
  8. Know your pet so you notice if they are not drinking enough water and whether they are overheating.

Extreme Heat: 6 Things NOT to Do!

Extreme heat affects our dogs
Courtesy: Artem Beliaikin / Pexels

Doing any of the six things below could harm your pet (rather than help) during extreme heat.

NEVER:

  1. Shave your pet!
  2. Immerse your pet in very cold water! This may cause shock and even death and stop all cooling.
  3. Leave your dog or other pets outside!
  4. Exercise your pet during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid hot pavement, asphalt and parking lots. Walk your dog on the grass or dirt.
  5. Leave your dog or any other pet in the car!
  6. Leave pets unattended around a pool!

Always work with your veterinarian on how best to keep your pet cool during heat waves based on their breed, age, overall health and condition.


A Rabbit Getting Groomed
Courtesy: EquiGroomer

Regularly brush out your pet’s old, excessive hair with EquiGroomer tools to help them keep cooler during the hot days.

EquiGroomer Grooming Tools: Easy and Pain-Free Grooming!

Click here or on the image to watch the video!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.

Pets can often feel “feverish” to a worried owner simply because an animal’s normal temperature range is above our own (typically between 97.5 to 99.6 degrees F). 

Our pets and animals can become too hot (or even too cold) for a variety of reasons. If you are concerned your pet has a fever or is overly chilled, taking their temperature can help put your mind at ease or encourage you to contact your regular veterinarian. But how do you know if your pet’s temperature is normal? 

High vs Low Temperatures: Which is Worse

While a pet with a high temperature is typically more worrisome to most owners, a low temperature may also be a cause for alarm. If you are unsure about your pet’s unusual temperature, consult your veterinarian to avoid any long-term issues or complications for your pet.

The medical terms below are used to indicate temperatures outside the normal range:

Hyperthermia (a high temperature outside the normal range) may indicate:

  • Fever due to infection or inflammation as part of the immune system’s defense.
  • Overexertion.
  • Stress; or
  • Overheating from exposure to excess heat and/or humidity (absorbing more heat than the body can naturally dissipate or release).

Hypothermia (a low temperature outside the normal range) may indicate:

  • Extended exposure to cold and/or wet.
  • Shock.
  • Pending labor in females.
  • The body is losing heat faster than it is absorbing.

Healthy Pets: Normal Temperature Ranges

Pet temperatures fall into ranges

Dogs: 101 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37.9 – 39.9 degrees Celsius)

Cats: 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (or 39.1 – 39.2 degrees Celsius)

Rabbits: 101.5-104.2 degrees Fahrenheit (or 38.6 – 40.1 degrees Celsius)

Horses: 99 – 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37.2 – 38.3 degrees Celsius)

Livestock: Click here to find the normal temperature range for other animals in the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Sustained temperatures outside the pet’s normal range can lead to issues like heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even internal damage if not addressed properly and reduced to the normal range. Always know your pet’s normal resting temperature (temperature setpoint) to know if they are having issues.

Taking Your Pet/Animal’s Temperature

Old-fashioned mercury thermometers are no longer considered safe for taking an animal’s temperature as they may snap especially with excited or nervous animals exposing the pet – and you – to potential mercury.

Digital thermometers show if your pet's temperature is normalDigital thermometers are considered safer and more commonly used today. Temperatures are typically taken via the ear or rectally – which is considered more accurate – in cats, dogs, horses and livestock (with a small amount of lubricant on the end of the thermometer). Be warned, depending on your pet or animal, taking their temperature may be a two-person job!

 

Abnormal Temperatures: When to be Concerned

Our pet’s temperatures can fluctuate during the day and it is not always a reason to be concerned. The temperature and humidity outside and your pet’s activity can all affect their temperature. Getting them to rest and drink should help bring their temperature back within the normal range.

Your vet can tell you if your pet's temperature is normal

 

The Bottom Line

Like humans, animals may run slightly elevated, short-term temperatures as their body fights off minor infections or fevers. This is normal.

Medications should only be used when necessary to avoid diminishing the effectiveness of your pet’s immune system. If a mild fever or slightly elevated (and unusual) temperature persists for more than a few days, contact your veterinarian for an examination and definitive diagnosis.


If your horse is overheated, spraying him with cool, fresh water can help safely reduce his temperature. Use our Water Wisk to remove all sweat and water too!

Order individual EquiGroomer tools or professional kits for your pet shop, tack shop or barn, by calling 860-573-0604,  sending us an email or visiting our website today!


  

Additional Reading:

Pets.WebMd.com: Fevers in Cats

Equus Magazine: What to do When Your Horse Has a Fever

AKC: Fever in Dogs: Causes, Signs and Treatments

Rabbit Care Tips: Why is My Rabbit Shaking and Laying Down?

PetComments.com: Best Pet Thermometers

Image Credits (In Order of Appearance):

Beverly Lussier from Pixabay 

Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto from Pixabay

Gundula Vogel from Pixabay 

Skeeze from Pixabay

Product Image Courtesy of EquiGroomer

Record hot temperatures have already been seen around the country.

Use the 9 tips below to protect your rabbit from the summer heat!


Regularly grooming your rabbit not only nurtures their overall health but helps keep them cooler in the summer heat by removing their loose hair.

Our EquiGroomer tools make grooming your rabbit stress-free, pain-free with no injuries!

Grooming Tools from EquiGroomer

Order individual EquiGroomer tools or professional kits for your pet shop or tack shop, by calling 860-573-0604, sending us an email or visiting our website today!


When is Warm too Hot for Your Rabbit? Little Angora Rabbit

It might be a lot lower than you think!

According to the PetLife website, most rabbits can comfortably handle up to 75 degrees F (or 24 degrees C). While that is mild for us, it may not be for your beloved rabbit especially if they are Flemish Giant or Angora rabbits who are more sensitive to heat.

The Cape Coop website cautions that rabbits begin experiencing heat-related stress at 85 degrees and above. If you live in a humid climate, remember to factor in the heat index even with cooler temperatures.

Signs Your Rabbit is Overheating

White Bunny Eating Grass

  • ~ Red, enlarged veins
  • ~ Ears that are hot to the touch
  • ~ Inflamed foot pads
  • ~ Fast, shallow breathing or gasping
  • ~ Nostrils flaring
  • ~ Partially shut eyes
  • ~ Wetness around – or under – the nose
  • ~ Listlessness, lethargy or dormancy

Keep reading to learn the simple tips to protect your rabbit from the heat!


Make a DIY “air conditioner” for your rabbit!

All you need is a cheap foam cooler, small fan, some pipe, and duct tape!


9 Tips to Keep Your Rabbit Cool

  1. Place them inside – with their hutch or cage – in a protected area, preferably Rabbit in Cageon hard surfaces that are easier to clean. Cooler garages and basements are also good.
  2. Run the AC for cooler temperatures. Fans may not always be enough to cool things down (including your rabbit) in extremely hot weather.
  3. If you only have a fan, make sure it is near your rabbit’s cage, but NOT directly blowing on them all the time, and it should rotate to maximize the airflow. Make sure your rabbit has enough space to move away from the breeze if they want.
  4. Fill a spray bottle with cool (not ice cold) water and mist your rabbit all over, particularly their ears. When the mist evaporates, it will naturally lower their temperature. Do NOT submerge a rabbit in the water! According to PetLife, rabbits have been known to die from being submerged as it shocks their system and exacerbates the issue of overheating.
  5. For an outside rabbit, place a cool and damp towel over their cage to provide shade and cooling moisture. Do NOT put a damp towel on a rabbit. Gently wipe the backs of their ears with a cool, damp towel to also help them cool down. Rabbit Eating Fresh Greens
  6. Ice can also help your rabbit stay cool even when the mercury is soaring! Make sure your rabbit has a water bowl so they can get all the water they need (not a bottle with a sipper). Drop a handful of ice cubes in the water bowl and replenish as needed. Freeze some of your rabbit’s favorites treats in ice cubes too; keep them cool and busy!
  7. Another great way to cool down your rabbit is with frozen ceramic tiles. Freeze for just 15 minutes and lay them down near your rabbit to use. 
  8. Worried if your rabbit is getting enough hydration? Wash their daily greens and feed them wet.
  9. If necessary, trim away excess fur to help your rabbit stay comfortable.

Additional Reading:

House Rabbit Society: Keep Your Rabbit Cool in the Summer

PetLife: Keeping Your Rabbit Cool in Summer

The Cape Coop: Top 7 Ways to Keep Your Rabbits Cool in the Summer

Rabbit Hutch World: Keeping Your Rabbit Cool in the Summer

 

Image Credits:

Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto from Pixabay

Neko412 from Pixabay 

Sachin Barodia from Pexels

Petar Starčević from Pexels 

PhotosForYou from Pixabay

Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay 

Product Image Courtesy of EquiGroomer

It’s certainly a difficult and unusual time with the coronavirus. Especially for those with pets who require regular grooming.  Even with groomers closed, you must regularly groom your pet during coronavirus!

 

Despite the current state of the world, our pets need their overall well-beingConsistent Grooming is Essential During Coronavirus for You and Your Pets attended to regularly, daily. In this unprecedented time, our pet’s health is equally as important as our own! Our pets rely upon us daily to protect them and ensure their best health and quality of life. Also, during all the uncertainty, we need our beloved pets even more for their infinite love, support and companionship while we all self-quarantine.

Since many groomers have been ordered to close as “non-essential” businesses, dogs, cats, and even rabbits still need to be groomed regularly and consistently for their overall comfort and health.



Consistent pet grooming involves 10 essential basics for ensuring physical and mental benefits. Click here to read/review our previous post.




No matter what is happening around us, regular brushing is essential to your pet’s overall hygiene, health, comfort and happiness. Our EquiGroomer grooming tools make the experience easier, more comfortable, and stress-free!


Regular Grooming Is Always Appropriate

Grooming Your Pet Also Benefits Your Stress With Coronavirus!By keeping up with your pet’s regular grooming, you can keep your pet’s coat in good shape, without painful matting, burrs and/or allergens. You can also address any potential health issues before they require a potentially stressful visit to your veterinarian during the shelter-in-place mandates.

By keeping up with your pet’s regular grooming, you can keep your pet’s coat in good shape, without painful matting, burrs and/or allergens. You can also address any potential health issues before they require a potentially stressful visit to your veterinarian during the shelter-in-place mandates.


Brushing Your Pet Benefits You Too!

With all the uncertainty and “unknowns,” many of us may be feeling additional stress and a loss of control. Brushing your pet daily helps relax it and is also priceless when it comes to naturally reducing stress. Grooming your pet regularly during coronavirus will strengthen the bond between you and your precious pet.


Can Your Pet Get or Transmit Coronavirus?

There have been many rumors and misinformation about the coronavirus and domestic pets. So, we’d like to take a quick moment to address what you need to know.

  • While there IS a “coronavirus” for canines (called CCV or canine respiratory coronavirus) and felines (feline coronavirus), the current COVID-19 virus strain is not connected in any way.
  • The WHO, CDC, AVMA and AKC all agree there is no imminent threat from our pets for transmitting the Coronavirus. Please do not abandon your pet!
  • According to the AVMA, even petting a dog’s fur is considered low-risk because the virus survives best on smooth surfaces.
  • Your pet does not need a face mask for protection.
  • Groom your pet regularly during coronavirus to eliminate any chance of the virus being on your pet’s coat and to maintain the best possible hygiene in your home.


Coronavirus Update on Pets Video

For further information, watch the “COVID-19 Update on Pets” video with Rodney Habib, Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Sarah Caddy of the University of Cambridge.




DIY: Pet-Safe & Natural Sanitizers

With the ongoing shortage of commercial sanitizers, you can make your own pet-safe products with the video below from Dr. Andrew Jones!

Use Pet-Safe and Natural Sanitizers During Coronavirus

 

Veterinarian Andrew Jones’ DIY Pet Safe Natural Soap, Hand Sanitizer & Disinfectant

 

 

As we all move through this uncertain time together, stay safe, healthy and positive!



Equigroomer Tools Makes Pet Grooming Easier!

The EquiGroomer tools offer easy and pain-free brushing with NO pulling or damage to your pet’s topcoat or skin.

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.


Additional Reading:

DIY Tips for Grooming a Dog at Home

Cat Grooming

Rabbit Grooming

Your Pets Unlikely to Get or Give Coronavirus

Can Pets Get Coronavirus (COVID-19) from Humans? Here’s What Vets Know

 Product Images are Courtesy of EquiGroomer

The wellness of the animals in our lives depends upon us. Every October is National Pet Wellness Month, but pet wellness lasts long beyond the month of October!

Happy pets enjoy optimal well-being, health and comfort. Throughout all the stages of their lives, our pets depend upon us to ensure not only their best daily care but proactive care as well.

 

The Stages of Aging

By the age of seven, dogs are considered seniors.Each stage of your pet’s life has its own requirements for well-being. The needs of a puppy, kitten or foal will be different from an adult or senior. So, it’s important to focus on the specific wellness needs and effective preventative care for their age, breed, health history and potential aging challenges.

“By the age of two, most dogs and cats have already reached adulthood.

By the time they reach age four, they’re considered middle-aged.

At the age of seven, many dogs have already started their senior years.

— American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)


Horses enjoy a much longer life span, reaching adulthood around 5, middle age by the age of 13, and are considered seniors around the age of 20. (Source: Equine Resources International)


Pet Wellness: Be Proactive

Your pet’s overall well-being and preventative care should regularly include the following 3 areas with your veterinarian’s support.

 Wellness Exams

  • Annual: Wellness exams every year for younger dogs and cats.
  • Bi-Annual: Six-month wellness exams for senior pets: Equines need bi-annual wellness exams.
    • Cats: Around 8-10 years old
    • Dogs: Around 6-8 years of life (larger breed K9s age faster)
    • Horses: Along with routine vaccinations in the spring and fall
  • Your pet’s healthy weight helps ward off serious health conditions like:
    • Diabetes;
    • Osteoarthritis;
    • Chronic inflammation; and
    • Other potential issues and diseases.
  • Vaccinations including core (yearly) and non-core inoculations.
  • Parasite Prevention (external and internal):
    • Ticks & Fleas
    • Heartworms
    • Worms
  • Spaying and Neutering

Dental Exams

Chronic dental disease can create and spread inflammation throughout your pet’s body, creating other health challenges. Maintaining good oral hygiene minimizes the formation of tartar, plaque and gingivitis and in turn, additional inflammation in the body. While 1 in 3 pet owners assume bad breath is “normal” for their pet, the reality is it’s a sign of potentially painful and harmful oral disease. (Source: YourHomeTownVet.com)

Blood and Lab Work Baselines help monitor your pet's health.

Blood and lab work done on younger pets helps establish a baseline or “normal” for your pet. Later changes in their health or potential disease can then be easily detected and proactively addressed.

 

Pet Wellness: Daily Care Practices

Between the recommended annual and bi-annual pet wellness needs, daily pet wellness includes:

  • Regular exercise (appropriate for the age, breed and health history);
  • High-quality nutrition (based on the breed, age and level of activity);
  • Consistent grooming (including teeth brushing);
  • Effective pet identification (tags, microchips and tattoos); and
  • Quality, one-on-one time.Always work with your vet for your pet's best well-being.

Regular and proactive wellness care helps ensure a healthier and longer lifespan for your pet while ensuring its best quality of life and comfort. It also helps you, the owner, better manage healthcare costs by proactively addressing and preventing potential and costly health issues.

If you’re unsure about:

  • How much daily exercise your pet needs;
  • The nutritional needs for your pet; or
  • Any other aspect of their regular well-being, then 

talk to your veterinarian to set up an appropriate well-being plan to address your pet’s needs for a happy and healthy life throughout the year! 

 


EquiGroomer Products

Remember, regular grooming is important for your pet’s optimum wellness!

Finding and using the right tool, like the EquiGroomer products, will help make the experience easier, gentler and stress-free for both you and your pet!

 Try our EquiGroomer for easy brushing that does not pull, discomfort, or damage your pet’s topcoat or skin.

Also, add our WaterWisk Pet Squeegee and Sweat Scraper to your pet’s bathing routine!

EquiGroomer Products

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.


Additional Reading:

October is National Pet Wellness Month (AVMA)

October is National Pet Wellness Month

Annual Wellness Exams for Horses

Image Credits:

Image by EquiGroomer

Image by Gabriela Neumeier from Pixabay 

Image Courtesy of Pexels.com

Image by skeeze from Pixabay 

Photo by Charles from Pexels

Product Images are Courtesy of EquiGroomer

Regular pet grooming is a wonderful and natural experience that not only cares for their coat but also serves as a powerful bonding experience between you and your pet.

Grooming is so much more than a show-worthy coat.

Brush Your Horse With EquiGroomer

Our canines, felines, equines, rabbits (and other pets) depend upon us for their best possible life. A vital part of caring for their overall health includes regular pet grooming to maintain their overall comfort with healthy skin, a shiny and soft coat and new hair growth between bathing.


The Essentials of Grooming: Brushing

“One of the first indications that all is not well inside is a change of hair coat and skin. Also check for lumps, bumps, and overall body condition.” (Bernadine Cruz, DVM)

Brushing your pet’s coat several times a week or more offers many physical and mental benefits.

  1. Proper and consistent brushing helps cut down on Rabbits Need Regular Brushinghairballs for cats (as well as rabbits and yes, even some dogs!).
  2. Did you know that a kitty’s skin is much thinner and more sensitive to tangles and mats? In fact, out-of-control mats can hinder your cat from properly resting or even lying down in some positions without discomfort and pain. (A rabbit’s skin is also quite sensitive and fragile.)
  3. Brushing removes loose hair, dust, mud, dirt and dander.
  4. Brushing helps reduce shedding.
  5. Brushing helps distribute essential natural skin oils throughout the pet’s coat.
  6. Brushing your horse before riding will remove any grit that could cause saddle or girth sores.
  7. Brushing offers the opportunity to catch potential health issues early which may help save on costly vet visits for:
    • Skin issues including infections, irritations and/or inflammationsEven Cats Love the EquiGroomer
    • Lumps and bumps
    • Injuries
    • Matted and/or tangled hair
    • Burrs
    • Ticks, Mites, Fleas and “flea dirt” (aka flea poop)
  8. Removing old hair keeps your dog cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter with a new insulating undercoat.
  9. Brushing helps reduce human allergies to dander.
  10. Brushing relaxes both you and your pet with this wonderful bonding routine. It also helps reduce stress (yours and theirs).


Brushing Different Types of Coats

Double-Coats:

  • Breeds:  Akita, Alaskan and Siberian Husky, Malamute, American Eskimo, Chow, Collies, Keeshonden, Beagles, Korean Jindo,Groom Your K9 With EquiGroomer Pomeranian, Corgi, Puli, Leonberger, Golden Retriever and Shiba Inu
  • Beneath the top layer of long hair is a soft downy undercoat that acts as insulation in cold and hot months.
  • The down undercoat can mat and tangle if not regularly maintained. An unmanaged undercoat can also cause your dog to overheat.

Silky-Coats:

  • Breeds: Afghan Hounds, Yorkies, Setters, Cockers, Pekingese and Maltese
  • Tangles and mats in these breeds are common without constant brushing.

Curly & Wiry Coats:

  • Breeds: Schnauzer, Dachshund, Poodle, Bichon and Terrier
  • These coats require regular brushing to stop mats from developing.
  • Coats need to be hand-stripped twice a year or regularly clipped.

Shorthaired Coats:

  • Breeds: American Foxhound, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Terrier, Basset Hound, Basenji, Coonhound, Bloodhound, Lab and Pug
  • Coats require weekly grooming to keep the skin and coat in its optimum condition.

Dogs Love Being Groomed by the EquiGroomerRegular brushing is essential to your pet’s overall hygiene, health, comfort and happiness.

Also, finding and using the right tool, like the EquiGroomer products, will help make the experience easier, gentler and stress-free for both you and your pet!


EquiGroomer, A Grooming Tool for Horses, Dogs, Cats, Other Pets and Livestock!

EquiGroomer Products

 More than a shedding blade, it gently grabs dead, loose & shedding hair by the ends.

Which means NO pulling, discomfort or damage to your pet’s topcoat or skin!


Try These Grooming Tools:

EquiGroomer Groomer's 10-piece kit

EquiGroomer (In 5-inch and 9-inch sizes)

WaterWisk Pet Squeegee/Sweat Scraper (In 5-inch and 7-inch sizes)

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.


Additional Reading:

Pet Care: Why Grooming is Important

Why Grooming Your Dog Is Great for His Health

7 Reasons Why You Should Brush Your Dog’s Coat on a Regular Basis

How to Groom a Rabbit (Complete Brushing Guide)

How to Groom Your Horse

5 Ways to Save on Vet Costs

 

Image Credits:

All images are the courtesy of EquiGroomer.

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