ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTER
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Summer Awareness

Hydration

  • Whether your pet only goes outside for short periods or spends most of the day in the backyard, always ensure they have access to plenty of shade if they need to escape the heat.
  • Dehydration is a significant concern for all animals in summer. Ensure that you regularly offer plenty of cool water to your pet. Pet owners need to know the symptoms of a dehydrated pet.
  • Be sure that your water bowls are clean and free of bacteria. Try adding a few ice cubes to water bowls as well to help them stay cool
  • Owners can monitor how hydrated their pet may be by observing the mucous membranes like the gums, which should be glossy and wet. If they become sticky or dull, your pet may be becoming dehydrated.
  • If your pet’s skin remains tented when you pinch it up, it may also indicate a lack of hydration.

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Heat

  • Test the temperature of the sidewalk or road before you walk your dog. Place your hand down. If it's too hot for you to hold your hand on for more than 5 seconds, it's too hot to let your dog walk on it. 
  • Don't leave your dog in the car, even with the windows rolled down.
  • Watch your pet closely for signs of heat exhaustion, especially those with short snouts like Persian cats or pugs. Breeds such as these cannot pant as effectively due to shortened nasal passages, making them more vulnerable to heatstroke.
  • Don't forget the sunscreen! Pet owners can buy specialized sunscreen formulated with pets in mind to protect their pets from the summer sun. Never use any sunscreen that isn't explicitly designed for use on animals. ​​

Dog Parks

  • Make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccines before heading to the dog park. Those who aren't are vulnerable to illness or may spread bacteria that could cause other dogs to fall ill.
  • Dog waste can spread illness. Leptospirosis spreads at the dog park through urine or secondary contact with infected urine. Don't let your dog drink standing water at the dog park or elsewhere. 
  • Keep your leash ready if you've let your dog off-leash for quick access should you have to restrain your pet for any reason. Observe your dog's body language, and always watch your pet. Act fast, leash your dog, and calmly leave if something doesn't look right. 
  • Follow all posted rules. Most dog parks have a side for small dogs and a side for large dogs. It is important to bring your pet to the side that fits them best and communicate with other pet owners to learn about their pet's behavior if you wish to go to the other area.
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Swimming

  • When taking your pet to a pool, river, lake, or beach to cool off, don't forget to keep a close eye on them. Not all dogs know how to swim, and a situation can turn dangerous quickly for even an experienced swimmer. Purchasing a canine life jacket is a good investment for swimming, boating, or just hanging out on the beach.
  • If you take your pet fishing, don't leave hooks or lures around, and use caution when casting. If others are fishing in the area, stay vigilant and look for fishing-related debris that may cause harm to your pet if stepped on or ingested. 
  • Before bringing your pet to a water source, it's crucial to learn about the dangers of blue-green algae and Cyanobacteria so you know what to look out for before allowing your pet to come into contact with lakes and ponds. ​
  • Never let your pet drink from stagnant water sources. These may carry bacteria and diseases like leptospirosis or giardia. 
Animal Wellness Center of White Cloud
234 South Charles Street     ​
White Cloud, MI 49349  ​

​
Contact us:
Phone: 231-689-0630
 Fax: 231-689-0968
info@whitecloudvet.com
​
The Animal Wellness Center has a 24-hour cancellation policy. We reserve the right to charge an office call fee for any appointments canceled within 24 hours of your scheduled time. 
Hours of Operation
 MON
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
​
TUE
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

WED
8:00 AM - 5 PM

THU

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

FRI
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SAT
By Appointment Only
​
SUN
closed



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Animal Wellness Center of White Cloud is a proud member of the Newaygo Country River Country Chamber of Commerce.
  • HOME
  • Online Pharmacy
  • Clinic Information
    • Care Team
    • Veterinarians
  • Services
    • Veterinary Services
    • Puppy & Kitten Programs
  • Patient Resources
    • Seasonal Awareness >
      • Summer
      • Fall
    • Feline Education
    • Canine Education
    • Parasite Prevention
  • FAQ