Daylight Saving Time: Adjust Your Dog's Inner Time Clock and Watching Shadow Shot Sunday!

It's also Shadow Shot Sunday!

Even though with the arrival of Daylight Saving Time (DST), we are losing an hour as spring approaches, the lighter days make it feel like there are more hours in the day. With it being light out later, there's more time to walk and play with our furkids, spend time with family, and uncover the BBQ grills!  The arrival of spring's DST is so welcome! It even makes work days seem shorter with more time being spent outside and at home in the  lighter evenings. I guess if we snow-loving Sibe families have to forfeit the white fluffy stuff when the warmer weather arrives, the upside of the deal is lighter "longer" days.

Back in the fall for November's DST blog, I highlighted some pet safety reminders that I would like to just reiterate and update here for the spring DST:

• Help reset your pet's internal clock for specifically time medications by staggering them for the first to match the new lost hour. Example: If your pet is on specifically timed medications (like our Epi-Husky Gibson who is on meds he must take 12 hours apart), you can help reset your pet's internal clock for these medications by staggering them by a half-hour. Example: If your pet had been receiving their dosages at 7:30 AM before DST, then under the new time, give it to them at 8:00  AM; then do the same for the PM dosage. The next day, you can return back to the normal time. This way, there will be no long delay in their dosage schedule that could possibly affect the gentle balance of medication levels.

 

*Time Change adjustments for dogs with Epilepsy has been validated by a well-respected veterinarian professor of Neurology. Epileptic seizures are not a one-size-fits all for Epi-dogs. Some dogs are very sensitive to the slightest change, while others may not be. We know our dogs, and always check with your Epi-dog's vet. 

• Replace batteries and connections for pet cams, room/baby monitors, and smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. 

• Check fire extinguishers.

• Be sure pet window clings are visible to the outside and not faded. If you need a replacement, visit ADT to order a free new one or visit the ASPCA for a free safety pack. 

• If your pet is not on heartworm and flea/tick preventative all year long, be sure to visit your vet, have your pet tested for heartworm and parasites, and start them on the preventative before the warmer weather begins.

• Review your pet's emergency/first aid kit to be sure things are up-to-date.  Replace anything that has expired. With the arrival of bees, it's a good idea to check with your vet about including Benadryl in the kit and what the proper dosage for your pet would be.

• Take the time to check out all the winter bedding and give them a good spring cleaning or replacement.

•  Check all pet meds for expirations (and be sure they are far out of reach of furkids).

• Update all vet and emergency contacts in your home and cell phones.

• With the arrival of warmer weather, give your yard a good safety check and remove any dangerous or poisonous items and mend any broken fences, gates, etc. Get down to your pet's level and see it from their perspective. Is there anything dangerous lying around that was hidden under snow, water, or mud? Any "escape" holes? Any places where wildlife or insects can build a home? Any salt or poisonous winter items around where they can now get to them? With the unveiling of pools and grills, be sure you have safety mechanisms in place so your beloved pet can not get burnt, drown, or get hurt. If you have an in-ground pool, even if you have it gated, be sure you have a pet ladder so if they accidentally fall in, they have a way out.

• Invest in a kiddie pool now before the rush on them when the first hot day arrives.

• Always keep fresh, cool water available.

• Remember when walking your dog in the warmer weather, to do so during the coolest points of the day - early AM and late PM - so as not to overheat them. Also be concsious of the hot pavement and roads on their paws; keep to the grassy sides if possible or shady areas. And always bring along a bottle of water.

Daylight Saving Time is the perfect time to do these simple, possibly life-saving checks for your pets. It is also a great time to look ahead for lighter, "longer" days to spend more time loving and playing with our furkids.