Clocks Spring Ahead! Time to Adjust Pet Medication Schedules and Other Seasonal Tips

March 11, 2016

It's that time again to spring ahead into spring! Sunday morning at 2 AM we welcome Daylight Saving Time (DST) here and in many areas of the world...which means...we will have "longer" lighter days to have more fun doing things outdoors with our pets! Daylight Saving Time is also the time of year I like to reshare with everyone some very important seasonal health and safety tips:

PET MEDICATIONS TIME: If your pet is on specifically timed

medications (like our furangel Epi-Husky Gibson who was on meds for Canine Epilepsy that he had to take 12 hours apart), you can help reset your pet's internal clock for these medications by staggering them by a half-hour starting on Sunday. Example: If your pet had been receiving their dosages at 7:30 AM before DST, then under the first day of the new time, give it to them at 8:00 AM*; then do the same for the PM dosage. On the second day, you can return back to the normal time by backing up the dosage another half hour bringing it to the designated 7:30 dosage time. This way, there will be no long delay in their dosage schedule that could possibly affect the gentle balance of medication levels. *This is the method I used with Gibson. It may not be right for everyone's pet, so please check with your vet. You may need to begin your pet's adjustment a few days earlier.

Time Change adjustments (Spring or Fall) for dogs with Epilepsy is a REAL thing. Epilepsy is NOT a one-size-fits all with every Epi-dog.

"Seizure management is not a one-size-fits-all with every dog. Some dogs are exquisitely sensitive to the timing of their medications - and can have a seizure if the medication is delayed by an hour, while other dogs can tolerate fluctuations in their medication administration without negative consequences. The medications that are being administered probably also factor in - for example a drug like Keppra that is metabolized quickly in the body will be more likely to be affected to a delay in administration compared to other drugs such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide. I tell my clients that treatment of epilepsy requires an individualized approach, and it is important to find what works well for you and your dog - rather than what works for others. So for dogs that are very sensitive to timing of drug administration, I think a gradual adjustment to the time change is wise. For other dogs, this may not be necessary."

~Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)

Professor, Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Other Springtime Tips...

BATTERY CHECK: Replace batteries and check connections for pet cams, room/baby monitors, and smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. Check to see when the last time your fire extinguishers were checked and verified. Be sure they are working properly and in a place where all family members will see/find them.

PET ALERT WINDOW CLINGS: Be sure pet window clings are
visible on the outside so fire fighters can easily see, and be sure they are not faded from time and sun. If you need a replacement, you can Google "Pet Window Clings," or visit ASPCA for a FREE safety pack, that includes a pet safety window cling, their Poison Control info on a magnet to keep handy.

PET ID TAGS: Check all pet tags to be sure they are all up to date with current info.

MICROCHIP: Check your pet’s microchip information and be sure it has been updated with any new info, such as a new address, new vet, new phone numbers, etc. Be sure to update info with not only the as microchip company, but also your vet’s office. If your pet is not yet mircrochipped--please have it done just in case your pet gets loose, lost, or is stolen.

HEARTWORM/FLEA/TICK PREVENTATIVES: If your pet is on Heartworm and flea/tick preventative, and you do not do it all year long, be sure to visit your vet, have your pet tested for Heartworm and parasites, and start them on the preventative for the season before the warmer weather begins.

PET FIRST AID KIT: 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.

BEDDING: Take the time to check out all the winter bedding and give them a good spring cleaning or replacement. Buying new beds? Why not wash up and mend the old ones and see if your local dog shelter could use them.

EXPIRATION DATES: Check all pet meds, vitamins, supplements, food, and

care products for expiration dates (and be sure they are kept out of reach of furkids).

EMERGENCY CONTACTS: Update all vet and emergency contacts, including Poison Control, in your home and in your cell phones. Do you have the Pet Poison Helpline Phone App? How about the Animal Poison info by ASPCA? Check them out!

Put Us On Your Fridge and By Your Phones:


A consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

Also 800-213-6680

A helpful infographic from the ASPCA on household toxins:

Other precauctions to take now that Spring is right around the corner...

GEAR: Check out all leashes, harnesses, and collars to be sure they are not frayed, chewed, or otherwise compromised.

OUTDOOR SAFETY #1: 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?

OUTDOOR SAFETY #2: 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.

KEEP 'EM COOL: Invest in a kiddie pool or two now before they are sold out for the summer. A fun, inexpensive way for your pet to cool off on the upcoming hot days.

WATER: Always keep fresh, cool water available.

CORD SAFETY: Test run fans and A/Cs and check the cords to be sure they are not frayed, cut, or chewed.

BEAT THE HEAT: 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 conscious 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.