If you have decided to move to Arizona or are a winter visitor, Welcome. You have made a good choice. You will enjoy this beautiful state and so will your pets: however, there are some things you need to know. Some of the tips will apply to all newcomer, while others will apply just to some, depending where you come from or where you settle in .
While you look for a house, you may want to board your pets so it is wise to look for a clean, well-kept, and well-run boarding kennel.You may want to visit several before deciding. Friends and acquaintances may be able to recommend a good one.
When you arrive at your destination, you should try to select a veterinary practice as soon as possible. Take your pets for a visit to get to know the veterinarian and his staff and to open a file on your pets BEFORE an emergency arises.
Your pets' vaccinations should be up-to-date or they should be given boosters as soon as possible. While your pets travel to Arizona, they should be comfortable and watered and fed regularly. Do not turn them loose for a while. They may become confused and try to return to where they came from or they may wander into the desert and get lost. This precaution applies particularly to cats.
If you are going to live in the Phoenix Valley or in Tucson, remember that the summer temperatures may climb over 100-115 degrees F. It is not unusual for a dog or suffer from heat exhaustion or sun stroke if he over exerts himself.
Rattle and other kinds of snakes, scorpion, poisonous toads, as well as other small critters can be a menace to your pets. In some areas coyotes, javelinas, bob cats and even mountain lions may be a threat to your small dogs and cats as well as hawks, large owls and ravens, particularly at night.
Foxtails, a very common weed in Arizona, can get into your pets' ears, nose, eyes, and toes and cause serious infection. This annoying weed is a problem in the spring and summer months.
Fleas are not very common in the Valley because of the dryness but ticks are very common and can cause a lot of problems for your pets also.
If you are going to live in a dusty area or if your dogs like to dig, the spores of the fungus that causes Valley Fever are rather common in the soil.
Does all this sound frightening to you? It really is not. We are just trying to make you aware of what "might" happen. The vast majority of pets live happily and healthy in Arizona. It only emphasizes the importance of becoming acquainted with your veterinarian. He will be the best source of advice about the situation in your area, particularly if he already has a file on each of your pets.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
