Dakota Pet News, Updates, Recalls and More

Dakota Pet News, Updates, Recalls and More


New Minnesota Prescription Law 

New MN Prescription Law

As of July 1st 2019, in response to the opioid crisis, Minnesota Law will require Veterinarians to verify the identification of anyone picking up a prescription for a controlled substance. This may be a driver's license or other legal form of ID. We are also required to make a copy of your identification to be kept with your pet's medical record.  

We will do our best to remind you if your prescription requires an ID, but please be patient with us as we work to implement this change in policy. Please call if you have any questions or concerns.                                                    

Thank you kindly for allowing us to be part of your pet's healthcare team.                                            


FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets 

and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

  Click Here For More Information Provided By The FDA  

  
                  

Grain Free Food & Heart Disease


Grain Free Dog Food & Heart Disease

Grain Free Food & Heart Disease                              

                             Click Here For More Information Provided By The FDA  


                           


Tips On Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer

 

Vehicle Safety During the Summer

Car Safety For The Summer

Most dog owners know that you can’t leave a pet in a hot car. Temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in just minutes, putting your dog at risk of heat stroke. But what if you open a window a little bit? Does that make it safe to leave your dog in the car? The answer is simple: You should NEVER leave a dog alone in the car, even with the windows cracked. In some states, it’s even illegal.

Open Windows Don’t Keep Dogs Safe

It doesn’t have to be super hot outside for your car to heat up. The inside of a vehicle parked in 70-degree weather can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. On very hot days, temperatures inside parked cars can climb to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in less than one hour.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), studies have shown that cracking a window changes these figures very little. A parked car with the windows cracked heats up at almost the exact same rate as a car with the windows rolled up, putting pets in serious danger. 

Car Safety For The Summer

Car Safety for Dogs

All dogs are susceptible to heat stroke. Heat intolerant brachycephalic breeds (dogs that have a relatively broad, short skull), such as Pugs and Bulldogs, however, could suffer negative effects sooner than other breeds. If you know you’ll be on the road with your dog, make plans to travel with another adult who can remain in the vehicle with him while the air conditioner is running. This will keep him safe, and it will also reduce the risk of your dog jumping out of an open window at a rest stop or in a parking lot.  


Asphalt Awareness

Asphalt Awareness

As we humans escape into our homes that are air conditioned or cooled with fans we wonder why our dogs might be acting sluggish or begging to get back inside. Have you ever noticed dogs who refuse to walk at an event and just plops himself down? Paws scorching on the Asphalt could be the problem… not your dog being stubborn.

The pads of a dogs feet are not any thicker than our feet so if it feels hot to your bare feet then it’s just as hot to your dog.

Asphalt temperature and the outdoor temperature are two very different things. When the outside air temperature is 77 degrees the asphalt in the sun is 125 degrees. You can fry and egg at 131 degrees just imagine how your dog feels as you drag him along to the farmers market or outdoor festival being held on asphalt.

IS THE ASPHALT TOO HOT FOR YOUR DOG?

Place the back of your hand against the pavement and hold it there for 7 seconds to verify it will be comfortable for your dog.

Also, think about the time of day, it takes hours for the pavement to cool off after the outdoor temperature goes down. Think about how the streets stay clear for quite a while when it first starts to snow, that asphalt has stored the heat from the day.

Much better to head to your outdoor event in the morning when the pavement is cool if you really think your dog is going to enjoy it.

Asphalt Awareness


If you have any questions, please give us a call

952-469-1525

Dakota Pet Hospital

20136 Icenic Trail Lakeville, MN 55044 **For Afterhour Emergencies, Contact South Metro Animal Emergency Care at 952-953-3737**