Cattitude

I am a displaced NEW YORKER who is now doing the FLORIDIAN Lifestyle.  After 12 years I still miss SNOW, AUTUMN & LONG ISLAND SUMMERS.  I arrived here with my 2 cats. .RICKY  & SHY_ANNE.  Traveling with 2 cats was jarring. They hated my music or my driving.  They never used their litter except for overnight stops.  How's  that for Patience & Control?

I had traveled during Katrina so I took it slow & steady and stayed with friends along the way.  I came to Florida with Shy-Anne who I got as a kitten she passed at 19 and Ricky.  I then got lucky and got Daniel Boone my Maine coon. After they passed I decided I wanted to have a dog again. I wanted that devoted constant companionship. A second fiddle to my Cello.

So I went to a shelter which I had never been before and fell in love and rescued Tilly McGee aka Phoebe.  My new best friend with a middle name.  I have not been disappointed. Younger and bigger than I imagined .... but on my toes I am.  Who knows how we fall in love.. With our pets it's instant.

There's that saying that a dog will come into your life... and everything will change!!  Boy did  it.. in wonderful  ways.  Tilly is very social    she came that way. She was found  in a cage at 10 months. Still a puppy except in size.  Now she is my spoiled buddy who only wants love, treats, walks and her daily dose of our neighborhood dog park where I pitch her ball.

It's been a wonderful time.   My life is in between her needs and wants and it’s been great.  The exercise the new friendships Happiness knocks at the right door. I'm now embarking on writing a children's book about  our pets, our new  pet friends and all the new antics  and adventures.

Transcript:

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Announcer: This is Pet Life Radio.

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Announcer: Let's Talk Pets.

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Michelle Fern: Thank Hello, feline friends, welcome to Cattitude.

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Michelle Fern: I'm your show host, Michelle Fern.

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Michelle Fern: Today, I have a special guest with me, Cheryl of Unleash on Pet Life Radio.

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Michelle Fern: And we're gonna talk about something that I'm so passionate about, which is summer and heat.

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Michelle Fern: A lot of people don't think heat affects your cats.

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Michelle Fern: It does, and there are warning signs.

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Michelle Fern: And the thing is, cats, it's a little trickier than dogs.

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Michelle Fern: So stay tuned, we'll be right back.

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Michelle Fern: Hey, Michelle Fern here, and you know saving cats is near and dear to my heart.

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Michelle Fern: Did you know that there is an estimated 70 to 100 million free roaming cats in the United States?

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Michelle Fern: And without spay neutered, that number will keep growing.

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Michelle Fern: Not only does spay neutered mainly reduce the community cat population, but it also keeps cats healthier.

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Michelle Fern: Scooter, the neutered cat, is on a mission to give cats an extra life by making it hip to be sniffed.

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Michelle Fern: Visit his website, givethemten.org to help pioneer a better world for cats.

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Michelle Fern: That's give them ten, spelled out, T-E-N dot org.

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Announcer: Let's Talk Pets on Petliferadio.com

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Michelle Fern: I'd like to welcome Cheryl Kaye, welcome.

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Cheryl Kaye: Thank you for having me.

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Michelle Fern: So, Cheryl, I've done a lot of shows when we talk about summer, because it's something that I'm so passionate about.

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Michelle Fern: I mean, I'm in a very hot place, but you know, there's heat conditions all over.

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Michelle Fern: And every year you hear some horrible story about people forgetting their pet, they left their pet in the car, or something.

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Michelle Fern: And it's just, yeah, it's just crazy.

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Cheryl Kaye: A hundred degrees, they went to the beach.

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Michelle Fern: There's certain things you really need to be aware of for dogs and for cats, especially for cats, because cats don't pant like dogs do.

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Michelle Fern: But tell me about what happened to your friend.

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Cheryl Kaye: No, I read today, my friend, we walk our dogs early.

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Cheryl Kaye: We don't do, of course, with Tilly, I do have to sometimes go out in the height.

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Cheryl Kaye: I teach her about, you know, shade, in and out.

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Cheryl Kaye: But I'm out of the house by seven to walk her.

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Cheryl Kaye: And after seven, it's much cooler.

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Michelle Fern: But after seven at night.

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Cheryl Kaye: Yeah, definitely.

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Cheryl Kaye: And I do late also.

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Cheryl Kaye: And it's been hot.

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Cheryl Kaye: We're not going to the park.

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Cheryl Kaye: But you have to really be careful because the road puts out heat.

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Cheryl Kaye: And depending on what kind of dog you have, the weight, the coloring, you really have to be careful.

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Cheryl Kaye: And a dog could get heat stroke and it comes on them very quick, even after the fact.

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Cheryl Kaye: So you have to be very careful and we'll get into that.

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Cheryl Kaye: And I have some very good information about that.

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Cheryl Kaye: And I'm interested, I no longer have cats, but you're right, they don't feel it the same way.

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Michelle Fern: You mentioned a couple of good points as far as the road putting out heat.

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Michelle Fern: And most people know this, if not, they should know this.

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Michelle Fern: But if the asphalt or the ground is too hot for your feet, it's too hot for your dogs.

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Cheryl Kaye: For your hand, you know, you're going to put your hand on it.

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Cheryl Kaye: Tilly doesn't have a problem, we basically walk on the grass, but we have to get to the grass.

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Michelle Fern: I read a stat that if it's 86 degrees, then asphalt is likely to be 135 degrees, and that is hot enough to cook an egg.

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Cheryl Kaye: Now 86 degrees, you do not walk your dog.

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Michelle Fern: No.

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Cheryl Kaye: 84, 80 you don't walk your dog.

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Cheryl Kaye: And in some areas, 77 could be too much.

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Cheryl Kaye: But we'll get into that because you have to be very careful.

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Cheryl Kaye: When I used to take Tilly to the park, we're not now because it's so drastically, brutally hot out.

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Cheryl Kaye: She comes in, lays down on the porcelain, I take a cool cloth and I dab her head and her extremities to cool her off.

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Cheryl Kaye: But with this kind of weather, they can't exert themselves, no way.

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Michelle Fern: They can't.

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Michelle Fern: You mentioned a couple of good points, but flat nose or hugs that are pushed in, or cats that have more of a smushed-in face.

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Michelle Fern: I think Scottish folds have faces like that.

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Michelle Fern: But cats and dogs that have a flatter face, have a shorter respiratory as far as-

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Cheryl Kaye: And darker in color.

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Michelle Fern: Right.

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Michelle Fern: But they have a short snout or flatter face.

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Michelle Fern: There's issues with respiratory, so that's something that can affect them faster than a dog with a longer or a cat with a longer snout.

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Michelle Fern: Color, because dogs and cats can get sunburn.

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Cheryl Kaye: I have lotion for Tilly.

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Cheryl Kaye: She has a pink nose.

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Cheryl Kaye: Part of her nose is pink.

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Cheryl Kaye: They sell that to dogs.

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Michelle Fern: And they do have doggy sunscreen.

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Cheryl Kaye: That's what I have.

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Michelle Fern: And cats, I mean, cats have litter boxes, so you're not really walking.

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Michelle Fern: Some people walk their cats.

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Michelle Fern: You're not really walking cats as much.

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Michelle Fern: But one of the good things with cats is that you, you know, they're inside generally.

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Michelle Fern: If you have a catio, hopefully it's in the shade and it's screened.

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Michelle Fern: Well, it must be screened in if it's a catio and you have a fan there.

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Michelle Fern: But there are certain times of days when my cats and it's screened in, there's a big fan above, but they don't want to be out.

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Michelle Fern: And that I'm fine with that because days that are very humid, if it's hot for you, it's hot for your pets.

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Cheryl Kaye: Well, humidity is really the killer.

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Michelle Fern: But also in very dry places, like in the deserts, Arizona, more desert part of LA, like Palm Springs, you can get heatstroke fast.

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Michelle Fern: It happens to us, two-legged people, it could happen within maybe 20 minutes or so.

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Michelle Fern: But we know the symptoms and we could say, oh, I feel queasy, I feel this, it's time to go in.

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Michelle Fern: Your dog or cat is not going to know that.

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Cheryl Kaye: No, and it could happen afterwards.

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Cheryl Kaye: I mean, they could start throwing up, they get dizzy, lethargic, and their temperature goes up.

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Cheryl Kaye: I'm really thinking of getting Tilly like baby booties for her feet.

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Michelle Fern: That might be a good idea.

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Michelle Fern: I used to always walk Mr.

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Michelle Fern: Zeus on the grass very quickly, and I avoided the times of days and it was really hot.

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Michelle Fern: We'll get into other stuff.

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Michelle Fern: But another thing you should always do, if you're traveling with your dog or, and sometimes you have to travel during the summer months, or you're going on a trip, you're taking your fur, babe, always make sure you have water.

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Michelle Fern: It's a good idea to have treats also, because if your dog or cat gets loose, you can lure them with the treats.

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Michelle Fern: Before we get into talking more about The Heat, there's a great product from Maisy Days.

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Michelle Fern: It's a pup treat pouch.

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Michelle Fern: I showed it to you, Cheryl.

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Michelle Fern: It's very elegant.

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Michelle Fern: It's fun.

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Michelle Fern: There's storage for poop bags, for a bottle of water.

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Michelle Fern: Not giant size, maybe eight ounce.

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Michelle Fern: And it's another benefit.

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Michelle Fern: You can wear it cross body or like a fanny pack.

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Michelle Fern: And then your hands are free.

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Michelle Fern: So you could hold leashes and hold the poop.

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Michelle Fern: So you don't have to worry about that.

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Cheryl Kaye: You know, I just want to say, whenever you take your pet out or away on a trip, whether it's in a car or anywhere, you should be prepared not only with some treats and definitely water, but really you should take their food with you.

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Cheryl Kaye: Only because it happened to a friend of mine, they went to go visit somebody that was a couple of hours away and they ended up getting back late.

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Cheryl Kaye: And our pets, especially dogs, they like a routine.

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Cheryl Kaye: They don't really care if you're in traffic.

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Cheryl Kaye: They want to eat when they want to eat.

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Michelle Fern: Exactly.

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Cheryl Kaye: So you, if you have a little doggy bag, which who knew that when they came up with that expression that we really need these things, you really need to have everything your dog needs.

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Cheryl Kaye: And if you're going for a long distance, anytime of year, you should also keep in mind any first aid that you think your pet might need.

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Michelle Fern: That is touching on another subject that I wanted to talk to you about.

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Michelle Fern: You talked about temperatures for asphalt, a dog in a car, and we don't take cats on as many car rides because they are, you know, mostly, most of our cats, especially in the US, are indoors.

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Michelle Fern: So you're not going to take your cat to the cat park.

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Michelle Fern: Maybe if you have a cat cafe, but usually they have their own cats.

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Michelle Fern: But anyhow, keep in mind that a dog can get heat stroke in a car in five minutes.

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Michelle Fern: Don't leave your dog in a parked car.

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Michelle Fern: Don't leave your dog in a parked car with shade under the shade.

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Michelle Fern: It doesn't do much good.

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Michelle Fern: It's also illegal in a lot of states.

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Cheryl Kaye: Yes.

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Cheryl Kaye: And not only dogs, but we're going to and also children and children, because let's face it, there are idiots out there that think nothing of no truth.

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Cheryl Kaye: I mean, I know every day you could read the story.

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Cheryl Kaye: Today, somebody left their dog in the car 100 degrees while they were at the beach.

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Michelle Fern: That is insane.

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Cheryl Kaye: I think they should go to jail.

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Michelle Fern: You know, it's actually illegal.

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Michelle Fern: And I looked up the stats and my stats are from recording this in June, 2024.

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Michelle Fern: So my stats were from 2023.

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Michelle Fern: So listeners keep that in mind, but it's actually illegal to leave a domestic pet, a dog or a cat in your car in 31 states and 14 states, including Florida, have certain laws that will allow someone to rescue the pet.

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Cheryl Kaye: Yeah, break the window.

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Michelle Fern: There's rules, you know, you have to call some states, you have to call 911 first and this and that.

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Michelle Fern: And then I'm going to tell you a true story.

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Michelle Fern: I was returning, this is several years ago, I was returning something to a mall.

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Michelle Fern: And I noticed there was a car next to me where I parked and the windows were open a little teeny bit and there was a little dog there, like a mini pincher or something, like a little small dog.

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Michelle Fern: And it was hot out, you know, it's South Florida, it's generally hot all the time.

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Michelle Fern: We have cold fronts, we don't have winter.

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Michelle Fern: And this was a warm day, like always.

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Michelle Fern: And there was two other people came around and I said, you know, I plan to just run an errand quick in the store.

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Michelle Fern: I said, let me go in, I'm going to go in the mall, see if I see a security person.

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Michelle Fern: Because, you know, there's a lot of crazy people out there in the world.

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Michelle Fern: And if you go to break into someone's car, I would have called the police, right?

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Michelle Fern: Call the police.

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Michelle Fern: I don't want anybody shoving it.

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Michelle Fern: Who knows what in your face, you know?

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Michelle Fern: So I went in, I didn't see a security guard time.

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Michelle Fern: I got back.

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Michelle Fern: There was like five other people.

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Michelle Fern: There was a cop car around the mall.

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Michelle Fern: He came and he said, what's going on?

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Michelle Fern: And we said, there's a dog inside there.

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Michelle Fern: He was looking for how to break into the car.

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Michelle Fern: The cop was, and at that time, a young person, nothing against young people, because older people can be idiots too.

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Michelle Fern: But this young person, the young male person came running in and he said, oh, oh, I was just, what's going on?

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Michelle Fern: I was just there inside for five minutes.

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Michelle Fern: And I looked at him.

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Michelle Fern: I said, no, you weren't.

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Michelle Fern: I said, I've been here for 25 minutes.

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Michelle Fern: And these other people have been around.

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Michelle Fern: And the cop says, you want to tell me that again?

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Michelle Fern: And I don't know if they find him.

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Michelle Fern: I don't know if they arrested him.

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Cheryl Kaye: They should take the pet.

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Cheryl Kaye: I mean, finding somebody like that.

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Michelle Fern: There's no five minutes.

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Michelle Fern: It doesn't go five minutes.

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Michelle Fern: And there's no reason to take your dog on car rides, unless you are going to the vet or you're traveling with your dog.

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Michelle Fern: There's no reason to go run an errand or do anything with your dog.

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Michelle Fern: If there's emergency situations, have a friend watch your pet for a little while.

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Michelle Fern: If you have something that's emergency or leave your pet at home, there's a lot of options out there.

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Cheryl Kaye: It's safer at home.

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Michelle Fern: But it's crazy.

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Michelle Fern: It's just crazy.

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Michelle Fern: So just for everyone listening, just be aware because you can break into a car in some states, but there are certain laws ahead.

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Michelle Fern: You have to call 911 first.

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Michelle Fern: You might have certain ramifications.

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Cheryl Kaye: But if that's the criteria, if calling the police and breaking the window, as opposed to your dog or your cat could be dead or your kid, then don't get a dog, don't have kids, because that's not the criteria.

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Cheryl Kaye: Criteria is your pet could die.

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Michelle Fern: Well, I'm talking about people that see a pet in a car.

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Cheryl Kaye: Oh, I would call the police immediately.

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Michelle Fern: Definitely the first thing, call 911.

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Michelle Fern: Well, that's probably if to call 911, because your animal is going to die.

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Cheryl Kaye: I think they break either one of the side windows or they go for the back window.

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Cheryl Kaye: I've seen them do it.

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Michelle Fern: Well, cops have those little sticks that you could put inside for when you get locked out of your car.

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Michelle Fern: Well, car thieves have them too, so.

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Cheryl Kaye: Right.

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Cheryl Kaye: Oh, maybe there's a phone number for a car thief.

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Cheryl Kaye: For a car thief?

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Cheryl Kaye: Yeah, car thief.

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Cheryl Kaye: We need you to open up this car, get this poor little dog out.

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Michelle Fern: I don't know if there's a...

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Cheryl Kaye: You could have the car.

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Cheryl Kaye: How about that?

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Cheryl Kaye: Well, I'm only kidding, of course.

00:13:53.267 --> 00:13:53.827
Michelle Fern: Well, of course.

00:13:53.987 --> 00:13:57.147
Michelle Fern: Hey, everyone, we'll be right back after this break.

00:14:00.007 --> 00:14:01.707
Michelle Fern: Molly, here's your dinner.

00:14:01.727 --> 00:14:05.107
Michelle Fern: Zeus, that's not your food!

00:14:06.247 --> 00:14:08.327
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00:14:40.447 --> 00:14:42.267
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00:14:42.787 --> 00:14:44.627
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00:14:52.527 --> 00:14:53.567
Announcer: On Pet Life Radio.

00:14:54.847 --> 00:14:55.667
Announcer: Pet Life Radio.

00:15:07.553 --> 00:15:08.713
Michelle Fern: Welcome back, everyone.

00:15:08.733 --> 00:15:17.313
Michelle Fern: We're talking about how to take care of your pets in the summer when it's hot, what to do, what not to do, mostly what not to do.

00:15:17.613 --> 00:15:19.873
Michelle Fern: So let's talk a little more about cats.

00:15:20.193 --> 00:15:28.753
Michelle Fern: People don't always, they think because, you know, an image of cats and it's warm and sunny and cats like heat, yeah, they do.

00:15:28.773 --> 00:15:33.853
Michelle Fern: They like it a little warm, but cats get overheated just like dogs.

00:15:34.413 --> 00:15:38.253
Michelle Fern: Most of us, especially in the US, have indoor cats.

00:15:38.613 --> 00:15:47.193
Michelle Fern: So you should make sure the temps are not, you know, if you're watching your AC, don't go higher than 80 degrees.

00:15:47.373 --> 00:15:53.093
Michelle Fern: So 78 to 80 is the warmest it should be if you have cats in your home.

00:15:53.433 --> 00:16:00.213
Michelle Fern: Also keep in mind for cats, they don't pant like dogs where you know that, oh, they're hot.

00:16:00.353 --> 00:16:03.633
Michelle Fern: So if your cat's panting, that's not a good sign.

00:16:04.113 --> 00:16:10.513
Michelle Fern: Also, if their tongue is dark red, or if their gums are dark red or dark red or pale.

00:16:10.533 --> 00:16:13.173
Cheryl Kaye: Yeah, dogs, their gums could be blue and red.

00:16:13.473 --> 00:16:14.593
Michelle Fern: Oh, my goodness.

00:16:14.673 --> 00:16:15.013
Cheryl Kaye: Yeah.

00:16:15.113 --> 00:16:18.793
Michelle Fern: But panting cat is a sign of a cat being overheated.

00:16:18.933 --> 00:16:19.273
Cheryl Kaye: Right.

00:16:19.413 --> 00:16:20.053
Cheryl Kaye: Distress.

00:16:20.533 --> 00:16:22.733
Cheryl Kaye: And you know, cats do love the sunshine.

00:16:22.733 --> 00:16:27.973
Cheryl Kaye: I mean, if it was a sunny day, they always find the sunny spot.

00:16:28.133 --> 00:16:30.513
Cheryl Kaye: But the heat is no good for anybody.

00:16:30.793 --> 00:16:32.973
Michelle Fern: Oh, one more thing before we go into this.

00:16:33.173 --> 00:16:41.713
Michelle Fern: Another thing to be aware of is during the summer, a lot of community cats like to hide out underneath cars.

00:16:42.173 --> 00:16:43.073
Cheryl Kaye: And in the winter.

00:16:43.093 --> 00:16:48.133
Michelle Fern: And in the winter, but in the winter, they can hide up inside of cars to stay warm.

00:16:48.153 --> 00:16:51.413
Michelle Fern: But in the summer, a lot of times they're under the cars.

00:16:52.173 --> 00:16:54.453
Michelle Fern: So because that's where there's shade, right?

00:16:54.513 --> 00:16:55.273
Michelle Fern: Under the car.

00:16:55.553 --> 00:16:57.493
Michelle Fern: And it gives them some protection.

00:16:57.813 --> 00:17:07.033
Michelle Fern: So make sure and this is kitten season, you know, April through October in most places in South Florida, pretty much all year long.

00:17:07.073 --> 00:17:10.293
Michelle Fern: But make sure there is not a cat under your car.

00:17:10.653 --> 00:17:14.893
Michelle Fern: Most of the time, the cat will, you know, be gone by the time you shut your door.

00:17:15.173 --> 00:17:16.173
Michelle Fern: But not always.

00:17:16.373 --> 00:17:17.413
Michelle Fern: So take a look.

00:17:17.893 --> 00:17:20.833
Cheryl Kaye: It's hot and our summers are only going to get hotter.

00:17:21.053 --> 00:17:25.073
Cheryl Kaye: And I think this summer is going to be brutal because it's hot.

00:17:25.373 --> 00:17:29.853
Michelle Fern: I've already seen it started early because it was already hot in May.

00:17:29.873 --> 00:17:32.393
Michelle Fern: I could gauge by my AC bill.

00:17:32.493 --> 00:17:35.553
Michelle Fern: It was like 50 bucks higher than last year.

00:17:35.573 --> 00:17:38.013
Michelle Fern: And it was about 12 or 14 degrees.

00:17:38.033 --> 00:17:39.753
Cheryl Kaye: We didn't even have the raining season.

00:17:39.793 --> 00:17:42.993
Michelle Fern: We didn't have my grass where the sprinklers don't hit.

00:17:43.013 --> 00:17:45.233
Michelle Fern: Looks like, hey, we had a little bit of rain.

00:17:45.253 --> 00:17:51.573
Michelle Fern: And then in May, the temperature, the average temperature was like 12 degrees warmer than last year.

00:17:51.993 --> 00:17:53.313
Michelle Fern: So it's crazy.

00:17:53.413 --> 00:17:59.913
Michelle Fern: And there's all kinds of in the western part of the US this week, it's in the hundreds and it's crazy.

00:17:59.933 --> 00:18:01.093
Michelle Fern: It's so hot, so fast.

00:18:01.533 --> 00:18:05.333
Michelle Fern: There's another thing I want to talk about that people think that this is okay.

00:18:05.493 --> 00:18:09.473
Michelle Fern: Don't leave your dog or cat in the car with the AC running.

00:18:09.733 --> 00:18:21.993
Michelle Fern: And don't leave kids in the car with the AC running unless they're older kids, like maybe 14 or 15 or older, because especially some people will say, oh, I left the car running, but my pet's in there.

00:18:22.013 --> 00:18:28.633
Michelle Fern: A lot of cars, I mean, some are a little bit, you know, you could put the parking brake on, they're not just going to start rolling.

00:18:28.853 --> 00:18:37.373
Michelle Fern: But I've seen more than once and heard about this more than once, a cat or dog jumping around and something gets jostled and the car just starts moving.

00:18:37.733 --> 00:18:48.973
Cheryl Kaye: I mean, I could tell you honestly, one time coming back from the dog park with Tilly, I ran to get gas, which is two seconds in to give them the money and then I start to pump.

00:18:49.093 --> 00:18:52.313
Cheryl Kaye: We're talking two seconds because I parked right in the front.

00:18:52.533 --> 00:18:58.093
Cheryl Kaye: And when I opened up the door to put my bag back in, she jumped out, you know, I grabbed her butt.

00:18:58.213 --> 00:18:58.833
Cheryl Kaye: No, no, no.

00:18:58.973 --> 00:19:00.653
Cheryl Kaye: You have to be responsible.

00:19:00.653 --> 00:19:02.753
Cheryl Kaye: You can't put it on anybody else.

00:19:03.053 --> 00:19:06.873
Cheryl Kaye: Like you're going to entrust a 12 year old not to play around.

00:19:07.093 --> 00:19:12.993
Cheryl Kaye: That's like somebody entrusting a 12 year old, I locked the gun up, but they can find it.

00:19:13.253 --> 00:19:19.273
Michelle Fern: It's also illegal to leave your dog in a running car with AC on.

00:19:19.693 --> 00:19:23.553
Michelle Fern: I mean, I know that in Florida, it's a $500 fine.

00:19:23.933 --> 00:19:26.413
Michelle Fern: So definitely something to keep in mind.

00:19:27.153 --> 00:19:32.553
Michelle Fern: And if you are doing something to where you have to run in, run out, like you had to do with gas.

00:19:32.973 --> 00:19:38.973
Michelle Fern: I once had to travel during the summer months and I was traveling with my dog across the country.

00:19:39.053 --> 00:19:41.253
Michelle Fern: When I ate, I did drive-throughs.

00:19:41.533 --> 00:19:42.633
Michelle Fern: I shared with her.

00:19:43.053 --> 00:19:45.673
Cheryl Kaye: I did that when I came down to Florida with my cats.

00:19:46.053 --> 00:19:50.373
Cheryl Kaye: I had to eat at places where I could pull in and get it right out of the car.

00:19:50.413 --> 00:19:51.593
Cheryl Kaye: I could not go into a place.

00:19:51.613 --> 00:19:54.093
Michelle Fern: No, you have to do drive-throughs or else forget it.

00:19:54.193 --> 00:19:55.013
Cheryl Kaye: And side of the roads.

00:19:55.493 --> 00:20:05.993
Cheryl Kaye: But I want to just say before I forget, seniors, senior dogs and puppies are much more susceptible to heat than say a younger dog.

00:20:06.293 --> 00:20:08.273
Michelle Fern: And kittens and older cats.

00:20:08.853 --> 00:20:09.633
Cheryl Kaye: Right, right.

00:20:09.733 --> 00:20:10.993
Michelle Fern: And that's a great point.

00:20:11.133 --> 00:20:17.973
Michelle Fern: It's just like people, you know, infants and super seniors, they're more susceptible to heat as well.

00:20:18.093 --> 00:20:20.253
Cheryl Kaye: Well, we have to be aware.

00:20:20.273 --> 00:20:22.553
Cheryl Kaye: I mean, I wear hats, I wear sunglasses.

00:20:23.413 --> 00:20:34.373
Cheryl Kaye: You have to be aware now, because the climate, I'm not looking to spout about climate change, but I see a change and I've been living down here now, 18 years.

00:20:34.753 --> 00:20:35.573
Cheryl Kaye: It's different.

00:20:35.693 --> 00:20:37.433
Cheryl Kaye: We didn't have our rainy season.

00:20:37.813 --> 00:20:38.653
Cheryl Kaye: It's hot out.

00:20:38.813 --> 00:20:39.953
Michelle Fern: It's really hot.

00:20:40.153 --> 00:20:40.973
Cheryl Kaye: Humid too.

00:20:41.233 --> 00:20:46.593
Michelle Fern: It's hot, it's humid, and you need to be responsible pet parents.

00:20:46.793 --> 00:20:50.033
Michelle Fern: And hopefully if you guys are parents, you're responsible parents as well.

00:20:50.993 --> 00:20:54.053
Michelle Fern: So I want to finish off with talking about some tips.

00:20:54.633 --> 00:20:57.493
Michelle Fern: Make sure you have water with you on walks.

00:20:57.813 --> 00:21:03.093
Michelle Fern: Don't rely that there might be water, public water available in a dog park or something.

00:21:03.113 --> 00:21:04.533
Michelle Fern: That's not likely to happen.

00:21:04.853 --> 00:21:06.093
Michelle Fern: Make sure you have water.

00:21:06.333 --> 00:21:09.713
Michelle Fern: Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day.

00:21:09.933 --> 00:21:21.193
Michelle Fern: Also, if you have to go to the vet, try to get an early appointment or a later appointment, because usually we know midday, I think it's between like, what, two and four?

00:21:21.793 --> 00:21:24.873
Cheryl Kaye: Well, two and six, really, or really even earlier.

00:21:24.913 --> 00:21:27.673
Michelle Fern: Well, the hottest is usually between two and four.

00:21:27.853 --> 00:21:29.993
Michelle Fern: So avoid those times.

00:21:30.453 --> 00:21:38.653
Michelle Fern: Also, this is tick season, so check your dog for ticks, even if it's just a walk around the block, because it happens.

00:21:38.733 --> 00:21:41.233
Michelle Fern: They jump all over, so it definitely happens.

00:21:41.253 --> 00:21:44.493
Cheryl Kaye: And they bring a lot of disease, not just to the dogs and cats.

00:21:44.613 --> 00:21:46.353
Michelle Fern: For people too, it's horrible.

00:21:47.233 --> 00:21:56.533
Michelle Fern: I would say limit your car rides for your fur babes to vet-only visits if you have to go to the groomer, but there's a lot of mobile groomers these days.

00:21:57.093 --> 00:22:05.213
Michelle Fern: And just a side note, when I lived in Los Angeles, there was certain times of the year, I would take my dog just for car rides, because she loved it.

00:22:05.373 --> 00:22:10.593
Michelle Fern: But when it was cooler, of course, in Florida, never did that with Mr.

00:22:10.613 --> 00:22:11.593
Michelle Fern: Zeus, never.

00:22:13.453 --> 00:22:16.713
Cheryl Kaye: Now, my right to the dog park is one and a half miles.

00:22:17.233 --> 00:22:18.853
Cheryl Kaye: And then the air conditioner is on.

00:22:19.173 --> 00:22:20.213
Cheryl Kaye: When I go early.

00:22:20.233 --> 00:22:25.633
Michelle Fern: But you go early or late, if you go during the summer, or do you just cut out the summer?

00:22:25.933 --> 00:22:27.193
Cheryl Kaye: She needs her exercise.

00:22:27.213 --> 00:22:28.053
Cheryl Kaye: She's a young dog.

00:22:28.493 --> 00:22:35.513
Cheryl Kaye: Now, every day, twice a day, she meets her best friend, Molly, and they rough house.

00:22:35.853 --> 00:22:38.413
Cheryl Kaye: And that gives her a little exercise.

00:22:38.913 --> 00:22:39.993
Cheryl Kaye: And then she's good.

00:22:40.333 --> 00:22:43.513
Cheryl Kaye: I walk late at night and early in the morning.

00:22:43.713 --> 00:22:49.413
Cheryl Kaye: And if I can, in the shade, midday, in and out, just, you know, that's it.

00:22:49.593 --> 00:22:51.513
Cheryl Kaye: I'm very aware of it.

00:22:51.853 --> 00:22:53.773
Cheryl Kaye: If I could put a hat on, or I would.

00:22:54.113 --> 00:22:55.193
Michelle Fern: Some people do that.

00:22:55.553 --> 00:22:58.373
Michelle Fern: I just want people to be aware.

00:22:58.493 --> 00:23:01.353
Michelle Fern: Be aware that the heat is no joke.

00:23:01.473 --> 00:23:02.773
Cheryl Kaye: No, the heat is a killer.

00:23:02.833 --> 00:23:03.553
Michelle Fern: It's a killer.

00:23:03.713 --> 00:23:04.893
Michelle Fern: Just be aware.

00:23:05.093 --> 00:23:15.753
Cheryl Kaye: People in the desert die because they don't bring enough water, and they thought that their little hike is going to be X amount of time, and it took longer.

00:23:16.073 --> 00:23:17.393
Cheryl Kaye: Heat is a killer.

00:23:17.593 --> 00:23:17.793
Cheryl Kaye: Yes.

00:23:17.813 --> 00:23:19.893
Cheryl Kaye: And it's not a pleasant way to go.

00:23:20.233 --> 00:23:21.993
Michelle Fern: No, I wouldn't want to go that way.

00:23:22.013 --> 00:23:22.653
Michelle Fern: That's for sure.

00:23:22.853 --> 00:23:32.573
Michelle Fern: The whole point of this show, so for everyone listening, is that between Cheryl and I is to just bring awareness that the fact that it's summer, it's hot.

00:23:32.753 --> 00:23:40.293
Michelle Fern: And even if you're in one of the cooler states, Maine or Vermont or Washington state.

00:23:40.313 --> 00:23:43.853
Cheryl Kaye: What about people who have a house and they just let their dog out?

00:23:44.213 --> 00:23:44.833
Cheryl Kaye: That too.

00:23:45.193 --> 00:23:46.613
Michelle Fern: Well, that's not good.

00:23:46.693 --> 00:23:47.733
Michelle Fern: I'm not a fan of that.

00:23:47.753 --> 00:23:56.113
Michelle Fern: But as far as the weather goes, even if you live in a place that's not as hot, just be aware of the temps because you can have a day.

00:23:56.373 --> 00:24:00.953
Michelle Fern: Some places I've seen temps go from 90 to 50 and then back to 90 again.

00:24:01.333 --> 00:24:06.253
Michelle Fern: Just be aware when it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your fur, babe.

00:24:06.653 --> 00:24:13.553
Michelle Fern: Because I don't think anybody wants to do something like kill their fur, babe, by leaving them in the car or her in the car.

00:24:13.853 --> 00:24:16.013
Michelle Fern: So just be aware of it.

00:24:16.353 --> 00:24:22.613
Michelle Fern: I think the biggest thing that people make a mistake of is walking their dog on asphalt or on concrete.

00:24:22.773 --> 00:24:23.813
Michelle Fern: It's too hot.

00:24:24.033 --> 00:24:28.113
Michelle Fern: And that people unknowingly do, they just say, oh my gosh, I didn't even realize.

00:24:28.433 --> 00:24:29.633
Michelle Fern: Try going barefoot.

00:24:29.993 --> 00:24:30.333
Cheryl Kaye: Right.

00:24:30.573 --> 00:24:34.513
Michelle Fern: I know you said the hand test, but most people are just going to take their shoe off and touch it.

00:24:34.673 --> 00:24:37.953
Michelle Fern: And you can sometimes from you could feel the heat from your shoe.

00:24:38.273 --> 00:24:38.633
Cheryl Kaye: Right.

00:24:38.633 --> 00:24:45.533
Michelle Fern: So if that's a great test, too hot for you, too hot for your dog, take your dog just on the grass, come back inside.

00:24:45.553 --> 00:24:46.273
Michelle Fern: But I'm done.

00:24:46.293 --> 00:24:59.173
Cheryl Kaye: But I just want to tell people because the symptoms of heat stroke in an animal that come on them either right away, a little while later, and it's quick because they feel the heat different than we do.

00:24:59.433 --> 00:25:05.233
Cheryl Kaye: So they pant, they drool, they could throw up and they could be disoriented.

00:25:05.673 --> 00:25:13.973
Cheryl Kaye: And the best thing to do is, like I said, when I bring Tilly in from outside or from the park, I have a cool washcloth.

00:25:14.333 --> 00:25:16.133
Cheryl Kaye: I just pat her down with it.

00:25:16.253 --> 00:25:19.933
Cheryl Kaye: Some people soak a towel in cold water.

00:25:20.133 --> 00:25:27.073
Cheryl Kaye: You should only do that if you are going to continue to do that because you have to get them to regulate their own body.

00:25:27.253 --> 00:25:32.593
Michelle Fern: Well, if your dog shows symptoms of heat stroke, get your dog to the vet or emergency hospital.

00:25:32.973 --> 00:25:33.673
Michelle Fern: That's one.

00:25:33.913 --> 00:25:50.173
Michelle Fern: The other thing is people don't realize is even leaving their dog in a hot car or cat in a hot car for just a few minutes, you know, maybe even five minutes can cause, if it's not full on heat stroke, it can cause, and I've read this, so I'm not a vet.

00:25:50.233 --> 00:25:53.593
Michelle Fern: I've read this, but it can cause potential brain damage.

00:25:53.833 --> 00:25:55.173
Cheryl Kaye: That's not to think about.

00:25:55.213 --> 00:26:01.993
Michelle Fern: Other symptoms that are not quite heat stroke, but you have significant damage to your fur babe.

00:26:02.133 --> 00:26:05.233
Michelle Fern: So keep your fur babes home during summer.

00:26:05.273 --> 00:26:07.773
Michelle Fern: If you take them someplace, make sure.

00:26:07.793 --> 00:26:09.493
Cheryl Kaye: The car is on in the air conditioner.

00:26:09.513 --> 00:26:10.573
Cheryl Kaye: Yeah, I do that.

00:26:10.613 --> 00:26:12.433
Michelle Fern: Make sure it's nice and cool for them.

00:26:12.453 --> 00:26:12.813
Michelle Fern: Yeah.

00:26:12.893 --> 00:26:13.453
Michelle Fern: Thank you.

00:26:13.793 --> 00:26:16.133
Cheryl Kaye: Yes, and for yes, for us too.

00:26:16.373 --> 00:26:18.633
Michelle Fern: So you have anything else did you want to mention?

00:26:18.933 --> 00:26:22.573
Cheryl Kaye: No, you know, I'm thinking of really getting little booties.

00:26:22.913 --> 00:26:24.553
Michelle Fern: Cheryl, this has been so much fun.

00:26:24.573 --> 00:26:27.233
Michelle Fern: Thank you so much for coming on Best Vets for Pets.

00:26:27.513 --> 00:26:28.873
Michelle Fern: I so appreciate it.

00:26:29.033 --> 00:26:30.293
Cheryl Kaye: Thank you for having me.

00:26:30.493 --> 00:26:32.493
Michelle Fern: Hey, everyone, I hope you enjoyed this show.

00:26:32.513 --> 00:26:36.593
Michelle Fern: I know we talked a little bit about dogs, but you know, we talked about cats too.

00:26:36.613 --> 00:26:43.313
Michelle Fern: And a lot of people have both be aware of the symptoms for your cats during these warm, warm summer months.

00:26:43.653 --> 00:26:46.713
Michelle Fern: I want to thank my guest Cheryl Kaye for coming on Cattitude.

00:26:46.873 --> 00:26:49.773
Michelle Fern: And I want to thank everyone that listens to Cattitude.

00:26:49.873 --> 00:26:52.433
Michelle Fern: I greatly appreciate your listenership.

00:26:53.033 --> 00:26:53.733
Michelle Fern: Spread the word.

00:26:54.113 --> 00:27:02.353
Michelle Fern: You know, spread the word because people are not always aware of what to do with their cats and how to take care of the cats during the summer months.

00:27:02.653 --> 00:27:04.073
Michelle Fern: They don't like the heat.

00:27:04.453 --> 00:27:05.393
Michelle Fern: But it's freezing.

00:27:05.413 --> 00:27:07.413
Michelle Fern: They like to be warm, but they don't like the heat.

00:27:07.793 --> 00:27:16.713
Michelle Fern: So thanks to my cat crew, they stay indoors where it's nice and cool during these summer months, only going outside early morning, late at night.

00:27:17.013 --> 00:27:19.013
Michelle Fern: Thank you, Molly, Charlotte and Dennis.

00:27:19.253 --> 00:27:24.253
Michelle Fern: And then of course, the show would not be the same without the magic of my producer, Mark Winter.

00:27:24.333 --> 00:27:24.893
Cheryl Kaye: Thank you.

00:27:25.373 --> 00:27:28.573
Michelle Fern: And hey, lose the attitude, have cattitude.

00:27:29.453 --> 00:27:30.513
Announcer: Let's Talk Pets.

00:27:30.913 --> 00:27:32.073
Announcer: Every week on demand.

00:27:32.893 --> 00:27:35.493
Announcer: Only on petliferadio.com.