Ed. Note: The following content was provided by Cinema Veterinary Centre, who is a client of KHTS AM-1220.

SCV pet owners can help keep their dogs safe and healthy this spring by following a few tips from Santa Clarita veterinarian Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto, owner of Cinema Veterinary Centre in Valencia.

For avid hikers and beginners alike, keeping dogs on-leash and on the trail can help protect your canine companion from encountering rattlesnakes or getting stuck by foxtails.

“Absolutely go hiking with them– it’s a great form of exercise,” Ronchetto said. “But you want to make sure that they stay on the hiking trails.”

Foxtails can burrow into the skin, fur, ears and paw pads and create what’s called a penetrating wound, which is not only extremely painful but can also cause an abscess if it isn’t removed right away.

“You want to make sure you inspect your pets after hikes really well and try to get them out if you see them in the fur,” Ronchetto continued, adding that pet owners should take their dog to the veterinarian if the foxtail is too deeply embedded.

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When dogs nose around the brush on the edge of a hiking trail or wander completely off the trail, there’s a big risk they could be bit by a rattlesnake that you can’t see, so it’s important to not only keep your dog on-leash on the trail, but also to pay attention to where they’re sniffing.

If you plan on taking your dog hiking a lot this spring, a rattlesnake vaccine is also available to help slow the effects of venom in the case of a bite.

“We do have a rattlesnake vaccine out that I really highly recommend,” Ronchetto said. “It basically buys you time and helps you get to the vet, (but) you definitely still need emergency care.”

Whether you’re hiking, walking or jogging, pet owners should also keep an eye out for bees, which are much more dangerous to dogs than people.

When a dog is stung, “their whole face will swell up– their whole muzzle –, they can get a little bit pale, they might not be breathing as well if their throat is closing up,” Ronchetto said. “It can get really dangerous, so you definitely want them to be seen (by a veterinarian) immediately.”

Bee stings are usually treated with a pair of injections– steroid and benadryl –and your dog should be monitored closely by your veterinarian to make sure symptoms don’t get worse.

It’s also important to remember to bring water for your dog when hiking, jogging or going for long walks. Dogs often keep going even if they feel overheated, so you should take frequent breaks in the shade and offer your dog plenty of water.

“You definitely want to make sure you bring a water source for them just like you would for yourself,” Ronchetto said. “They can’t tell you if they’re getting too tired or too hot, so definitely take some breaks and make sure that they have water and some shade.”

If your dog seems lethargic or seems to be unusually grumpy after a hike, jog or walk, it could be a sign that something is wrong, Ronchetto continued.

“They might be growly– not necessarily aggressive but could be –or just not the same happy, playful pup,” she said. “It’s not just that they need an attitude adjustment; there could be something that’s causing them discomfort.”

If you notice your dog is acting strange or lethargic after being outdoors, check him/her for any visible symptoms and call your veterinarian right away.

Cinema Veterinary Centre

23460 Cinema Drive

Valencia, CA 91355

661-253-9300