How Your Pet is effected by heat and Stroke

I visit, walk and exercise many dogs each day. I often wonder, if I were that close to the ground and had a heavy coat of fur... what would that feel like when the temperature is right at 100 degrees and the heat index well over that. It amazes me that animals do so well or, do they ?

I hope we all know that you should never leave a pet in a vehicle with the windows up. Even when the temperature is below 70 degrees you may be asking for trouble. Don't think that cracking the window makes a difference. It does not. Thousands of animals die each year form heat exhaustion and stroke. Here are a few steps to follow to avoid sure death and suffering.

As the temperature rises, so do Fido and Fluffy’s chances of experiencing heat-related problems. As the scorching days of summer descend upon us, Pet Sitters International (PSI) outlines what steps should be taken if a pet is suffering from heatstroke.

According to the Animal First Aid Chapter of PSI’s Certification Program, which was created in conjunction with Thom Somes, the Pet Safety Guy™, pets can easily suffer from heatstroke.

“High body temperatures and stress can cause a pet to go into heatstroke,” Ellen Price, PSI academic manager, said. “Heatstroke is most often caused when pets are left in a confined space with little or no ventilation during periods of warm temperatures and high humidity.”

The signs of heatstroke can include:

• Uncontrollable panting
• Foaming at the mouth
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Agitation
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Tongue and gums that turn from bright red to blue to gray
• Capillary refill time of more than two seconds

What to do in case of heat stroke or heat exhaustion

If your dog's condition becomes serious (or its body temperature is around 105 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius, if you have a thermometer on hand), then you have to hurry to keep your dog alive. The dog will need to be moved into a cool area with good ventilation, as well as being soaked in cold water or gently sprayed with cold water from a hose if a tub of ice water isn't immediately available. Be careful however, as once the dog's temperature drops back down to a healthy 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius), leaving the dog in cold water any longer (the cooling process is very fast) risks causing hypothermia, so keep a close eye on your pet as he cools down after heat stroke.

Be especially protective of older and younger dogs, both of which suffer heatstroke more easily. Once your pet has stabilized and the situation seems to be over, you should still bring your dog to the veterinarian. Heatstroke has hidden effects, such as dehydration and brain damage, that may only show after the immediate danger of death is over. All in all, heat stroke is easy to prevent. With the proper precautions, there is no reason why your pet should die. All it takes is a little time and very little effort to ensure your dog's health.

I hope this message is a helpful reminder for you. It only takes one mistake to take a pets life.

Thanks for taking time to follow our blog and if you have any pet needs please do not hesitate

to call or write, austincitypaws.com . gerry@austincitypaws.com

When Pets Get Lost

Losing your pet can be a down right heart stopper. Just this past weekend I received a call on my cell. The caller said, "I think I have your dogs." That is enough to cause shear panic. Why would this person have my dogs, I just left them and they were fine. It turns out that Missy and Duke found that the gate, at my girlfriends home, was not secure and made the great escape. I was very thankful to the person who actually stopped their car and took the time to collect them and call me but I am really thankful that they both had identification tags. Of course, both of them are chipped but having contact information on the pet is extremely important. There are many reasons pets get lost. Here is is "Ten of the main reasons you can lose your pet."

With summer upon us there will be many opportunities to be separated from your pet. This is a good time to check and make sure that your dog or cat has proper identification displayed on its collar. Make that extra effort. Invest in a good tag or collar that features a plate to engrave your pets name and most important your contact information. Two of my favorite locations to get a quality name tag or collar are Fetch in Westlake Hills. Cynthia is an awesome person and is very helpful in choosing quality merchandise. Another good shop is Dogadillo in Bee Cave. The Conrads are great folks and always have a variety of collars, tags and other pet supplies.

And then there is chipping. Granted, if someone finds your pet it is important that the proper identification is displayed on the dog but, having your dog chipped is the best investment you can make and the return will be invaluable. There are several companies that offer this service including most all vets. Getting your dog or cat chipped costs next to nothing and I have heard of some very happy endings all because the owner took the time to have the animal chipped. Scanning for a chip is one of the first things a vet or shelter will do when your pet is found and turned in as a stray.

So, if you haven't already, put these at the top of your summer to do list. Hopefully, you WILL get that call, "I think I have your Dog." Sounds a little scary but as a pet owner, it will be music to your ears and you will be glad your pet had the proper identification.

Better Health for Your Cat

I am still amazed at the number of cat owners who tend not to have annual check-ups for their cats. This is crucial to the health of your pet. As I mentioned in my last blog, there are many diseases that can be contracted and especially by those pets that roam outside.

Feline Leukemia Virus
Is your cat at risk? The virus is spread among cats through infected saliva and urine and kittens can contract FeLV from their mother. Cats that go outdoors are more likely to be infected because they can come in contact with other cats or urine from territorial marking.

Keeping your cat indoors significantly reduces exposure to FeLV. If you do allow your cat outdoors, make sure it receives the FeLV vaccine, which boosts its immune system. Kittens receive a series of vaccinations and yearly boosters thought their adult life. It is also important to test any new cats or kittens for FeLV infection before introducing them to your household. Cats that go outdoors should be tested yearly.

Here is what to look for. Veterinarians often suspect FeLV infection in sick cats with incomplete vaccination histories and kittens that don't gain weight and have recurring infections. The signs often mimic other diseases, such as feline AIDS, and may include a combination of the following symptoms;

Weakness, lethargy or depression
Vomiting
Decrease or no appetite
Coughing
Weight loss
Ocular (eye) abnormalities
Fever
Anemia
Swollen lymph nodes
Dental disease

It is recommended that cats be tested for FeLV infection annually and that you call or take you pet to a vet whenever you suspect any health problem.

I hope you will take the time to visit our website at austincitypaws.com and take advantage of our pet referral plan. It is pretty cool. You can get free in-home pet services for a week when a friend books visits.

Also check out “Dukes Dog Duty Service.”

The Freezing Weather and Your Dog
What did you do with your outdoor pet when they weren't trained to be indoors? I would love to hear back from you on that subject. Just add a comment below or email me.

Have a Yappy Week,
Gerry