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

Signs of Depression in your Dog and How to help

I am sure you have seen it in their eyes. Your gonna leave aren't you!

For most of us it is hard to leave our pets and head off to work or other activities. We get the look and then think, "This dog really knows how to
pull my strings."
When I got into the pet services business I had no idea how lonely and board our dogs can get while we are away. In some cases getting a play mate is a great idea. All dogs love company. Socializing takes the pain out of being alone. Not all dogs have the advantage of having a playmate or having someone at home most of the day. That sad look you get could be a sign of depression. Being alone isn't always the cause of depression. There are a lot of anxiety's in a dogs world today. If you notice your canine companion exhibiting dog depression symptoms, it's possible that your pet is experiencing anxiety or temporary depression due to a recent event. However, it's also possible that the symptoms you are observing could be a sign that something else is going on with your pet, such as a physical illness or chemical imbalance. When you notice your dog exhibiting signs of depression, consider whether or not something has occurred recently that could impact his or her mood. If not, or if the symptoms last for an extended period of time, it's advisable to take your dog to the veterinarian.

Signs of depression include;

* Lethargy
* Excessive sleep
* Being clingy
* Loss of appetite
* Change in personality
*Whining
* Weight loss

In most cases the sadness you see is just that sadness. Our canine friends whole world can revolve around us. while very different from us dogs are strikingly similar to people in many ways. A case of the blues, and even outright depression, is but one more malady we share. As humans, we can rationalize our feelings, try to understand them, and seek a way out. Our dogs aren't so lucky. They often need our help, and our love and involvement, to break out of the cycle.

It sounds trite, but usually what your dog needs is love and affection. They may not just snap out of it on their own, but given a little effort and patience, they can regain their emotional footing. Here are some things you can do to help:

Set aside more time together for play. If your dog isn't normally an active player, take more frequent walks outside, or devote more time to another favorite activity.
Buy some engaging new toys--a cube that releases dog food when played with, for example.
Take a trip to the park to see other dogs, or go for a ride in the car. (If your dog's a nervous traveler or only associates the car with a trip to the vet or the kennel, obviously this might not be a great idea).
If your dog has lost a pet companion, consider getting another. Another option is to call a neighbor with a dog and set up a play date.
If you leave your dog home alone during the day, consider a cage-free daycare (if their normally sociable), or hire a dog sitter to walk them.
Sit on the floor at night while you watch TV, rather than in a chair. Getting down on her level could be just the interaction she's looking for.

Don't expect miracles. Be patient. It may take a few days, or it may take considerably longer for your dog to return to his or her normal self. One thing is certain: you are the best companion they have, and the most important one during this time.

Love to hear your thoughts and may be some of the remedies you have used to bring your pup around. Leave your comments below or email me with your story.

Dog Tips, Car Trips and Car Safety

Have you ever seen this look of terror in your dogs eyes?

Let's hope not! You may not think about it, but in an emergency stop, your dog can become a flying object. If your dog rides in the front seat, it may be cute but it is not smart. There are two things that can cause severe injuries.

First, there is the airbag. Any small person or, in this case, your dog can suffer injuries when the airbag deploys. The standards for small children also apply to your pet. There are some great sources for safety devices for your pet.

Second, your dog can be seriously injured in a collision or sudden stop if thrown into the windshield. Here are some numbers you need to consider. 60% of all pets that are involved in accidents while riding in a car suffer from permanent injuries. That can get expensive considering that car insurance does not cover the cost of treating or caring for a pet.

If you love your dog or pet as much as I love and value mine, take precautions to protect them when they are riding with you. Never - and I repeat - never transport your dog or other animals in the back of a pickup truck unless they are secured from falling out or being thrown out in an emergency situation. Personally, I think it is a good idea to obtain pet insurance. Most pet policies can cover these types of injuries.

On a lighter note, I attended the open house at the Austin Dog Alliance this weekend. Debi Krakar and her staff have had an awesome year. The folks at ADA offer several great services for dog owners. Looking to adopt or rescue a dog? They have the skills and resources to help. Visit their site and check out the calendar of events.

Have you purchased pet insurance or had a pet that might have been injured in an auto accident? I hear miracle stories all the time and I would like to share yours with my readers. Leave a comment below or email me with your story.

Let's hope for more sunshine and dog park weather! Stay safe and have a wonderful day.

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