Signs of a Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog's prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.

Early Stages:

•    Heavy panting.

•    Rapid breathing.

•    Excessive drooling.

•    Bright red gums and tongue.

•    Standing 4-square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.

Advanced Stages:

•    White or blue gums.

•    Lethargy, unwillingness to move.

•    Uncontrollable urination or defecation.

•    Labored, noisy breathing.

•    Shock.

If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down:

•    Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog's paw pads.

•    Apply ice packs to the groin area.

•    Hose down with water.

•    Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water.

•    Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes.

Check your dog's temperature regularly during this process. Once the dog's temperature has stabilized at between 100 to 102 degrees, you can stop the cool-down process.

If you cannot get the dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heatstroke, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately.

-Content Credit: http://www.akc.org/public_education/summer_safety.cfm

Beach tips for your pets

If you plan on taking your Fur Child to the beach, here are some tips to keep your pet healthy and happy!

Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.

Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog's exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.

Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.

-Denea Duran

-Content Credit: http://www.akc.org/public_education/summer_safety.cfm

Pet Planning

Our pets aren't just pets--we consider them family members. That is why we always think of our furry friends!

In planning for hurricane season, do not forget your pets. If an evacuation is necessary, the Humane Society of the United States urges pet owners to make arrangements to evacuate their animals. Official shelters do not allow pets. If you have to evacuate, make other plans for your pets, such as staying with family, friends, veterinarians, or kennels in safe locations.



The following are some planning tips for pets, prior to an evacuation:

• Be prepared to take your pets with you. Animals depend on us for their survival, much as children do. It could be days or possibly weeks before you are able to return home. This type of delay could cause the death of your pet by starvation or dehydration.
• Identify your pet. Securely fasten a current identification tag to your pet's collar. It's a good idea to also attach a phone number of a friend or family member who is well out of disaster range to your pet's collar.
• Be sure your pet's rabies and other vaccinations are current. Boarding kennels will require proof of these vaccinations before accepting your pet.
• Photograph your pet. Carry a photo of your pet for identification purposes.
• Transport your pet safely. Use secure pet carriers and keep your pet on a leash or in a harness.
• Find a pet-friendly hotel. Because most emergency shelters do not admit pets, call hotels in a safe location and ask if you can bring your pet. If the hotel has a no-pets policy, ask the manager if the hotel can waive the policy during the disaster.
• Foster your pet. If you and your pet cannot stay together, call friends, family members, veterinarians, or boarding kennels in a safe area to arrange safe foster care.
• Have supplies on hand. Be sure to pack a week's worth of food, water, medication, cat litter, or any other supplies your pet needs on a regular basis.
• Plan your evacuation and leave in plenty of time. Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate. When rescue officials come to your door, they may not allow you to take your pets with you.
• Remember emergency responders are trained and required to save human lives, not animals. They may be taking physical and legal risks if they stop to help your animals.
• Carry a list of emergency telephone numbers with you. This should include your veterinarian, local animal control, local animal shelters, the Red Cross, and any other individual or group you might need to contact during the disaster.

Content Credit: http://www.scdhec.gov/administration/ophp/hurricane/pets.htm

-Denea Duran