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Archive for June, 2011

HOT NEWS!

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Hot weather has just begun and already incidents of dogs being left in cars with windows slightly ajar or completely closed, are reported in newspapers nationwide. It is a seasonal tragedy that dogs and even children are left in cars, sometimes suffering irreparable brain and organ damage, or death. In spite of constant media and animal welfare reminders, the reoccurrence is stunning. On even a moderately hot day, temperatures inside of a vehicle can rise very quickly. Dogs have few options to cool their bodies, their tongues and their feet, and dehydrate very quickly. Often they are left while owners run frivolous errands. Although it is encouraged to include our dogs in as many everyday activities, their health and welfare must be the primary consideration. Dogs are often stolen from unattended vehicles as well . . . another danger to consider for your traveling companion . . .

Make sure the only “hot dogs” you have this summer are on the barbecue grill.

First Aid for Fido

Friday, June 17th, 2011

While on the subject of seasonal safety, free of the confinement of winter weather, many of us and our dogs are taking part in active, outdoor activity in which some risk of injury must be considered. It is really a great idea to have a first aid kit available for ALL family members, including Fido. There are many commercially available, pre-packaged ones. Your veterinarian can also make recommendations as to what to include. A well stocked first aid kit is also an important component of your home “get away” kit for use during a natural disaster or other emergency. None of us plan to leave our pet behind and we must be prepared for on the road emergencies. Below is one list of items to include in your first aid kit bag.

Sterile gauze pads (3”X3”) and (2”X2”) and guaze bandage rolls (1” and 2”), and vet wrap.
First aid adhesive tape, 1” roll
Cotton swabs
Tweezers
Scissors
Plastic freezer/sandwich bags
Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
Styptic pencil or cornstarch ( to stem blood flow from minor cuts)
Antibacterial ointment
Antiseptic cleansing wipes
Kaopectate or Pepto Bismol (canned pumpkin can also help with stomach upset)
A current pet first aid book
Eyewash
Eyedropper
Mineral Oil (a lubricant and laxative when given by mouth)
Digital or rectal thermometer in a plastic case
Leather work gloves (to protect you from being bitten)
Latex gloves
Leash
Thin rope
Splint materials (tongue depressor, 12 inch wooden ruler, or thick magazine)
Muzzle (soft or basket style to which your dog has been desensitized)

AND ALWAYS, but especially with injury or emergency in mind, ensure that your dog has identification, including microchip or tattoo, to facilitate returning him to you if you should become separated.

 

Travel With Your Dog(s)

Friday, June 17th, 2011

Yappily, dogs are welcome at more and more travel and vacation locations. Some hotels and motels greet them with special treats and beds of their own (that may be a hint . . .). Ensure that your dog is safely harnessed or crated when traveling by car. A loose dog is a distraction to a driver and a potential flying object inside or outside of the car in the event of an accident. A sturdy wire crate to which he has been desensitized through positive training or a well fitted halter that integrates into the seat buckle system are great options. Many a dog is lost or injured in an accident in which first responders priorities are to the human occupant. A loose, riled dog may impede rescue of both his owner and himself.

 
     
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