Pet Sitters International offers pet owners 5 tips for heatstroke survival
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
PSI suggests the following five survival actions if a pet is suffering from heatstroke.
Restrain the pet. Muzzle only if absolutely necessary. If muzzled, cool the pet because it will not be able to pant and cool itself.
Bathe or hose the pet with cool water (not cold) until its temperature subsides. You can also place the pet in a cool, well-ventilated space and wrap it in a wet, cold sheet or towel.
Prepare to treat for shock. This includes placing the pet on its side with head extended. If the pet isn’t muzzled, open its mouth and cautiously pull the tongue past its teeth with your fingers. Keep the tongue extended to keep the airway open. Slightly elevate the pet’s hindquarters.
Monitor the pet’s temperature with a digital thermometer.
Transport to the veterinarian or emergency animal hospital.
Tuesday, August 2. 2011
Rise in temperatures correlate to rise in pet heatstroke
Heat's Up! Every Pup in the Pool!
by Helen Fazio, Travel Dog Blogger, www.traveldogbooks.com
Not all dogs enjoy water or take to swimming, but all dogs can benefit from a pool's cooling effects in the hottest part of summer. A shallowly-filled toddler pool with low sides set in a shady corner of the grass can be a wading pool for non-aquatic pups. Cool water on the pads alone gives a hot dog a new lease on summer. Some non-swimmers even discover they enjoy rolling in the water. Even hot, old dogs can learn new tricks.
Friday, July 22. 2011
Protect Dogs, Cats, Birds and Exotics from the Heat
Protect Dogs, Cats, Birds and Exotics from the Heat
After a long winter and a spring thaw, we’re eager to get back out into the sunshine and enjoy the long days and warm nights with neighbors, friends and family. And for many of us, “family” includes our pets.
In fact, including your pets in your summer activities is healthy fun for everyone. But when the summer heat and humidity start to rise, it’s important to understand how pets are affected by the spike in temperature and take the necessary precautions to keep them cool and comfortable.
H2O is a Pet’s Best Friend
Unlike humans, dogs and cats have few sweat glands, which hinder them from cooling off by sweating. Instead, they lose heat and moisture from their tongues by panting. This water loss needs to be replaced, so it’s important to keep some fresh drinking water available at all times. This is especially important when you take them out for long summer walks or car rides.
Don’t Park Your Pet
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, not even for a few minutes. The air in a parked car doesn’t circulate and, even in the shade, the temperature in a vehicle will start to rise and become life threatening in just a few minutes.
Rules for Pools
Getting together at your backyard pool to swim, have fun and cool off is a great summertime tradition. But the pool can be dangerous for adults, children and pets unless safety is observed at all times.
You should always be cautious when your pets are in or around the pool, especially if they’re older and can’t get in and out of the pool as easily as they used to. Some manufacturers produce ramps to allow pets an easy escape from an accidental fall into the water.
Block That Sun
It may be surprising to learn that pets with light-colored skin and hair can get sunburned. In fact, extensive time in the sun can even result in skin cancer. If you are going to be in a situation where your pet will be spending a long time outside on a hot, sunny day, talk to your veterinarian about using specially developed sun block for pets on unprotected areas like the nose and ears.
Make Some Shade
If you keep your pet outside, be mindful of the fact that a cool spot in the morning can turn scorching hot by mid-afternoon. Be sure to always have a comfortable, sheltered area available that they can retreat to for their rest. A kiddie pool in the shade can provide relief on those scorching summer days.
Summer can be a particularly difficult time because overweight dogs and cats can overheat faster as extra layers of fat act as insulation, trapping heat and restricting breathing.
Grooming is Cool
Common sense would lead you to believe that animals with longer hair would be cooler in the summer if you gave them a “haircut”. However, just as a pet’s coat insulates against cold, it also insulates against heat. Be sure to brush your pet’s hair regularly to get rid of mats and tangles and remove loose undercoat. The more you brush, the more the hair “breathes”.
It’s a Breed Thing
Yes, it’s true. All breeds are not alike and some, because of their nature, can have a more difficult time in the summer than others. Flat-nosed breeds such as Pekingese, Pugs and Bulldogs, for example, have a harder time staying cool than long-nosed dogs because their shortened nose and oral cavities don’t allow them to breathe as efficiently. Learn more about your pet’s particular needs by talking to your veterinarian.
A Weighty Problem
Studies show that between 25 and 40 percent of all household pets in the U.S. are overweight or obese. In fact, according to VPI Pet Insurance’s actuarial data, this trend is leading to a steady rise in obesity-related pet illnesses such as diabetes mellitus. Obesity is also known to be associated with, or can exacerbate, a variety of medical conditions such as high blood pressure and osteoarthritis.Now, what does this mean with regard to the summer season? Well, summer can be a particularly difficult time of year because, as with humans, overweight dogs and cats can overheat faster because the extra layers of fat act as insulation, trapping heat and restricting breathing. If your pet is overweight, it’s important that you talk to your veterinarian before taking your pet on any outdoor activities you may be planning.
High Noon is No Time for Exercising
If you’re used to taking your dog for a walk during mid-day, it would be wise to change your schedule during summer to early morning or late afternoon walks with fresh water always at hand. Hot pavement can burn a dog’s pads, and walking outdoors during the hottest time of the day can lead to heat stress. After the summer is over, feel free to return to your usual schedule.
Keep the Bugs Off
The warm weather, longer days and summer fun keep us and our pets outdoors more often, increasing our chances of running into those pesky fleas and mosquitoes. Fleas and mosquitoes can transmit a number of diseases including tapeworm, heartworm and even West Nile Virus. During the summer months, be sure your dog or cat is tested for heartworm and that you’re using veterinarian-recommended flea and heartworm preventive products.
Avian Advantage
Birds handle heat better than dogs and cats because their normal body temperature ranges from 104 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. However, lacking sweat glands, any increase in body temperature can cause heat exhaustion. Make sure cages are kept away from direct sunlight and that there’s a fresh supply of drinking water available. As a special treat for your feathered friend, get out your spray bottle, fill it with water and give him a spritz.
Rabbits and Ferrets
If you can’t cool your home during the hottest part of the day, wrap a 2-liter plastic bottle in a towel and place it in the cage in the morning. This way, your rabbit or ferret can lie next to the chilled bottle to cool off.
Guinea Pig Habitat
If you’re going to move your guinea pig’s hutch outdoors for the summer (as some folks do), be sure the hutch is made of small wire mesh to keep out unwanted visitors like mice, foxes, coyotes and the neighbor’s dog or cat.So sit back, sip some lemonade and read over these safety tips so you can give your pets the coolest summer ever!
Article from petinsurance.com
After a long winter and a spring thaw, we’re eager to get back out into the sunshine and enjoy the long days and warm nights with neighbors, friends and family. And for many of us, “family” includes our pets.
In fact, including your pets in your summer activities is healthy fun for everyone. But when the summer heat and humidity start to rise, it’s important to understand how pets are affected by the spike in temperature and take the necessary precautions to keep them cool and comfortable.
H2O is a Pet’s Best Friend
Unlike humans, dogs and cats have few sweat glands, which hinder them from cooling off by sweating. Instead, they lose heat and moisture from their tongues by panting. This water loss needs to be replaced, so it’s important to keep some fresh drinking water available at all times. This is especially important when you take them out for long summer walks or car rides.
Don’t Park Your Pet
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, not even for a few minutes. The air in a parked car doesn’t circulate and, even in the shade, the temperature in a vehicle will start to rise and become life threatening in just a few minutes.
Rules for Pools
Getting together at your backyard pool to swim, have fun and cool off is a great summertime tradition. But the pool can be dangerous for adults, children and pets unless safety is observed at all times.
You should always be cautious when your pets are in or around the pool, especially if they’re older and can’t get in and out of the pool as easily as they used to. Some manufacturers produce ramps to allow pets an easy escape from an accidental fall into the water.
Block That Sun
It may be surprising to learn that pets with light-colored skin and hair can get sunburned. In fact, extensive time in the sun can even result in skin cancer. If you are going to be in a situation where your pet will be spending a long time outside on a hot, sunny day, talk to your veterinarian about using specially developed sun block for pets on unprotected areas like the nose and ears.
Make Some Shade
If you keep your pet outside, be mindful of the fact that a cool spot in the morning can turn scorching hot by mid-afternoon. Be sure to always have a comfortable, sheltered area available that they can retreat to for their rest. A kiddie pool in the shade can provide relief on those scorching summer days.
Summer can be a particularly difficult time because overweight dogs and cats can overheat faster as extra layers of fat act as insulation, trapping heat and restricting breathing.
Grooming is Cool
Common sense would lead you to believe that animals with longer hair would be cooler in the summer if you gave them a “haircut”. However, just as a pet’s coat insulates against cold, it also insulates against heat. Be sure to brush your pet’s hair regularly to get rid of mats and tangles and remove loose undercoat. The more you brush, the more the hair “breathes”.
It’s a Breed Thing
Yes, it’s true. All breeds are not alike and some, because of their nature, can have a more difficult time in the summer than others. Flat-nosed breeds such as Pekingese, Pugs and Bulldogs, for example, have a harder time staying cool than long-nosed dogs because their shortened nose and oral cavities don’t allow them to breathe as efficiently. Learn more about your pet’s particular needs by talking to your veterinarian.
A Weighty Problem
Studies show that between 25 and 40 percent of all household pets in the U.S. are overweight or obese. In fact, according to VPI Pet Insurance’s actuarial data, this trend is leading to a steady rise in obesity-related pet illnesses such as diabetes mellitus. Obesity is also known to be associated with, or can exacerbate, a variety of medical conditions such as high blood pressure and osteoarthritis.Now, what does this mean with regard to the summer season? Well, summer can be a particularly difficult time of year because, as with humans, overweight dogs and cats can overheat faster because the extra layers of fat act as insulation, trapping heat and restricting breathing. If your pet is overweight, it’s important that you talk to your veterinarian before taking your pet on any outdoor activities you may be planning.
High Noon is No Time for Exercising
If you’re used to taking your dog for a walk during mid-day, it would be wise to change your schedule during summer to early morning or late afternoon walks with fresh water always at hand. Hot pavement can burn a dog’s pads, and walking outdoors during the hottest time of the day can lead to heat stress. After the summer is over, feel free to return to your usual schedule.
Keep the Bugs Off
The warm weather, longer days and summer fun keep us and our pets outdoors more often, increasing our chances of running into those pesky fleas and mosquitoes. Fleas and mosquitoes can transmit a number of diseases including tapeworm, heartworm and even West Nile Virus. During the summer months, be sure your dog or cat is tested for heartworm and that you’re using veterinarian-recommended flea and heartworm preventive products.
Avian Advantage
Birds handle heat better than dogs and cats because their normal body temperature ranges from 104 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. However, lacking sweat glands, any increase in body temperature can cause heat exhaustion. Make sure cages are kept away from direct sunlight and that there’s a fresh supply of drinking water available. As a special treat for your feathered friend, get out your spray bottle, fill it with water and give him a spritz.
Rabbits and Ferrets
If you can’t cool your home during the hottest part of the day, wrap a 2-liter plastic bottle in a towel and place it in the cage in the morning. This way, your rabbit or ferret can lie next to the chilled bottle to cool off.
Guinea Pig Habitat
If you’re going to move your guinea pig’s hutch outdoors for the summer (as some folks do), be sure the hutch is made of small wire mesh to keep out unwanted visitors like mice, foxes, coyotes and the neighbor’s dog or cat.So sit back, sip some lemonade and read over these safety tips so you can give your pets the coolest summer ever!
Article from petinsurance.com
Wednesday, June 15. 2011
No Cost Ways to Support Your Local Shelter
With a few simple changes to your daily online behavior, you can support animal welfare organizations and your favorite local shelters and rescues without spending a penny. Here's how: Visit Freekibble.com and Freekibblekat.com and donate ten pieces of tasty kibble to shelter pets when you answer a daily trivia question at one or both of the sites. Put your daily web searches to work for pets with GoodSearch.com, a Yahoo-powered search engine donating a penny per search to the charity you choose. And begin your shopping at online malls GoodShop.com or iGive.com and a percentage of every purchase is donated to your favorite charity when you purchase online as usual.
Woof Report is a free weekly email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products and more. Sign up at www.WoofReport.com.
Laura Stauffiger is the proprietor of Laura's Critter Care, an in your home pet sitting and dog walking service in Amherst, and a member of Pet Sitters International and PetSitUSA. For more information visit her website or send an Email.
Woof Report is a free weekly email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products and more. Sign up at www.WoofReport.com.
Laura Stauffiger is the proprietor of Laura's Critter Care, an in your home pet sitting and dog walking service in Amherst, and a member of Pet Sitters International and PetSitUSA. For more information visit her website or send an Email.
Tuesday, June 14. 2011
Is Your Pet Ticked Off?
A common parasite, especially during the summer months, is the tick. Ticks can be found in most climates. Although they are most often found in wooded, damp and grassy areas before they attach to a pet. Some tick bites are harmless, but others can cause skin damage, irritation, hypersensitivity and anemia.
The most common diseases transmitted by tick bites are Lyme disease, tick-borne fever and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If left untreated, these diseases can cause severe health problems that can be fatal. The following are warning signs that your dog or cat may have a tick-borne disease.
Lyme disease symptoms:
• Arthritis
• Lameness
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
Tick-borne fever symptoms:
• Weakness
• Cough
• Labored breathing
• Fatigue
• Discharge from the nose or eyes
Rocky Mountain spotted fever symptoms:
(Symptoms are similar to those of tick-borne fever.)
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Feverish
• Lameness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
Contact your veterinarian immediately to schedule an examination and a blood test if you believe that your pet has been bitten and infected by a tick. If you remove any of the ticks from your pet, save them in a bottle – your veterinarian may want to examine them in order to determine what type of ticks they were. Remove ticks with tweezers or with a special “tick remover.” Never remove a tick with your hands or a match.
The proper way to remove a tick with tweezers:
Step 1 - Grip the tick as close to the head as possible
Step 2 - Gently twist and remove
This article is an excerpt from the Parasites & Their Control chapter of PSI’s Certification Program. PSI’s Certification Program is designed to provide the knowledge necessary for a PSI member to excel in pet care, health and nutrition, business and office procedures, and added services for pet-sitting businesses.
Laura Stauffiger is the proprietor of Laura's Critter Care, an in your home pet sitting and dog walking service in Amherst, and a member of Pet Sitters International and PetSitUSA. For more information visit her website or send an Email.
The most common diseases transmitted by tick bites are Lyme disease, tick-borne fever and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If left untreated, these diseases can cause severe health problems that can be fatal. The following are warning signs that your dog or cat may have a tick-borne disease.
Lyme disease symptoms:
• Arthritis
• Lameness
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
Tick-borne fever symptoms:
• Weakness
• Cough
• Labored breathing
• Fatigue
• Discharge from the nose or eyes
Rocky Mountain spotted fever symptoms:
(Symptoms are similar to those of tick-borne fever.)
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Feverish
• Lameness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
Contact your veterinarian immediately to schedule an examination and a blood test if you believe that your pet has been bitten and infected by a tick. If you remove any of the ticks from your pet, save them in a bottle – your veterinarian may want to examine them in order to determine what type of ticks they were. Remove ticks with tweezers or with a special “tick remover.” Never remove a tick with your hands or a match.
The proper way to remove a tick with tweezers:
Step 1 - Grip the tick as close to the head as possible
Step 2 - Gently twist and remove
This article is an excerpt from the Parasites & Their Control chapter of PSI’s Certification Program. PSI’s Certification Program is designed to provide the knowledge necessary for a PSI member to excel in pet care, health and nutrition, business and office procedures, and added services for pet-sitting businesses.
Laura Stauffiger is the proprietor of Laura's Critter Care, an in your home pet sitting and dog walking service in Amherst, and a member of Pet Sitters International and PetSitUSA. For more information visit her website or send an Email.
(Page 1 of 17, totaling 82 entries)
next page »
