Yesterday was quite an eventful day. As I was driving down Main Street going to one of my client’s houses, I saw another one of my clients running frantically up Main. She had a child with her and a leash in hand. Right at that moment I knew this wasn’t going to be good.
My client saw me and immediately yelled over for help. I jumped out of my car to find out what was going on. Her dog had gotten loose and took off on her when she was at the park. She was running home to get her car and to have someone watch her nephew so she could continue her search.
At that point I drove down to the park to look for Roxy. I’m driving thinking, Roxy? Take off? That is not like Roxy. Roxy is one of my most disciplined dogs; she has been fully trained, listens to all her commands and never just takes off. This is just not her character.
Luckily, having known this dog since she was a puppy I wasn’t too concerned that she ran too far, I was more concerned about her health. At 9:45AM it was extremely hot, already 90. We had just had a quick shower and it was getting very muggy. I also know that the owner and this dog are very athletic and like to do fast paced, strong walks. I know their routine and it is a physical one.
Fortunately, after driving around a couple of streets I found her! She was exhausted, shaking and panting heavily. I pulled my car over for her to get in my backseat, only to notice she couldn’t get up and her eyes were glossy. I knew right there Ms. Roxy was starting to stroke.
Once I got her in my car I drove her home. Roxy rolled out of the back of my car and collapsed onto the pavement. I had the owner immediately get water, ice cubes and a cold face cloth. As she was doing that I began some of my animal massage strokes that help with cooling the system. I took some of the ice cubes and massaged them into Roxy’s pressure points and let her drink a bowl of water. It took a couple of minutes, which to the owner and I seemed like a life time but eventually Roxy was able to stand. At that point Roxy was moved inside the home to continue to cool down next to the air conditioner.
Roxy is fine…Roxy was very very lucky.
Please remember that an animal’s average body temperature is 101. Once the temperature rises about 105 the animal can and probably will begin to stroke. It happens quickly and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, coma or even death. Animals by nature use panting as a way to cool their systems but sometimes, their bodies just can not endure the heat and humidity. On extremely hot days please limit your pets exercise and keep a few extra bowls of water available to them.
A rule of thumb..If you’re hot, your pet is hotter.
As always PLEASE KEEP YOUR PETS HYDRATED!!
At that point I drove down to the park to look for Roxy. I’m driving thinking, Roxy? Take off? That is not like Roxy. Roxy is one of my most disciplined dogs; she has been fully trained, listens to all her commands and never just takes off. This is just not her character.
Luckily, having known this dog since she was a puppy I wasn’t too concerned that she ran too far, I was more concerned about her health. At 9:45AM it was extremely hot, already 90. We had just had a quick shower and it was getting very muggy. I also know that the owner and this dog are very athletic and like to do fast paced, strong walks. I know their routine and it is a physical one.
Fortunately, after driving around a couple of streets I found her! She was exhausted, shaking and panting heavily. I pulled my car over for her to get in my backseat, only to notice she couldn’t get up and her eyes were glossy. I knew right there Ms. Roxy was starting to stroke.
Once I got her in my car I drove her home. Roxy rolled out of the back of my car and collapsed onto the pavement. I had the owner immediately get water, ice cubes and a cold face cloth. As she was doing that I began some of my animal massage strokes that help with cooling the system. I took some of the ice cubes and massaged them into Roxy’s pressure points and let her drink a bowl of water. It took a couple of minutes, which to the owner and I seemed like a life time but eventually Roxy was able to stand. At that point Roxy was moved inside the home to continue to cool down next to the air conditioner.
Roxy is fine…Roxy was very very lucky.
Please remember that an animal’s average body temperature is 101. Once the temperature rises about 105 the animal can and probably will begin to stroke. It happens quickly and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, coma or even death. Animals by nature use panting as a way to cool their systems but sometimes, their bodies just can not endure the heat and humidity. On extremely hot days please limit your pets exercise and keep a few extra bowls of water available to them.
A rule of thumb..If you’re hot, your pet is hotter.
As always PLEASE KEEP YOUR PETS HYDRATED!!
Tracey, I left a note by your mailbox, but incase you didn't get it I'm glad I found you here. Today I got to enjoy my dog, my best, most fun-hearted, loving, buddy in the world because of you. Roxy certainly tested her Mommy yesterday when not listening to her commands...and will now get some refresher trainings :-) I just want you to know that you literally saved my life yesterday as well as Roxy's, as I could not live without her. You know better than anyone how much our pets influence our lives. I wish you and Lani the best and Roxy is sleeping soundly next to me thanks to you!
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