Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Events of an Overheated Dog

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!!  

It's Hot..Drink Please

Summer is here…everyone is having cookouts, cooling off at their pools, kicking back and enjoying our nice summer weather.   With all this excitement are you remembering your pets?  As hot as you are, their body temperatures are higher and they can become dehydrated much quicker.  
Like humans, dog and cats bodies are made of 80 percent water. Having enough water in an animal's system determines the proper flow of nutrients needed for the functionality of the organs and helps prevent illness.

But more simply put…it’ HOT and your pet needs water.  He is thirsty!

As a rule of thumb, a dog needs approximately twice as much as its body weight to remain hydrated.  For example:  a dog that weighs 15lbs should have at least 30 oz of water a day.

Keep the water bowl full all day. This time of year keep multiple bowls in easy access places to where your pet may be.
 Keep the water bowl clean    I see so many of these water fountains for pets and owners fill them up thinking they don’t need to change the water until it is empty.  Hum… probably not one of my favorite pet inventions, people tend to forget it is “still” water in a container at room temperature.  It needs to be changed and the container needs to be cleaned.  If not, bacteria and mold will grow inside.  Once ingested by the pet, mold can lead to severe internal sickness.
 Ice Cubes   Dogs love chewing on ices cubes, it helps get fluids in their bodies and it is a fun interactive toy too!   
Dog pools, sprinkler or hose  Take the kiddy pool,  fill it up with water and let your dog jump around in it.  Oh my god, have you ever seen a dog in a kiddy pool?  They bounce all around and have a blast too.   If you don’t have a pool, a sprinkler or a garden hose can be just as effective.   
AC or Fan  Yup…spoil them a bit…my Lani, she loves her AC and ceiling fan as she lounges on her couch.

If you have concerns that your dog or cat may be dehydrated do the “scruff” test

  • To determine the extent of your pet's dehydration a dehydrated dog or cat will lose skin elasticity.  Pull lightly on the skin at the scruff of the neck and note how quickly it returns to its normal location. The longer it takes, the more dehydrated your dog or cat is.

And as always, with any health questions or concerns please call your veterinarian immediately.

Now for this Friday, fill the ice cube trays in the freezer, buy some frosty paws treats and enjoy a happy and hydrated weekend with your pet.  Stay cool too !

Monday, July 4, 2011

More Fame for Michael Vick…Seriously?

Oh my...here we go again.   Mr. Vick seems to be coming around smelling like a rose.   Seriously, who gets away with brutally and tourchering innocent dogs?  Apparently the courts felt this gambling, greedy money maker murderer only needed a simple 20 month sentence in prison.  The NFL (another disappointment) was counting the days for this former top athlete to be released and immediately re- instated to the NFL.  Why?     
Have we forgotten the numerous animals that lost their lives to the hands of this cruel, evil , sociopath?  Or are we simply looking away?  What about  the 27 pit bulls that were able to be saved?  Have we not acknowledged these dogs will struggle with some form of PTSD for the rest of their lives?  These animals have been going through recovery for almost 4yrs now and some still haven’t been able to fully transition back into society.
Therefore, why is Michael Vick allowed back into society?  Why is he able to have a career making millions and as of last week resigns to his endorsement contract with Nike!
Nike, an athletic company that is known for promoting the most exciting athletes in the world, chose Michael Vick?  What is our media and corporate America doing?  Come on Nike…are you saying with all the sports and record breaking athletes in the world the best you could find as a representation of you and as a role model is Michael Vick?  Oh geez…
I honestly think with the 10yr anniversary of 911 approaching us in September,  I would have hoped Nike could have done a tribute campaign on all the heroes that lost their lives that day.  But what am I thinking?  That would only be the logical and respectful thing Nike could have done.  That doesn’t make sense.  Shame on you Nike ….
I have to ask?  What is next?  The Whitey Bugler running shoes?

Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional.  She has been featured on local radio, tv and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness.  Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units. Tracey  may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net.  Become a fan on facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care and follower of www.traceythedogwalker.blogs.com