Search Results for: blog first aid heatstroke

Heatstroke in Pets

With the approach of summer, we pet owners need to start thinking about how our animal family members might be affected by the heat. Pets that go outside, particularly dogs and cats, face danger from heatstroke. In fact, even when an animal isn’t technically outdoors it can still get heatstroke if left in the car. I admit I’ve been guilty once or twice of leaving my dog in the car for “just a few minutes” in fair weather. Here’s the thing: according to a Stanford University study, a parked car on a sunny 70-degree day can reach dangerous internal temperatures. … Continue reading →

First Aid Basics: Dehydration and Circulation

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If only our pets could talk. That would satisfy a lot of curiosity, but also make things a lot easier when something is wrong but you don’t quite know what. But you don’t have to live with the mystery; a few quick checks can help you see what might be wrong with your pup or kitty. You may not be able to see much of your pet’s skin (thanks to fur and pigmentation) but the gums can tell you a lot about your pet’s current condition. Anything other than a normal pink color in the gums and other mucous membranes … Continue reading →

Fourth of July Pet Safety

On Friday one of the DJ’s for my local radio station mentioned upcoming Fourth of July celebrations, and she warned dog owners about fireworks. She said that she sees more fliers go up for missing dogs on July 5 than just about any other day of the year, all because of the fireworks noise. It’s something that never occurred to me, but it makes a lot of sense. Depending on where you live and how loud noise from fireworks might be in your yard, Independence Day, while fun for us humans, could prove frightening for our pets. If you keep … Continue reading →

Police Dogs in Danger

I love watching working animals. As hard as it might be for me to remain professional around a seeing-eye dog, for example, who shouldn’t be petted while it works, I love to observe the first-hand proof of the deep bond that can exist between humans and animals. Pets are such multi-faceted friends and family members, keeping us company and aiding us in real ways as we go through life. That’s why I’m so horrified to read a story on Yahoo! News about the New Orleans Police Department closing their K-9 unit. The dogs didn’t do anything wrong. It was their … Continue reading →

Tips for Preventing Summer ER Visits

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Want to stay out of the emergency room this summer? I know I do. Across the United States, emergency care facilities see nearly a twenty percent jump in traffic during the summer months… and now that I think about it, the majority of my ER visits have been during the summer. Knowing is half the battle… preparation and prevention is the other half. (Sorry, G.I. Joe!) Here are some things you can do to make the summer months safer and healthier. Always drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a huge health issue during the summer months! Always wear sunscreen. Yes, … Continue reading →

Hot Days (and Hot Dogs) Ahead

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The temperature yesterday was in the 70s in the Portland, Oregon area. By tomorrow, forecasts are calling for temperatures in the 90s! It looks to me like summer is coming… and coming fast. Dealing with the heat is somewhat easier for people than for pets. After all, we have thumbs for turning on the air conditioning… or the option of escaping to a cool, dark movie theater when the sun is too much. Some dogs do love the sun and heat, though. My brother’s American Staffordshire Terrier Lily Biscuits just loves sunshine. She’ll sprawl out on the warm concrete sidewalk … Continue reading →

Fur Coats and No Air Conditioning

We haven’t really needed air conditioning in the new apartment — things have been pretty mild this summer in the Portland, Oregon area. I’m not trying to gloat; I know things have been hot and humid around the rest of the country. All in all, we haven’t needed to worry about air conditioning. There have been a few days here and there that have passed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Today feels like it’s going to be a hot one. So how do we deal with the heat without having an air conditioner? Plenty of cool, fresh water. The drinking bowl is … Continue reading →

Being A Dog

I’ve spent some time thinking about dog philosophy. I’ve read some really cute books written from a dog’s point of view. And all in all, I think I might like being a dog. Dogs are very forgiving. Whether I leave the house for five minutes to walk to the dumpster or five hours to do some shopping, Moose and Lally are always happy to see me. No matter how long I’ve been gone, they greet me as if they haven’t seen me in years. I love coming home to the joyous frenzy! And if I lose my temper and yell … Continue reading →

Murphy’s May Day Morning Walk

We’re having well above average temps here in Nashville again lately. It feels more like the middle of summer than early spring. Today is supposed to reach 88 degrees. (If not 90.) On Tuesday nights I play volleyball at Centennial Park, which means Murph’s regular afternoon walks are both earlier and shorter than normal. Since it’s going to be so hot when I have to take him, and because we had company in town the last week and some of his walks were abbreviated then, and because today is May Day, I decided to spoil Murph and celebrate the day … Continue reading →