Tis the season!

[skeeter_01]

Here we are, almost into July! I don't know about where YOU are but, here in SE Michigan, it's heating up! Last year by this date, I'd already called 911 twice to report dogs shut in vehicles. By the end of last summer, I'd called 911 approx. 7 times.

Each time I called, I reported the address, the vehicle and lic. plate # to the dispatcher. Each time I waited until the person who owned the vehicle came back out. Each time I was cussed out and told to mind my own business when i confronted them and their careless behavior. Each time I assured them that this is most certainly my business!

Did you know the next two weeks are the busiest for shelters?

This is because of "loose dog" calls. Fourth of July safety: make sure your dog is wearing his collar with a tag with your number on it at all times. Bring dogs in at dark. Walk your perimeter fencing to check for holes, loose sections, gate gaps. If you bring pooch with you to a firework event or walk your dog after dark, make sure he is wearing a harness or martingale collar.

Did you also know:

Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation that can affect both dogs and cats. It is especially common in dogs that have been left untended in cars. We all know it is not safe to leave an animal in a closed car when the outside temperature is extremely warm. However, even in temperatures as mild as 70-75°F, the temperature inside of a closed car can increase as much as 40° or more in one hour. That means the temperature inside of the car can increase to 110-115°F even when the temperature outside is mild.

Besides the car scenario, there are other situations in which heat stroke becomes more likely for our pets as well.

■Dogs (or other animals) left outside on hot and/or humid days without the availability of adequate shade and/or water are likely to suffer heat stroke.
■Animals that are exercised heavily on a hot and/or humid day may also suffer heat stroke.
■Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds of dogs and cats may be more likely to develop hyperthermia (an elevated temperature) and suffer heat stroke because their ability to pant effectively is hampered by their anatomy.
■Obesity can affect an animal’s airways and make panting less effective at dissipating heat for the animal, predisposing the animal to heat stroke.
■Other diseases that hamper the airway can also alter the effectiveness of the panting mechanism that dogs and cats rely on to dissipate body heat, resulting in heat stroke.
■Animals exposed to forced heat, such as a hair dryer, may also suffer heat stroke.

Symptoms and Signs of Heat Stroke

Early symptoms seen with heat stroke include restlessness and excessive panting. The respiratory rate and heart rate will increase. Excessive drooling may also occur. Vomiting and/or diarrhea may occur. Dehydration and depression will occur as the symptoms worsen. As the situation progresses, the animal’s gums may turn brick red in color or even purple or blue as oxygen saturation declines. The dog or cat may have difficulty breathing and may appear to be gasping. The pet will become weak and may stagger. Seizures may occur and the animal may become totally comatose. Petechial hemorrhages, small red areas that resemble bruising, may appear. As the pet nears death, the temperature may actually decrease to below normal.

A body temperature higher than 105°F is cause for alarm. It is important to remember that an elevated temperature can have many different causes and heat stroke is only one of those potential causes. However, often there are clues in the environment or the recent history of the pet that easily lead to the probability of a diagnosis of heat stroke. For instance, a dog found locked in a car that has symptoms consistent with heat stroke is likely suffering from heat stroke rather than another disease.

Treatment of Heat Stroke in Dogs and Cats

Any dog or cat suffering from heat stroke should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. However, measures may be taken to begin cooling the pet before transport. It is important not to lower the body temperature of the dog or cat too much or too quickly. Cool wet towels can be placed around or over the animal. Towels soaked in cool water can also be placed between the legs, both front and rear. Placing cool water on the ears and paws may help cool the pet also. Naturally, the pet should be removed from the environment which caused the heat stroke. If possible, direct a fan toward the dog or cat.

Do not use ice or extremely cold water to cool a dog or cat suffering from heat stroke. Doing so may actually make the condition worse.

Though cooling the pet is part of treating for heat stroke, other procedures will also likely be necessary to save the animal’s life and rapid evaluation and treatment at a veterinary facility is usually necessary. Heat stroke affects all body systems and causes thermal damage to numerous tissues. ■The kidneys are damaged, leading to acute kidney failure.
■The gastrointestinal tract is damaged and may lead to bacterial translocation from the intestinal tract into the blood stream.
■Damage to the liver and to the heart can occur due to thermal damage.
■There may be swelling within the brain and infarctions that cause further brain damage.
■Clotting deficits may occur, leading to bleeding abnormalities.

Treatment for heat stroke will vary depending on the condition of the animal, but intravenous fluid support is usually necessary. Blood transfusions may be required. Oxygen therapy may be necessary for animals suffering respiratory depression. Cerebral swelling (swelling within the brain) may require specialized medications, such as mannitol to reduce the swelling. Antibiotics may be necessary if there has been damage to the gastrointestinal tract to combat sepsis caused by bacterial translocation. Other therapies may be required. Severely affected may not survive despite best attempts at resuscitation.

Preventing Heat Stroke in Dogs and Cats

In most cases, heat stroke is preventable by taking some simple precautions.

■Do not leave animals caged, tied or otherwise confined outside without adequate shade and water. At very high temperature, animals should be moved indoors rather than being kept outside for prolonged periods of time.
■Do not leave animals in closed compartments exposed to the sun, such as a closed car.
■Increased caution should be used with animals that are obese, have respiratory difficulties, are geriatric or are otherwise unhealthy.
■Be aware that some animals will lie in a sunny window long enough to become subject to heat stroke. Restrict access to these areas if necessary by closing blinds or draperies.
■Provide adequate water for animals that are performing strenuous exercises in warm temperatures. Be aware that animals performing arduous physical activities require more water, sometimes as much as twice the amount or more, than animals at rest.

Thanks for reading this and PLEASE pass cut and paste this and pass it on! Your pets are counting on you!!

[skeeter_01]

HOT WEATHER TRAVELING TIPS

• Get a veterinary checkup before traveling and make sure you have the necessary vaccination certificates for the area you will be visiting, as well as flea and tick treatments.

• Carry a gallon thermos of cold water or bring along a two-liter plastic bottle of water you froze the night before.

• Exercise your pet during the coolest parts of the day (dawn and dusk), and never immediately following a meal.

• Hot asphalt and tar can burn sensitive paw pads. Walk your pet on grass or dirt when possible.

• Provide shade and LOTS of water when your pet is outside on a hot day.

[skeeter_01]

here's some more info...

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...n-hot-car.html

[skeeter_01]

and just a bit more info....

Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips

by Michigan Humane Society on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 10:27am

With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, families across metro Detroit are getting ready for some fun, sun and fireworks. However, those bombs bursting in air can be very frightening for our four-legged friends. The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is reminding pet owners to keep their pets safe this holiday season by ensuring they are well secured, have up-to-date identification and license tags, and are microchipped.

“When fireworks and other loud noises are going on outside, pets can do some pretty remarkable things to escape,” said Terri Mallett, Animal Behavior Specialist with the Michigan Humane Society. “That’s why having up-to-date identification including ID tags and a microchip is so important – it’s the best way for a lost pet to find their way home.”

The number of lost pets arriving at animal shelters increases sharply around the holiday, as animals attempt to “escape” the loud noises and bright lights. Every year, MHS’ three metro Detroit adoption centers receive thousands of stray animals, most of which lack any form of identification. Without it, the chance that these pets will be reunited with their families is less than 10 percent.

Microchipping is a safe, permanent and unalterable way for your pet to be identified at veterinary centers and humane organizations around the country. MHS offers microchipping for dogs and cats for approximately $50, by appointment at each of the organization’s three veterinary care centers in Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland. MHS also includes no-cost microchipping with all cat and kitten adoptions.

MHS recommends the following safety tips for pets and guardians around the Independence Day festivities:

■Keep pets inside and secure. Frightened animals may jump tall fences, bolt out gates or run through screens in order to “escape.”
■Make sure pets have ID! A visible ID tag and license with current information plus a microchip is recommended for all dogs and cats.
■If your pet is afraid of the loud noises, confine him in a safe, quiet room and turn on soft music.
■If your dog shows signs of distress, give him a peanut butter-stuffed toy to help distract him and calm his nerves.
■The holiday is often accompanied by hot weather. Prevent heat exhaustion by keeping pets inside in a cool area during the heat of the day, with plenty of fresh, cool water.

For information on finding a lost pet visit www.michiganhumane.org/lost.

[skeeter_01]

my car's thermometer was 104 today....i was in a small market and there was a man holding his little dog and shopping...i was SO happy to see he brought that little sweetie in!!