Another Spring Health Tip

As a follow up to my last Blog where I talked about never leaving your dog in a car - especially as the weather heats up - here are some other Tips for keeping your dog fit, safe and sound during the warm weather months.

We all seem to become more active in the Spring and Summer with lots of activities - primarily out door ones with our dogs. Many of you go hiking with your dogs on trails in the woods, hills or even a long sandy/rocky beaches.

Things you need to think about include:
1. Start early in the day when it is cooler, morning air is the best and this also helps to prevent your dog from overheating.

2. Dog's noses, ears and other sensitive areas need protection with sunscreen much like humans do - they can burn. Sunscreen is especially important in light skinned dogs - especially white ones. There are even naturally dog and tick sprays that contain a sun screen. We carry Mad About Organics - their spray contains Jojoba Oil which is a good natural approach.

3. Always be conscientious of your dogs breathing patterns - it is important to avoid over doing and causing exhaustion in your pet. Keep in mind the rule about going only half as far as you think you can because you have to come back that same distance! Your dog may need to build up endurance early in the season.

4. Just like in humans - Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Make sure that you have fresh water with you. There are many types of portable water containers available - including one that is simply a roller ball that fits on the top of any water bottle - It is called Pet Tops and we have carry these a long with other options.

5. Be sure to check your pets paws for wear, damage and injury. Rocks, sticks, sand and other debris can cause injuries. You can use boots on your dog if necessary especially if you are doing a lot of trail hiking in the woods/mountains. Waxes like Mushers or Paw Wax can be used to soothe as well as protect the dogs pads from wear and tear and abrasions.

Have fun but be safe!

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR!

We had a very scary experience last week in front of the store. There was a dog left in a closed up car when the temperatures outside were close to 80 Degrees. Everyone on the block went on a search for the owner to no avail. The dog began to look stressed. The police were eventually called and an animal officer showed up (but to be honest he didn't seem to concerned or to even know what to do). Someone was about to use a hammer to break the window when the owner finally showed up. She seemed very unconcerned and said the dog liked warm weather - trust me if it is warm outside it is HOT in the car - even if the windows are open. The good news is that the dog survived, but the woman left in a huff and I am sure she will do it again AND the Brookline police did nothing. This surely must be a crime.

In Watertown a similar incident happened that a friend told me about. In this case the police did break the window just as the woman showed up, gave her a $1500 ticket for cruelty and took her and the dog to Angell Memorial to be check out - this is the way it should have been handled. Thank you Anne Conklin - my hero!

Bottomline - NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven - temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage - or even death - can occur.

Understanding and Preventing Hyperthermia By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide says if you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.

First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head.
DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
Be smart, Be safe!