Summer Heat
by Therese on June 13, 2011
Many parts of the country are dealing with record breaking heat, and it’s not even summer yet! My air conditioning has been running overtime, and when I’m out, I don’t stay out long. It’s just too darn hot. My dogs don’t even want to stay out too long, but I wouldn’t let them even if they did want to.
Dogs and cats don’t deal with the heat like we do. In really hot weather, we get all drippy with sweat. It may not be pretty but it helps get some of the heat out of our bodies so we cool off. Cats and dogs don’t have a few million sweat glands all over their bodies like we do though. The only way they can cool themselves is through their mouths. This means it’s not good enough to judge how hot your pet is by how hot you are. They can get overheated and develop heat stroke much faster than we can. So if you have pets it’s important to know the signs of heat stroke, what to do if you suspect it, and most importantly how to prevent it.
How to Avoid Heat Stroke
- Keep your pets indoors, where it’s air conditioned if possible.
- When you exercise your dog, keep her activity level to a minimum. Remember that she won’t know when to slow down or stop. She may play until she develops heat stroke and is in danger.
- Exercise dogs in the early morning or after the sun goes down. Stay off the cement or blacktop when possible, as the heat will burn their feet.
- Make sure your pets have access to cool, clean water at all times.
- Provide all outdoor pets with well ventilated, shady areas.
- Never leave your pet in an unattended car! It can heat up to over 100 degrees within minutes. This will likely cause heatstroke, and even death.
- Don’t let your dogs ride in the back of your pickup truck. The hot air and heat reflecting from the floor/sides can make your dog overheat faster than you might think. (For many reasons, this is never a good idea, regardless of the weather!)
Signs of Heat Stroke
- Excessive panting
- Tongue that is bright red or dark in color
- Clammy gums and/or tongue
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Foaming at the mouth
- Vomiting, possibly with blood
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures
If You Suspect Your Cat or Dog Has Heat Stroke
- Get your pet out of the heat as soon as possible.
- Cool her off with cool (not cold!) water. Wrap her in a cool, wet cloth or pour cool water on her starting with her neck and the pads of her feet.
- Call your vet or take your pet to the nearest emergency clinic immediately
Heat stroke can result in death if not treated quickly enough, so it’s important to do what you can to prevent it from happening. Watch your pets closely in hot weather, and know that very young or very old pets, those with health problems, active dogs, and short nosed breeds are especially prone to heat stroke.
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Just Paws TV
Just Paws TV
Check out this great new resource for you and your dog
www.justpawstv.com
Molly does a nice job of showing you some helpful products and training techniques in these short videos
Tags: Words of wisdom from Griffins owner
In Loving Memory of Griffin (aka “Griffy.” “Griff,” “Griffy-Griff,” “The Griffers,” and “Boo-Boo”)
August 12, 2002 – February 4, 2011
Things I learned From Griffy – written by Griffs Owner
- It’s okay that not everyone’s a “Tigger.” There is beauty in gentle souls like his. If we were all alike, we’d never have an appreciation for how different personalities can complement and bring out the best in us…or at the very least, introduce us to a different side of ourselves that we might not have otherwise recognized.
- Sometimes you don’t need words to make things okay. Loving eyes and a chin resting on your knee can work miracles.
- If only we were all so gentle with each other, so unconditional with our love and so simple with our demands — “Please: Just be with me. That’s all I ask.” — would we really need other kinds of therapy?
- Whether you’re seeing someone you care about after 8 hours, 8 days or 8 weeks, always greet them like they’re the best thing that ever happened — because you never know if you’ll have that chance again.
- “Charity work” is as easy as just being there. And letting the forgotten ones know they are not, in fact, invisible.
- Change is hard (especially in the form of a bratty puppy sister), but it often makes us accidental role models…if not heroes… to someone just learning the ropes.
- Sometimes you just need to suck it up and be stoic. This, too, shall pass.
- Enjoy the ride — that’s where the fun is. And he did — from Philly to Austin, Austin to Minneapolis, Minneapolis to New Hampshire. And back again.
- Letting go is really, really tough. But you have to be honest when it’s time to move one.
Halloween Safety Tips
Great Halloween safety tips for your pets from the ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.html
WishBones for Pets – 2010
Benefit for Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue
As a part of our commitment to pet sitting and caring for animals, our business is a member of the Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota (www.petsittersmn.org). Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota (PPSMN) is an association of pet sitting business owners dedicated to promoting the welfare of all animals and raising the standards of the pet sitting industry through example, education and cooperation.
For the past several years PPSMN has joined an international effort called Wishbones for Pets, which is a charitable program, designed for pet sitters to collect and distribute funds for local pet shelters and other pet related agencies in their own community. Pet sitters from around the United States and Canada will be participating in this event. Thank you to our clients who participated last year!!! Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota will be hosting Wishbones for Pets again this Thanksgiving season.
This year’s proceeds will benefit Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue (www.redlakerosie.org). The dates of this drive will be October 15th through November 30th 2010. Donation jars will be placed at local Veterinarians, Groomers and Pet Stores. Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue, Inc. began in 2004 by a group of volunteers on the Red Lake Reservation in northwestern Minnesota who were concerned about domestic animals and their care in our nation. The group incorporated and was granted 501 (c) (3) status as a nonprofit organization in February 2006. RLRR has a volunteer network in the Twin Cities that provides support.
Their focus is on the following programs:
· Rescue of homeless dogs and cats
· Temporary sheltering of rescued animals
· Providing food and medical care
· Neutering and spaying
· Adoption into forever homes
All donations go directly to the care of animals and all gifts are tax deductible.
Tough economic times over the past couple of years have had a huge impact
on pets, pet owners, shelters and rescue organizations. There is an overwhelming
number of animals in need this year so it is especially important for us to help.
Thanksgiving is the holiday that encourages us to step back and give thanks for all
the blessings we have. We would like to help make a positive difference by providing a prosperous holiday for the many animals in need. As part of our fund raising effort we are sending this letter to our clients to see if you would be interested in donating to this worthy cause. You can mail a check (payable to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue) to Jody Smith PO Box 36 Mound, MN 55364 or contact me with any questions. Jody 952-472-8877
On behalf of PPSMN and all the animals who will benefit from your donation, thank you in advance for your generosity!
Jody Smith
Lake Minnetonka Pet Sitters
Lake Minnetonka Pet Sitters – Celebrating 11 years
Celebrating 11 years in business!
I really can’t believe it’s been 11 years since I started this business. Love what you do and it will not feel like a job; That must be why the time goes by so fast. I would not be where I am today with this business if it were not for my loyal customers and my great staff (which I am slowly adding to the About Us page).
So a huge thank you to everyone for being a part of this!
Jody Smith
Owner
Lake Minnetonka Pet Sitters
