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When temperatures soar, the Humane Society/SPCA of Bexar County would like to offer tips to pet owners so they may keep their companions cool, safe, and healthy:
o Never leave your pet unattended in a car. Even with the windows down, your pet can develop a heat stroke, brain damage or death.
o Please keep your pets at home when running errands, no matter how short the trip.
o Do not keep your pet in the garage during the summer heat. With no circulation, your garage can be a death trap for your pet or stray.
o Dogs and cats should be kept inside the house if possible during the heat of the day.
o If bringing in an animal that is usually outside, set up an area in the laundry room, bathroom, or carrier to keep him from getting into mischief.
o If your pet must be left outside, make sure to leave at least one (in case spilled) ceramic or plastic weighted water bowl in a shaded area, preferably under a covered patio.
o Supervised swimming or putting a kiddy wading pool out in the backyard with a couple inches of water are great ways for your pet to stay cool in the heat.
o Supplying shade for your pet is crucial when outside. Make sure your pet has a shaded area throughout the day.
o It is suggested that young pets under 1 year of age be supervised at all times when outside.
o If your dog has any health problems, is older or overweight, check with your vet to make certain that the heat won’t be too much for him.
o Panting is a dog’s way to cool off but if this doesn’t reduce his body temperature a heat stroke can develop. Signs of a heat exhaustion: rapid breathing, heavy panting, salivating, fatigue, muscle tremors, staggering. If a heat stroke occurs:
Call your vet ASAP
o Keep in mind that light coated animals are more susceptible to skin cancer and dark coated animals attract more heat so they need to be monitored.
o Animals with short or thin hair can get sunburned. You can use specific
sunscreen for animals if necessary. Never put human sunscreen on your animal.
o Grooming your pet by trimming their coat, not shaving, can help him cool off
faster and avoid overheating.
o Take your dog out for a walk in the early morning and late evening when it is
cooler. Hot asphalt can be very uncomfortable for your dog’s paws.
o When out on a walk, always take enough water for your furry companion.
You know your pet best, so protect!
antihistamine tablets--- for insect stings and allergic reactions
Betadine or nolvasan--- cleaning open wounds
blunt-nosed scissors--- to cute tape and clip hair. Keep the scissor in the kit and don't take them out to use for anything else. You may not put them back, and when you need them, you'll wonder where they are.
canine rectal thermometer--- for taking temperature
cortisone ointment--- topical anti-inflammatory
cotton balls and swabs--- various uses, such as cleaning wounds
eyedropper or dosage syringe--- to apply medication
eyewash--- to irrigate eyes
first aid cream--- to soothe and protect wounds
gloves--- two pairs--- one set of thin plastic gloves to avoid contamination, and heavy gloves if you fear being bitten.
hand towel--- cleaning up, drying hands, etc
hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)--- various uses, such as for inducing vomiting
ipecac or hydrogen peroxide--- to induce vomiting (1 teaspoon per 20 pounds)
kaolin and pectin--- to help diarrhea (1 teaspoon per 10 pounds)
magnifying glass--- to locate tiny objects
muzzle--- if you don't have one, you can make one from nylons or a strip of fabric
nail clippers--- in case of accident to nail bed
nonstick adhesive tape--- for taping bandages.
(((the best thing to get, are the wraps that don't need tape, they come in different colors and remind me of casts, but I have no clue what they're called. They're not bulky and hold up VERY well.)))
nonstinging antiseptic spray or swabs--- for cleaning wounds
(((I've found what works best is BACTINE!)))
Pepto bismol or maalox--- stomach coater for minor intestinal upset
petroleum jelly--- to accompany to rectal thermometer, also for constipation (1/2 teaspoon per 10 pounds)
saline solution--- various uses, such as irrigating wounds
stretch bandaged--- for wounds (what I told you about earlier is GREAT!)
styptic pencil--- to stop minor bleeding (I've found that flour works well too)
tweezers or hemostat--- to pull out splinters and other foreign objects
two rolls of 3-inch gauze bandages--- for wrapping wounds
vegetable oil--- for mild constipation (1 teaspoon per 5 pounds, mixed in with food)
Also buying a simple Natural Pet Cures book comes in VERY HANDY!!!
Came home from shopping with Grandma. (((Off subject, but found her a swim suit and we're starting water aerobics Thursday. I think it'll be so much fun and so helpful for her and me(I'm such a lazy bum, I need to get off my butt.) )))
And I found a dog eating in the field across from my house. I slowly pulled into the field and got out of my car EXTREMELY slowly. He was right beside the road... I didn't want him running into our road. Our road is HORRIBLE! Mine as well be a damn highway. Careless people going 50 in a 35. Ugh. So... I tried creeping around into the road in order for him to run towards the field. Luckily, he did! He ran from me and barked. But he wanted BADLY what was in that plate. So I grabbed the plate and called him. He slowly came to me. I was worried he would bite me because he barked at me... but he did okay. I grab his collar (no ID, as always) and pulled him into the car. Mom was already sticking her head out the door. She said Rylee knew I was over there and was flipping out. I don't know how... Rylee is just so smart, plus we have the ESP connection. LOL That's what I call it. So like always... I introduced him to the home. One by one Eva, Rylee, and Sky (Mom did that this time, I ran back up the store and put out fliers for the pup.) Came back home and everyone was outside getting along greatly. The girls are now aggravated with him though. He tries to do what all males want to do. LOL My girls can't stand it! I bathed him twice. I call him Mr. Stinky Humper. LOL So I was getting ready to settle in when Mom brought him in here. He excitedly peed all over my favorite blanket. I'm so sleepy. I have school early. Ugh. So I was ready to put him in the kennel. Well... Dad walked in right when I was putting my blanket in the wash. I had the pup running loose. I ran back to the hall way with him. He's very smart, he pretty much listen's to me already. I waited for like 5-10 minutes because I knew Dad was going back outside. I figured I'd have enough time to sneak him into the kennel real quick. So I did... I shut it and latched in. While I was latching... Dad walked up behind me and said, "And what is that!?" I said, "Nothing." LMAO He so knew I was lying. I laugh and smile like crazy when I lie. I'm a horrible liar. So right off I start rushing and telling... "He was right in front of the house. How can I just leave him there. Mom said she's seen him on Ellen street before, but I can't go looking in the dark." So on and so forth. LOL Like a scared little sissy! ((those of you who know Gregory, know he's a scary man.)) LOL He said, "He DOESN'T belong here." So then I go... "does he look familiar?" LOL Changing the subject, quickly. He turned on his little head light (coal man's light thingy, he works with it) and looked. He seemed pretty calm about it. But last week after I found Chihuahua a home, he flipped out on me. Saying "No more, I don't care if they're dying in the road, blah blah blah." Pissed me off... But it was because MOM KEPT CALLING HIM BEGGING FOR HIM TO LET HER KEEP CHIHUAHUA! MAMA!!! ALL YOUR FAULT! But when we had her, he let her sleep with him and everything... he doesn't even let MY GIRLS sleep with him! He's all Mr. "NO DOG'S IN MY BED!" But of course while he's gone working all day, me and mom lay in the bed with the pups watching tv all the time! hahahaha! We're so bad. So yea. Just thought I'd share.
Most of us grow up with our "family dog," so hopefully most of you will understand how hard it is to let go. Colt 45 just turned 11yrs. old April 27th. 2 years ago on his 9th birthday he was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy disease. Which is basically nerve damage in the rear legs. He recovered amazingly, not able to walk normally, but able to maneuver his legs to work with him. Until this past March. Between the weather wear and tear and chasing after my females when they went in hit, he lost his control. I thought surely he'd recover again, but that hasn't been the case. He seems to be getting worse each week. We adjusted to helping him with a rear leash, holding up his back legs while walking him. But now he can't hold his bowls and he's getting tired on those front legs as well, so yesterday my mother and I decided it's time. He's lived a wonderful life. He's been inside the majority of his life. From puppy hood to 1-2yrs. and from 5yrs. old to 11yrs. old. So many great memories. The best one of all... is that no one is allowed to touch anyone! No hugging or even yelling for that matter. He'd get so mad. I'll miss him being my protector. Making his nightly rounds to make sure everyone's in their beds sound asleep. But, I got Rylee my 2yr. old German shepherd after Colt was diagnosed. I wanted her to learn all his trades and she thankfully has. She's definitely learned her roll and more. It's hard imagining going up there and giving up on him with one shot. He's really in no pain, but he's not living life the way he wants. I just have to remind myself of the rainbow bridge, which I intend to have tattooed on me next week!
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
