Summer’s here, and for most of us, that means the heat is on. While all that flooding sunshine can deliver a healthy dose of Vitamin D, it can also present unique dangers, for pets as well as people. These quick tips will put you in-the-know so you can keep your beloved four-legged companions out of the danger zone. Staying Cool Heat stroke is no joke. It can be fatal. Heat stroke can happen when an animal’s body temperature rises above its normal range. A dog can suffer organ damage or death at 108 degrees. For a cat, that number is 106 degrees. Signs of heat stroke in pets include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Hot Cars Speaking of heat stroke, keeping your pet in a warm car alone is never a good idea, even if you crack open a window or park in the shade. You might think it’s safe because you’re “just running into the store for a minute”, but you might be surprised by how quickly a car can become dangerously hot. Consider these alarming stats from the ASPCA (American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals):
Staying Hydrated Heat stroke isn’t the only warm-weather danger that can be fatal to your pet. Dehydration is serious business, too. Animals need plenty of water to maintain good health, but this is especially true in warmer weather. Without enough water, a pet can suffer organ damage or even die from dehydration. Many pet owners may be tempted to think that just keeping an animal’s water bowl full is enough, trusting that the pet will drink when it needs to. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s water consumption and encourage drinking. For example, for dogs, adding a splash of bone broth to water can make it more appealing. If you leave the house with your pet, be sure to bring plenty of water and a bowl or portable pet water bottle. It’s not a good idea to encourage your pet to drink from natural bodies of water, like ponds, rivers and lakes. These could contain harmful elements like bacteria or pollutants. Signs of dehydration in pets include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Hot Pavement Have you ever walked barefoot on hot pavement? Under a summer sun, concrete, asphalt, and similar surfaces can become scorching and can be painful and cause burns. It’s no different for pets. Their paws are just as vulnerable as our feet. Whenever possible, encourage your pet to walk on a cooler surface in summer, like dirt or grass. Otherwise, booties and socks can help, as can taking walks when surfaces tend to be cooler, such as in early morning or evening. Signs of burned footpads include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Burns can become infected. Shaving is Not Always Best For some breeds of dogs, the “summer cut” is an annual ritual. Pet owners take their dog to the groomer for a super-short haircut in an effort to keep the animal cool. However, a total shave or near-shave isn’t the best idea. Without enough fur, a dog is more likely to suffer sunburn. You can prevent sunburn in your dog by using child-safe sunscreen. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply to the parts of the dog’s body that are most likely to burn, including:
Be sure to reapply if your dog rolls around in the grass or goes in water. If you think your dog may be sunburned, get him out of the sun and apply cool, wet compresses to the affected areas. If redness or blisters are present, call your veterinarian immediately. Bug Season The insects come out in summer and they’ll be looking for someone to bug. Your pet is no exception. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which are prevalent in summer. Be sure your pet is taking preventative heartworm medication. Ticks thrive in summer and can cause a variety of serious illnesses including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Consider using tick prevention medication for your pet. Your vet can make recommendations. Also, it’s smart to be cognizant of pesticides and other lawn chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Often homeowners who use these kinds of products will post a warning sign on their lawn for neighborhood pet owners, but not always. Steer your pets away from greenery you’re not sure about. Fireworks Aren’t Fun for Everyone Many pets are unsettled by loud noises like fireworks and summer thunderstorms. They may hide, paw at carpet or furniture, whine, pace, and display other signs of anxiety. Here are three ways to help your frightened pet:
Summer may present perils for pets, but with a little knowledge, awareness, and some easy preventative measures, it can be a safe and joyful season for the animals we love. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.
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What Makes Great Danes Great: From the Great Dane Rescue & Sanctuary of Minnesota and Wisconsin Karla Greb is well-qualified to tell you what’s so great about Great Danes. “Great Danes are one-of-a-kind,” she says. “I’m sure everyone says that about their dog or breed of choice, but having a 100-plus-pound dog that never leaves your side is something special.” Karla is the owner of a Great Dane named Cash, and she serves as President of the Great Dane Rescue & Sanctuary of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Her journey with the organization began in 2015 when she joined as a volunteer. The rescue is devoted to rehoming Great Danes in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with an on-site sanctuary where unadoptable Danes can live out their lives with comfort, loving attention, and dignity. Great Danes don’t have a tendency to be more aggressive than other breeds. However, their considerable size can be intimidating. In the minds of many people, the Great Dane’s size magnifies the commonplace challenges faced by owners of all types of dogs. “What smaller dogs get away with, a Great Dane just won't,” says Karla. “The little chihuahua down the road can act ferocious and even bite at ankles and it will be brushed off as annoying, whereas a barking Dane is perceived as aggressive without a lunge or an attempted bite.” Adult male Great Danes are typically 30-34 inches tall and weigh 120-200 pounds. Adult females grow to about 28-32 inches tall and weigh in around 100-130 pounds. The Great Dane’s unfair reputation often means that they’re passed up by dog lovers who might actually be a great match for the breed, and vice-versa. “They are total lap dogs that need nothing but your love. They are sensitive as all get out, and really long for human connection,” says Karla. “They aren’t called ‘Velcro dogs’ for nothing. They stick by your side, follow you around, and just want to be with their people. Once they make that connection with you, they are truly the sweetest and biggest babies.” Karla also says that Great Danes are “typically calm, cool and collected” and are capable of providing comfort. “I remember the first time my Great Dane heard me cry,” Karla says. “I was sobbing and he came over and sat on top of me. He started howling and crying out my bedroom window, as if he was trying to call for help.” When asked what kind of person would make the best pet parent for a Dane, Karla said, “Someone who is patient, gentle, kind, and loving, with a calm lifestyle. These giants need so much patience as they may work through different behavioral challenges.” Karla also points out that despite those long, strong legs, Danes don’t require an athletic owner. “I always joke that they don't need room to run, they need laps to sit on and couches to sleep on. They enjoy a calm walk through a park, and often don't need more activity than that.” Danes are often the victims of clumsy and even cruel handling by humans, including breeders. This can be the source of behavioral problems that contribute to an unwarranted bad reputation. “The rescue was started specifically for helping Great Danes, because they are often misunderstood,” Karla explained. “New owners of Danes often need education and mentorship on the breed. So many dogs are surrendered to our rescue with bite histories, but the biting is often provoked by a kiddo or a family member pushing boundaries. That’s not the dog’s fault, and they deserve a second chance, and not to be put down because of human error.” When Danes are surrendered to the Great Dane Rescue & Sanctuary, the organization matches them with experienced foster homes that work diligently on overcoming the stress and anxieties that come with being abandoned. “The type of people we like to see as fosters for our rescue dogs are patient, calm, kind, and willing to take advice. We have a lot of knowledgeable people within our rescue, and taking their feedback and instruction is important.” In some cases, the dogs may stay with the rescue for many months before the right home is found. The rescue’s goal is for their Great Danes to succeed in their forever homes, so they’re placed with families that are willing to continue working on the challenges that may come with each Dane. In speaking about a Dane’s introduction into a new home, Karla says, “There will always be a decompression period that is needed. Muzzle training is important to ensure everyone is safe throughout the transition.” She advises new Dane parents that, “Patience is key. Listen to the advice of the previous foster and the rescue. Ask questions ahead of time so that you are fully prepared for what might come. Our rescue is transparent with issues the dogs might have.” One common challenge Karla sees is a Dane’s trepidation around strangers, due to abuse or a lack of socialization. “While it’s hard to work through, the reward of is one-of-a-kind. Nothing compares to the connection you make with a Dane, and their love is something else,” Karla says. “I have the conversation with so many people that Danes are just ‘different’. You can have dogs all your life, but something about a Dane is just unexplainable. My Dane and I are so connected, we can be miles apart, and if I’m stressed out, he gets sick every single time.” The Great Dane Rescue & Sanctuary of Minnesota and Wisconsin accepts purebred Great Danes from all of Minnesota and Wisconsin, from individuals, shelters and animal control facilities. They occasionally accept Great Danes from other states on a case-by-case basis. They educate the public about the temperament, nutritional recommendations, and health concerns of Great Danes, and provide the best veterinary care available. If you’d like to support the noble efforts of the Great Dane Rescue & Sanctuary of Minnesota and Wisconsin, you can make a donation, sponsor a Dane, or contribute much-needed supplies from their wish list. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice. |
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