Dog Heatstroke Prevention and Treatment

With temperatures in the triple digits in many parts of the country, pet owners need to be extra vigilant about keeping their animals cool.

Dogs are much more prone than people to develop heatstroke, because they are only able to sweat through their foot pads and can cool off only by panting. Even the healthiest of dogs can succumb to heat-related illnesses if pushed too hard or left in a confined space. Dogs with medical problems are even more vulnerable.

Help keep your pooch safe with these tips from the Humane Society of the United States, and veterinarian Ira Roth, director of the Community Practice Clinic at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Protecting Your Dog From the Heat. Here are three things to keep in mind during these intense summer days:

Limit time outside. During extreme temperatures, it's a good idea for everyone -- man and beast -- to be inside if they can. But short-nosed dog breeds who naturally have more trouble breathing -- such as Boston terriers, pugs, English bulldogs, or boxers -- should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. The same goes for dogs with renal or cardiac failure, or other health disorders, says Roth. If you can't keep your dog inside, make sure it has ready access to fresh water and shade, like in a dog house.

Reduce physical activity. Keep exercise short with just a walk in the early morning or evening hours. Taking your dog out to "do his business," or letting him walk with you to the mailbox in the middle of the day is probably fine. But it's easy to overexert a dog without realizing it, Roth says."If your daily routine is to come home and throw the ball and play catch for a while, you want to eliminate that or drastically reduce it," Roth tells Paw Nation. "Dogs will push themselves to exhaustion." It's up to you to recognize when your pet has had enough activity.

Never leave a dog in car: We know you've heard this before but we will say it again and again because even if you're parked in the shade, the inside of your car can quickly reach 120 degrees. "Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone 'just a minute' that your pet will be safe while you're gone," the Humane Society of the United States says in its Summer Care Tips guide. Also, don't leave your dog in the back of a pickup truck. The bed can get hot enough to scorch a dog's feet or belly.

What to Do if Your Dog Becomes Overheated, Quick action is the key to treating your pet.

If you suspect heatstroke, call your vet immediately. If your dog is panting excessively, staggering, seems disoriented or has reddish-purple gums your pet is in serious trouble. Fast treatment is critical to avoid life-threatening complications like blood-clotting abnormalities or multiorgan failure, Roth says. "Time will be an important factor," Roth says. "Many [overheated dogs] will die even with very, very aggressive treatment."Cool your dog down. After contacting your vet, the Humane Society recommends that you move your pet to the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. By staying alert and taking action quickly, you can keep your dog safe. Of course not all pet owners will be as vigilant as you so if you see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked, and if the owner doesn't return, call local animal control or the police department.

Super Good Dog Treat.... Your Dog Will LOVE Them!

We do not normally promote individual products, but once in awhile a product comes along that we just have to pass on. Chicken Nibbles is one of those products.

The first ingredient is Chicken Breast, in fact the ONLY ingredient is Chicken Breast. They may seem a little spendy, but we think they are a pretty good deal considering that they are made of 100% Chicken Breast. These snack sized disk have been a hit with our foster dogs. As with any treat, moderation is they key, but trust on on this one. Your dog is going to LOVE these!!

Now to get the "official" mumbo jumbo out of the way.......

We are in no way affiliated with the company that makes Chicken Nibbles, the stores that sell them, etc....

The link below is for Petco, we liked this link because it offered the bottomless dish, but you can or course do a search and find other places to purchase these wonderful treats! (We are not affiliated with Petco and we are not benefiting from providing this link).

http://www.petco.com/product/108797/Chicken-Nibbles-Dog-Treats.aspx

Let us know if you try them, if you find a great deal on them or any other comments you may have about them!!

A contract between you and your dog?

We shouldn't need a contract promising to love and care for our dogs, but sometimes we take our furry friend for granted. Below is a contract that you can print out and sign :) It was sent to us by an adopter and we thought it was a nice, gentle reminder of the things we just need to do for our dog(s).


I, _____________________ , promise to take care of my dog, ________________ , during his/her whole lifetime. I will teach my dog to trust me by treating him with love and respect. I will be kind, gentle, and generous to my dog at all times. I will be responsible for providing him with the things that he needs to be healthy and happy. I am making this commitment to my dog.


I will give food and water to my dog in a clean dish everyday.
I will make sure my dog has shelter from hot, cold, and wet weather.
I will make sure my dog sees a veterinarian for shots and checkups.
I will provide a collar and ID tag for my dog to wear at all times.
I will keep my dog from running loose in the neighborhood.
I will make sure my dog gets obedience training so he behaves well.
I will keep my dog clean and brushed and lookin' good!
I will spend time everyday with my dog playing, or going for a walk.
I will always protect my dog from people or things that might hurt him.




Signature_______________________________ Date____________________

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Top 10 things to keep your dog in tip-top shape

Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these 10 essentials, and you'll be assured to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

1. External Identification. Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely. The dog’s collar should not be tight; it should fit so two fingers can slip easily under his collar. Microchip Identification. Have your dog microchipped (remember, pupznpalz rescue is offering FREE microchipping to all of our former adopters and $10 micrichipping for ANY animal). Microchip ID will ensure that your dog will be returned to you if he is lost, even if his collar came off. When scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter or rescue, your phone number, address and other vital information will show and you can be contacted. Even if your dog is microchipped, PUPZNPALZ highly recomends that you always have a tag on your furbaby.

2. Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.

3. Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.

4. Give your dog proper protection. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time with their family, not alone outside.

5. Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral and check out our information on choosing a veterinarian.

6. Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation. This link can help in finding low-cost spay and neuter clinics in your area.

7. Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet. Dietary requirements change as dogs get older, and a dog’s teeth need to be cleaned and monitored regularly to ensure he can eat properly.

8. Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog. Check out our information on choosing a dog trainer.

9. Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits dogs, and the time spent together will improve your dog’s sense of well-being. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.

10. Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. Remember, not all "behavior" problems are just that; many can be indicators of health problems. For example, a dog who is suddenly growling or snapping when you touch his ears may have an ear infection. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out our behavior tip sheets, too.

We at PUPZNPALS hope that this information is helpful to you, if you can think of anything we left out, feel free to post a comment!!

MICROCHIPPING

APCR is participating the the CHIPFURKEEPS program offered by Home Again and PetFinder.com. This is a great program and allows APCR to offer free MicroChips to all adopters and even to our former adopters! If you adopted a pet from us and would like to have a FREE microchip, please contact us @ pawsrescue@ymail.com to make arrangements. You will be responsible for registering your pet, lifetime registration $10.99 when done through PUPZNPALZ, the regular price is $16.99.

APCR is also offering Microchipping to ANY dog that needs a microchip for $10.00 + registration. So, tell your friends, family, co-workers and even the mail man that if their pet is not chipped, APCR will chip their pet (any pet, not just dogs) for only $10.00, this is a great price and microchipping is so important!

Mmmm.. Home made doggie (and human) treats for a hot day!

Peanut Butter Yogurt Freezies
by Marina (Barrie, ON Canada)


This is a great dog treat for those hot days of summer. And it's healthy too!

Ingredients

375g (or half if a large container) Plain Non-fat yogurt
1 Cup peanut butter Natural no sugars or additives. (I use smooth but I am sure crunchy would work too if you prefer)
2 tbsp. molasses1)

I melt one cup of peanut butter in the microwave for a few seconds just so it become thin and easy to stir. Do not allow peanut butter to get very warm and especially do not let it get hot. If it get hot, let it cool before the completing the next step. Reason for this is you can destroy the good bacterial properties of yogurt if it gets warm.2) Add yogurt to the peanut butter and then add molasses and stir until blended. Drop using a table spoon portion into medium muffin wrappers. Freeze and serve frozen.Great summer treat. I like them too!

Hiking Safety Tips



Looking to escape your hometown haunts for a wilderness hike? Don't forget your pooch! Dogs love to explore our country's vast natural resources as much their two-legged counterparts—not to mention, hiking is great exercise for all. But remember, a hiking trail isn't your average walk around the block. The ASPCA offers some helpful tips for keeping you and your pet safe and sound on your outdoor adventures.

We think that taking your beloved fur-kid along on a hike is a great idea, just remember use common sense :) Posted below are some tips that we hope you will find helpful!!

Extending leashes are great for wide open spaces, but if your romp is taking you through wooded areas, it's best to leave the flexi-leads at home. Otherwise, you'll probably spend more time untangling your dog's leash from trees and brush than you will enjoying your walk!


If your pup is the trustworthy sort and you want to give him the opportunity to enjoy some untethered time on your hike, first make sure that dogs are allowed to be off-leash in the area you're exploring. Second, be sure that he responds reliably to your recall command—even the most obedient dog might bolt after some fascinating new critter.


Hard to believe, but not everyone is as enamored with dogs as we are! Some people get very nervous around unleashed dogs. As a courtesy, have a leash on standby to clip to your dog when encountering other hikers.


Whether you're using a leash or not, don't forget IDs, please! Always make sure that your current contact information, including your cell phone number, is attached to your dog's collar or body harness. If for any reason your pet gets lost, a collar and tags and a microchip will increase the likelihood that he or she will be returned to you.


You never know what you may encounter on a hike—so before setting out into the wilderness, check your pet's veterinary records and make sure his vaccinations are up-to-date.


Training tip: Teach your dog to come to you for treats whenever you pass by other hikers, especially if they have dogs, too. Your dog will learn to not interfere with passersby, and at the same time, you're ensuring he associates new people and dogs with good things, like tasty treats from you.


If a poop falls in the woods and no one else sees it, do you get a free pass? NO! There's no such thing as a victimless poop. Please have respect for your surroundings, native wildlife and fellow hikers by scooping up after your dog and toting the baggie back to civilization if there are no trash cans around.


Both of you need to stay hydrated, so bring enough water for two. Don't allow your pup to drink from puddles, ponds, lakes or streams—in other words, "nature's dog bowls"—as they may contain nasty parasites or toxins that could cause her harm.
When your hike is finished, give your pooch a thorough once-over for ticks and other creepy-crawlies. Pay special attention to her belly, ears, and any skin folds and crevices. If you do spot a tick, treat the area with rubbing alcohol and remove the parasite immediately by slowly pulling it off with tweezers. Be careful when removing a tick, as any contact with its blood can potentially transmit infection to your dog or even to you. Wash the bite area and keep an eye on it for the next few days—if irritation persists, contact your vet.

Dog Friendly Campgrounds

Here is a list of some dog friendly campgrounds!!

**Please note that pupznpalz is in no way affiliated with any of these campgrounds**

Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park CampgroundsPets on a leash are allowed in the developed campgrounds and day use areas.

Cayucos area: Morro Strand State BeachDogs on a leash are allowed in the developed campground areas but not on the beach.

Death Valley National Park CampgroundsPets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds.

Lake Tahoe, West Shore: D.L. Bliss State Park CampgroundsLocated 17 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, a couple of miles north of Emerald Bay. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds, but are not permitted in buildings, on trails (except paved trails), or beaches. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Lake Tahoe, West Shore: Sugar Pine Point State Park CampgroundLocated 10 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed in the campgrounds, but are not permitted in buildings, on trails (except paved trails), or beaches. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Malibu: Malibu Creek State ParkDogs are allowed in the park in the day use areas and campground area.

Mammoth Lakes: Convict Lake Resort CampgroundDog friendly campground.

Pescadero area: Butano State ParkDogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are permitted in the campground and in developed areas, but are not permitted on the trails.

Plumas County (No. California) CampgroundsGenerally, the campgrounds are open from April to October, with those at higher elevations opening in mid-to-late May. Pets are allowed at all campgrounds.

San Simeon: San Simeon State ParkDogs on a leash are allowed in the campground.

Santa Cruz Area: Big Basin Redwoods State ParkLocated 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz via Highways 9 and 236 and about 65 miles south of San Francisco. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the campsites, picnic areas, and on paved roads only, and are not permitted on any of the trails.

Santa Cruz Mountains: Henry Cowell Redwoods State ParkDogs on a leash are allowed in the campground, the picnic area, and on Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail, and Meadow Trail, but are not permitted on any other trails or interior roads.