Dehydration in dogs can be a serious matter. Whether caused by illness, exposure to heat, or a simple lack of fluid intake, dehydration must be addressed immediately and, left untreated, can cause multiple health problems including organ failure and death. It is very easy for a dog to become dehydrated; easier than many pet owners realize. Fortunately it is also easy to prevent dehydration in dogs and it is very important to do so.
Dehydration is an excess loss of bodily fluids. It most often involves the loss of water and minerals such as sodium, chloride, and potassium; collectively called electrolytes. Dehydration in dogs can be caused by illness (especially if the dog has a fever), exposure to extreme heat, and a number of other factors. A dog’s natural act of panting causes a loss of fluids and can result in dehydration if they are not replaced. Remember that dogs lack sweat glands to keep them cool. They pant in an effort to regulate their body temperature. A panting dog is a hot dog.
Preventing Dog Dehydration
The best way to prevent dehydration is to make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available. The dog should always have at least one full bowl of water available at all times and, if the dog has the run of the house, bowls in various locations may be appropriate. If you live in a dry climate dogs should be kept indoors as much as possible, especially in the hot summer months. When they are outdoors it is imperative that dogs have an available supply of fresh water. Moist foods also help maintain appropriate levels of bodily fluids in dogs. Dry foods are important for a dog’s dental health, but moist foods are a good idea as well.
Treating a Dehydrated Dog
If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, get it some water immediately and then get it to the vet. Signs of dehydration can include a lack of elasticity to the skin, dry and sunken eyes, and a dry mouth and nose. Dehydrated dogs will also experience a delay in capillary refill time. To test for this, pull the dog’s lip away from its gum (gently) and press a finger against the gum until the area whitens. Release your finger and the color should return to the area almost immediately. A delay could be an indication of dehydration.
Lots of water is the best way to replace fluids, but a severely dehydrated dog should not be allowed to take in large amounts at once. This will result in vomiting and a further loss of fluids. Instead let the dog drink small amounts over a period of time. Electrolytes can be replaced with a hydrating solution. Pedialyte, a water and electrolyte product sold for infants is suitable for dogs as well. Of course any dog that seems dehydrated or refuses to drink should be seen by a vet to determine appropriate treatment and whether the dehydration is a symptom of some other ailment.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Summer Tips
As the heat and humidity climb, so does the chance at heat related injuries and illnesses. Below are some tips to keep your pets safe in the summer.
1. Water, water, water! Always keep fresh, cool water available for your pets, indoors and out. If you will be traveling with your pet, bring water along with a bowl.
2. NEVER leave your pet in the car. Even if it feels cool outside, the interior of a vehicle heats up quickly in the summer sun. If you have to run errands, it is safer to leave your pets at home.
3. Be cautious on high heat and humid days. Shorter snouted breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and boxers especially have a harder time when the temperature climbs. While all owners need to keep an eye on their pets during extreme weather, the above breeds can go downhill much more quickly than others. Avoid strenious exercise during the heat of the day.
4. Keep an eye out for heatstroke. If you suspect heatstroke, it is a medical emergency and you need to act quickly but calmly. Contact your vet immediately and start by cooling your pet down with cool wet towels, especially in the hairless areas of your pet. Signs of heatstroke can include panting, warm dry skin, rapid heart rate, vomiting and eventual collapse.
The Weather Channel has a web page devoted to your pets and their comfort in all sorts of weather. From telling you the best time of day to go for a walk to the comfort level for your individual pet, go to:
http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/pets/
1. Water, water, water! Always keep fresh, cool water available for your pets, indoors and out. If you will be traveling with your pet, bring water along with a bowl.
2. NEVER leave your pet in the car. Even if it feels cool outside, the interior of a vehicle heats up quickly in the summer sun. If you have to run errands, it is safer to leave your pets at home.
3. Be cautious on high heat and humid days. Shorter snouted breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and boxers especially have a harder time when the temperature climbs. While all owners need to keep an eye on their pets during extreme weather, the above breeds can go downhill much more quickly than others. Avoid strenious exercise during the heat of the day.
4. Keep an eye out for heatstroke. If you suspect heatstroke, it is a medical emergency and you need to act quickly but calmly. Contact your vet immediately and start by cooling your pet down with cool wet towels, especially in the hairless areas of your pet. Signs of heatstroke can include panting, warm dry skin, rapid heart rate, vomiting and eventual collapse.
The Weather Channel has a web page devoted to your pets and their comfort in all sorts of weather. From telling you the best time of day to go for a walk to the comfort level for your individual pet, go to:
http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/pets/
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Franklin County 500
This June, Citizens for Humane Action, Cat Welfare and The Capital Area Humane Society are coming together to make a difference for homeless cats in Central Ohio.
June 14th- June 21st is Franklin County 500 week at each of the shelters. The goal is to help 500 cats and kittens through adoption, spay/neuter and micro chipping.
For more information on the Franklin County 500, go to
http://www.chaanimalshelter.org/calendar/FC500.html
June 14th- June 21st is Franklin County 500 week at each of the shelters. The goal is to help 500 cats and kittens through adoption, spay/neuter and micro chipping.
For more information on the Franklin County 500, go to
http://www.chaanimalshelter.org/calendar/FC500.html
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
From Kennels to In Home Pet Care
With the summer traveling season almost upon us, it is time to start thinking of who is going to care for your pet(s) while you travel. There are advantages to choosing each option as well as downfalls. The most important step you should take is to research the company or individual with whom you are entrusting your pets care to. Below are a few things to think about before finding the right option for you and your pet(s). With all options, planning in advance is always recommended as reservations can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times.
Kennels and Boarding Facilities:
Boarding kennels have long been the most popular and frequently used option when it comes to pet care while you travel. From vet’s offices who offer in house boarding to the luxury pet resort that offers all the extras, there is a vast array to choose from.
While boarding can be a wonderful option for many dogs, others experience stress in a noisy atmosphere where the smells and sights are far different than their own home. Other animals such as cats and pocket pets do not tolerate the stress of a new environment well. Also, be aware that some viruses are easily passed among the general population when animals are kept in close quarters or allowed to play with other infected animals. Be sure to ask what their age requirements are as many kennels will not allow dogs less than 14 weeks of age.
What should you look for in a boarding facility?
• Cleanliness- does the facility look and smell clean? Is the intake area organized and free of messes?
• Are they a member of The Pet Care Services Association (formerly the American Boarding Kennel Association)?
• How are the pets housed? Do they have enough space or get frequent enough potty breaks/exercise breaks? Are the animals taken outside for breaks or is there a room that is used instead?
• Safety- Are kennel areas free of harmful chemicals or objects that could cause injury?
• Is the staff trained for emergencies such as injury or illness? Do they have a vet that is on call in case of those emergencies?
• Supervision- how are the animals supervised? Are they monitored on a regular basis?
• Immunization Requirements- Dogs should be immunized against bordetella, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHLPP) as well as rabies.
Friend, Neighbor or Kid Next Door
Another popular option is having a friend, neighbor or kid-next-door check in on your pet(s). Relying upon a neighbor watch your pet(s) is what most families did before boarding became popular and travel was not as frequent as it is today. This can be a good option as it usually includes minimal cost and the animals are usually already familiar with the person checking in on them.
While this may seem to be the best option for many owners, there are some issues to be aware of.
• Person checking in may not be trained in first aid or CPR
• Neighborhood kids can be forgetful and miss a visit or leave a door open
• Imposing upon a friend who doesn’t feel comfortable saying NO
• Not bonded or insured in case of accident
Professional Pet Sitter
It is estimated that Professional Pet Sitters serve over a million clients a year (as of 2006). While this option didn’t become readily available until the early 1980’s, it is now a thriving and evolving business.
Professional Pet Sitters do more than just feed and water your pets. They provide exercise and mental stimulation and are well versed to know when a pet is in need of medical care. Many professionals are trained in first aid and CPR as well as have hands on knowledge of animal behavior. Many sitters will have areas of expertise such as caring for aquatic animals or reptiles that are not easily boarded. Hiring a professional allows your pet(s) to stay in their own familiar environment and significantly lowers the risk of any communicable illnesses.
Professional Pet Sitters not only offer services while you travel but also offer options such as daily walking services, transportation to vets or groomers and in some cases, training and housebreaking services. In addition, many sitters offer other household services such as mail retrieval, light and blinds rotation and taking trash to the curb to give your home that lived in look while you are away.
What should you look for in a Professional Pet Sitter?
• Are they insured and if they have employees, are they bonded?
• Are they trained in first aid or CPR?
• Are they a member of any professional associations such as Pet Sitters International, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Professional United Pet Sitters?
• Are they associated with a local vet to provide emergency services?
• Is there a back up sitter in case of emergency and how are they trained?
• Can the sitter be easily reached in case plans change during travel?
• Does the sitter offer a consultation before travel to meet with your pet(s)?
• Do they appear comfortable around your pet(s) and does your pet seem comfortable in their presence?
• Do they ask questions about your pets likes and dislikes and medical history?
Any of these choices can be the right one for your pet. It is up to you as the pet owner to do your research and decide which option to choose that best fits your family.
Kennels and Boarding Facilities:
Boarding kennels have long been the most popular and frequently used option when it comes to pet care while you travel. From vet’s offices who offer in house boarding to the luxury pet resort that offers all the extras, there is a vast array to choose from.
While boarding can be a wonderful option for many dogs, others experience stress in a noisy atmosphere where the smells and sights are far different than their own home. Other animals such as cats and pocket pets do not tolerate the stress of a new environment well. Also, be aware that some viruses are easily passed among the general population when animals are kept in close quarters or allowed to play with other infected animals. Be sure to ask what their age requirements are as many kennels will not allow dogs less than 14 weeks of age.
What should you look for in a boarding facility?
• Cleanliness- does the facility look and smell clean? Is the intake area organized and free of messes?
• Are they a member of The Pet Care Services Association (formerly the American Boarding Kennel Association)?
• How are the pets housed? Do they have enough space or get frequent enough potty breaks/exercise breaks? Are the animals taken outside for breaks or is there a room that is used instead?
• Safety- Are kennel areas free of harmful chemicals or objects that could cause injury?
• Is the staff trained for emergencies such as injury or illness? Do they have a vet that is on call in case of those emergencies?
• Supervision- how are the animals supervised? Are they monitored on a regular basis?
• Immunization Requirements- Dogs should be immunized against bordetella, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHLPP) as well as rabies.
Friend, Neighbor or Kid Next Door
Another popular option is having a friend, neighbor or kid-next-door check in on your pet(s). Relying upon a neighbor watch your pet(s) is what most families did before boarding became popular and travel was not as frequent as it is today. This can be a good option as it usually includes minimal cost and the animals are usually already familiar with the person checking in on them.
While this may seem to be the best option for many owners, there are some issues to be aware of.
• Person checking in may not be trained in first aid or CPR
• Neighborhood kids can be forgetful and miss a visit or leave a door open
• Imposing upon a friend who doesn’t feel comfortable saying NO
• Not bonded or insured in case of accident
Professional Pet Sitter
It is estimated that Professional Pet Sitters serve over a million clients a year (as of 2006). While this option didn’t become readily available until the early 1980’s, it is now a thriving and evolving business.
Professional Pet Sitters do more than just feed and water your pets. They provide exercise and mental stimulation and are well versed to know when a pet is in need of medical care. Many professionals are trained in first aid and CPR as well as have hands on knowledge of animal behavior. Many sitters will have areas of expertise such as caring for aquatic animals or reptiles that are not easily boarded. Hiring a professional allows your pet(s) to stay in their own familiar environment and significantly lowers the risk of any communicable illnesses.
Professional Pet Sitters not only offer services while you travel but also offer options such as daily walking services, transportation to vets or groomers and in some cases, training and housebreaking services. In addition, many sitters offer other household services such as mail retrieval, light and blinds rotation and taking trash to the curb to give your home that lived in look while you are away.
What should you look for in a Professional Pet Sitter?
• Are they insured and if they have employees, are they bonded?
• Are they trained in first aid or CPR?
• Are they a member of any professional associations such as Pet Sitters International, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Professional United Pet Sitters?
• Are they associated with a local vet to provide emergency services?
• Is there a back up sitter in case of emergency and how are they trained?
• Can the sitter be easily reached in case plans change during travel?
• Does the sitter offer a consultation before travel to meet with your pet(s)?
• Do they appear comfortable around your pet(s) and does your pet seem comfortable in their presence?
• Do they ask questions about your pets likes and dislikes and medical history?
Any of these choices can be the right one for your pet. It is up to you as the pet owner to do your research and decide which option to choose that best fits your family.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Pup-a-Palooza
4th Annual Pup-a-Palooza
June 5th from 10am-3pm at Alum Creek Dog Park. 3992 Hollenback Road, Lewis Center, OH.
One of Central Ohio's largest pet events featuring live music, a silent auction and much more. Food donations will benefit WALOP/Meals on Wheels. Bring Fido for food and tail wagging fun!
For more information, check out www.alumcreekdogpark.com
June 5th from 10am-3pm at Alum Creek Dog Park. 3992 Hollenback Road, Lewis Center, OH.
One of Central Ohio's largest pet events featuring live music, a silent auction and much more. Food donations will benefit WALOP/Meals on Wheels. Bring Fido for food and tail wagging fun!
For more information, check out www.alumcreekdogpark.com
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