Wish This Was Me!

Source: afp

What Do I Do? -- Heat Stroke & Hyperthermia

Heat Stroke, Hyperthermia

Pets cannot tolerate high temperatures as well as people can and they rely on rapid breathing to exchange hot air for cool air. Pets' temperatures are higher than ours -- a dog and cat have an average temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Common situations and features that can predispose a pet to overheating:

1. Being left in a car in warm weather, even if the windows are left slightly open.
2. Having a muzzle on while a pet is being groomed, and/or leaving the muzzle on while a pet is put in a drying cage.
3. Short-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers and Persian cats.
4. Any pet with an airway disease.
5. Being confined outside without shade or an adequate supply of fresh water.

Suggested treatment when this condition occurs:

1. Mild Hyperthermia can sometimes be treated by simply removing a pet from the situation and/or environment where overheating has occurred, and placing it in a cool place in the shade or in an air-conditioned room.
2. If a pet is unsteady on its feet and you have moved it to a cooler location, you can start cooling it by placing cool water on the feet. Rubbing alcohol on the skin of your pet's stomach (with a fan blowing on the pet) can also aid in cooling.
3. While these steps are in progress, have someone call your veterinarian so that they can determine if you should bring your pet in for treatment.

Note: it is very dangerous to cool an overheated pet too quickly. Never put a pet in an ice bath, or use ice cold water, unless under the direct supervision of your veterinarian. Cool water is best.

The most common sign of hyperthermia is restlessness and agitation, with vigorous panting. A pet's saliva may be thick, and the gums and tongue may be bright red. Depending on the severity of the hyperthermia, the gums can also be very pale and a pet may be lying down with its head, neck, and limbs extended and thick saliva coming from the mouth and nose.

Always call your veterinarian, even if the pet appears to have recovered from hyperthermia, after you have administered any of the treatments above. Your veterinarian may not want to see your pet if it has recovered, but it is always best for them to determine whether or not your pet needs to be examined.

Credit: akcpethealthcare.com

You Are So Cute I Cannot Stand It!

Just Hangin' Out!

This little raccoon is checking out Springtime in Ohio!


















Source: ap

Visit Your Dog's Ancestral Home - Dachshund

Origin: Germany

Story: While its exact origins in Germany are unknown, references to a long-bodied, short-legged, sausage-shaped dog with terrific persistence at tracking badgers can be found in art and literature throughout the centuries. For instance, a 1560 woodcut portrayed a dachshund-like dog. In modern Germany, the dachshund has been a star and even served a stint as the country's official mascot during the 1972 Olympics in Munich. (A side note: Though Dachshund means "badger dog," Germans more commonly call this breed Dackel.)

The trip: Perhaps no German city has celebrated the dachshund as much as Berlin, which ran an annual dachshund race until 2006. Stroll Potsdamer Platz, the city's central plaza, which is surrounded by many landmarks best viewed on foot, such as Renzo Piano's postmodern sculptural Arcades. From there, a 15-minute walk takes you to Pension ABC, a squeaky-clean, family-run inn that welcomes dogs at no charge (011-49/30-2694-9903, doubles from $89).

Hot tip: For your dog to visit Germany, all you need is proof that he or she has been vaccinated within the past 12 months (but also more than a month before departure) and an identifying tattoo or microchip.

Credit: msnbc.com; Photo: cedarcreekveterinaryclinic.com

Double the Sweetness!

This baby bunny has two noses! A pet shop worker found this special bunny in a delivery of 6-week-old dwarf rabbits that arrived at his Milford, Connecticut store in March 2009. Both of the bunny's noses have two nostrils.

Source: ap/The Connecticut Post

What Bad Economy??

A Yorkie models a stylish outfit last month at a Moscow dog fashion and grooming boutique. While Russia's two-legged population feels the financial pinch, designer lines from sportswear to mink coats, evening gowns to booties are still being snapped up... for Russia's dogs.

Source: afp