Robert
07-24-2008, 12:47 PM
http://www.kentucky.com/156/story/469928.html
Posted on Thu, Jul. 24, 2008
Cool down, doggy
By Jan Jarvis
McClatchy Newspapers
Here are some common pet emergencies and tips to avoid them, all from veterinarians, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Partnership for Animal Welfare.
Heat stroke
The problem: In the middle of summer, pets are better off staying home.
Within minutes, temperatures inside a car can reach 140 degrees. Even when the windows are cracked, dogs can quickly overheat. Walking or running in the heat of the day also is a big mistake. Signs of trouble include excessive panting, disorientation and vomiting.
What to do: If a dog must be left outdoors, it should have water and shade.
If the dog's temperature exceeds 105 degrees, seek medical care. A dog in mild stages of heat stress can be gradually cooled down at home, but don't submerge it in icy water. Rubbing the dog's foot pads with alcohol also can help.
Snake bites
The problem: Poisonous snakes can bite dogs, and the results can be life-threatening. Profound swelling can develop quickly. In Kentucky, the three most common venomous snakes are the copperhead, the Western cottonmouth and the timber rattlesnake.
What to do: A bite from a venomous snake should be treated by a veterinarian.
Poisoning
The problem: It's one thing to swallow chlorinated water and quite another to eat a mouthful of swimming-pool products. Rat poison and common insecticides also can be lethal.
A pet that eats rat poison might seem fine at first but within a few days can bleed to death. Pool products can cause breathing problems and vomiting. Insecticides can cause seizures.
What to do: When a dog swallows chlorine or another poisonous substance, rinse out its mouth and eyes with a lot of water and immediately seek medical attention.
If pet walks across a lawn that has been sprayed with fertilizer, the chemicals usually cause only itching.
Riding in vehicles
The problem: When dogs hang their heads out car windows, the breeze can dry out their eyes, and pieces of debris can cause serious injury.
A dog riding in the back of a pickup can be seriously hurt if it jumps out or falls. Hot surfaces can cause burns.
What to do: Keep your dog in the air-conditioned car or truck cab, with the windows closed. Putting a pet in a carrier is the safest way for it to travel.
Food disasters
The problem: Ribs, bones and rich human foods can be dangerous to pets. Bones can clog intestines, causing blockage. Chocolate can cause pancreatitis, and grapes and raisins can impair kidney function. Onions, macadamia nuts, garlic, avocado, and fatty foods should be avoided.
What to do: If a dog is vomiting, has abdominal pain or is lethargic, contact a veterinarian.
To shave or not to shave
Some pet owners are reluctant to shave them because fur provides some insulation and can keep them cooler. But some vets say that shaving a dog can be helpful, especially in humid weather. Just be sure dogs, especially light-pigmented ones, are protected from sunburn. Shaving just their stomachs or giving them a trim can make summer more bearable. But shaving is no substitute for making sure that pets have plenty of water and shade.
© 2008 Kentucky.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kentucky.com
Posted on Thu, Jul. 24, 2008
Cool down, doggy
By Jan Jarvis
McClatchy Newspapers
Here are some common pet emergencies and tips to avoid them, all from veterinarians, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Partnership for Animal Welfare.
Heat stroke
The problem: In the middle of summer, pets are better off staying home.
Within minutes, temperatures inside a car can reach 140 degrees. Even when the windows are cracked, dogs can quickly overheat. Walking or running in the heat of the day also is a big mistake. Signs of trouble include excessive panting, disorientation and vomiting.
What to do: If a dog must be left outdoors, it should have water and shade.
If the dog's temperature exceeds 105 degrees, seek medical care. A dog in mild stages of heat stress can be gradually cooled down at home, but don't submerge it in icy water. Rubbing the dog's foot pads with alcohol also can help.
Snake bites
The problem: Poisonous snakes can bite dogs, and the results can be life-threatening. Profound swelling can develop quickly. In Kentucky, the three most common venomous snakes are the copperhead, the Western cottonmouth and the timber rattlesnake.
What to do: A bite from a venomous snake should be treated by a veterinarian.
Poisoning
The problem: It's one thing to swallow chlorinated water and quite another to eat a mouthful of swimming-pool products. Rat poison and common insecticides also can be lethal.
A pet that eats rat poison might seem fine at first but within a few days can bleed to death. Pool products can cause breathing problems and vomiting. Insecticides can cause seizures.
What to do: When a dog swallows chlorine or another poisonous substance, rinse out its mouth and eyes with a lot of water and immediately seek medical attention.
If pet walks across a lawn that has been sprayed with fertilizer, the chemicals usually cause only itching.
Riding in vehicles
The problem: When dogs hang their heads out car windows, the breeze can dry out their eyes, and pieces of debris can cause serious injury.
A dog riding in the back of a pickup can be seriously hurt if it jumps out or falls. Hot surfaces can cause burns.
What to do: Keep your dog in the air-conditioned car or truck cab, with the windows closed. Putting a pet in a carrier is the safest way for it to travel.
Food disasters
The problem: Ribs, bones and rich human foods can be dangerous to pets. Bones can clog intestines, causing blockage. Chocolate can cause pancreatitis, and grapes and raisins can impair kidney function. Onions, macadamia nuts, garlic, avocado, and fatty foods should be avoided.
What to do: If a dog is vomiting, has abdominal pain or is lethargic, contact a veterinarian.
To shave or not to shave
Some pet owners are reluctant to shave them because fur provides some insulation and can keep them cooler. But some vets say that shaving a dog can be helpful, especially in humid weather. Just be sure dogs, especially light-pigmented ones, are protected from sunburn. Shaving just their stomachs or giving them a trim can make summer more bearable. But shaving is no substitute for making sure that pets have plenty of water and shade.
© 2008 Kentucky.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kentucky.com