Thursday, July 29, 2010

More on the summer heat

Here are a few tips for you to remember this summer:

Compliments of PSI:

Surviving the Dog Days of Summer
A little precaution will go a long way in helping your pets beat the heat
As the scorching days of summer descend upon us, Auntie Donna's Pet Nanny Services offers pet owners a few simple steps to help ensure "furkids" do not get too hot under the collar.
With the warmer temperatures, it’s inevitable that more time will be spent outside. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on your pets.
“More time is spent outside running around, often without the use of a leash,” said Dr. Louise Murray, DVM and director of medicine at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “This leads to an increase in pets being hit by automobiles.”
Murray advises that with a little forethought, most pet-related emergencies that occur during the summer months can be avoided.
“During the warmer months, we also see an increase in injured animals as a result of ‘High-Rise Syndrome,’ which occurs when pets fall out of windows or doors and are seriously or fatally injured,” Murray said. “Pet owners need to know that this is completely preventable if they take simple precautions.
Auntie Donna's Pet Nanny Services recommend pet owners keep the following advice in mind this summer to help keep their pets safe:
• Keep dogs on a leash or confined by fence. Do not let dogs run loose even if they are usually well-behaved. Many dogs get hit by cars whose owners think they "do not need a leash."
• Many cats also get hit by cars. Be sure to keep cats indoors or confined with a specially-designed cat fence.
• Do not exercise dogs or allow them to exercise or play hard during very hot weather or the hottest part of day. Exercise your dogs in the early morning and evening.
• Do not let brachcephalic (short-nosed breeds, such as bulldogs or pugs) dogs over-exercise when it is hot outside.
• Dogs that have noisy breathing may have a medical condition. Have them examined by a vet and use caution with exercise in the heat.
• Make sure all windows have well-fitting screens.
Following these steps will help ensure that you and your pets beat the heat safely this summer.

Thank you for being on alert!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Cool Pets

Today the temperatures in the SW Washington area will hit 98 degree temperatures. Yesterday was only 93 degrees. This is a time for even more protection is needed to be there for our loving pets. Please read the information on the United Animal Nations website: http://uan.org/index.cfm?navid=757

Just yesterday, I found a lab mix, wearing a "black tuxedo suit" and walking the main road in the heat of the 93 degree day. His black coat was hot to touch and his tongue was as long as it could be. He was drenched from panting and definitely needed water. Of course, I stopped my car and offered water in a traveling pet bowl. He finally drank and then I began the quest to find his home. He gratefully climbed in my car with a bit of help as this fellow was 10 years old. Even though he wore a "tuxedo" he did not have a complete outfit. He was not wearing a collar or tags to make this quest easy. I visited 10 homes before finally finding his family. It is with great thanks that so many of the homes I stopped at were animal lovers too. Each took sincere interest in helping. Water, shade and food were offered for him at a pet lovers home. Thank you Jackie, Rea & Casie. He even received a cool water bath to lower his body temp. "Socks" is now at home and is a repeat runner (walker with a limp). I did make recommendations that he have a collar with tags to wear and a microchip added to ensure his safe return. Water and a cool place to shelter himself from the heat.
Please be on the look out for our furry friends, especially in this heat.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Walks in the Parks

It's a treat to post Auntie Donna's first blog. Thank you for visiting and being a fan.

Today is: Every dog gets their day when they have the chance to walk and play. When you share a walk with your furry friend you can enjoy great health benefits too. Dogs need the outlet to focus while walking at your side and listening to you. When you start out, take the time to review a few of the basics, to sit, heel, and pay attention when you make a request. You will know when your furkid is on board with you, when they keep looking your way and checking up on you. If this doesn't happen at first, stop on occasion to practice the basics again, be patient & soon you will be on your way. A trainer can review these ideas with you to allow for a rewarding way to walk each day.

Today, I walked with Mr. Bentley, an imperial Shitzu part Maltese, and Miss Wilma, who is a sweet Jack Russell Terrier, on a two hour walk. Now some might say this is a long way to go for those little legs on Mr. Bentley . We walked and stopped on occasion for some photo opportunities, you will see once they post, each "furclient" was happy to walk. They keep a great pace and get some water when we stop. Keep in mind no matter the size of your friendly pooch, they need a good daily walk. They will relax once they are home and maybe you will too. Your furkid will be most grateful, and next time will be excited to go with you. Keep a good healthy walk in your schedule for both of you.
Our walk was around the Lacamas creek falls loop from 3rd Street in Camas, WA and around to Lower Falls Loop. It's a beautiful walk and even a deer strolled across our path. Get out there in this sunshine and find a great path. Check this blog for details of the location. http://phcwalkingroup.blogspot.com/

If you find during your long days this is a challenge for you, then call on Auntie Donna to be your pet's nanny for your pets.

Thank you again for visiting, I look forward to sharing with you. Keep on Wagging, Auntie Donna