| HAND IN PAW Friends of Bossier City Animal Control |
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| HAND IN PAW Friends of Bossier City Animal Control |
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Cats
Dogs
Heat stroke can be caused by leaving your pets outside in hot, humid weather without shade or water; exercising your pet in hot, humid weather even if you have water available or by leaving your pet in a closed car in direct sun or on a warm day even with cracked open windows can be deadly. Panting is a normal physiological means to cool off actually saturates the air with water vapor making the air in the car warmer and consequently even more difficult for an animal to cool down. Young and old animals are more sensitive to high temperatures because they cannot acclimatize effectively as well as heavy-coated dogs (Husky, German Shepherd, Chow Chow, St. Bernard). Additionally, animals with medical problems (history of seizures, heart or lung disease) should never be exposed to hot humid temperatures. Certain breeds with short snouts such as Pugs, Shitzu, Boxers, Pekinese, Bull dogs and Persian cats are particularly susceptible due to their flat faces that make breathing difficult. The following is a chart showing how much the temperature increases in a vehicle in comparrison to the outside temperature.
For example, if the outside temperature is 90 degrees, after only 10 minutes the interior of the vehicle will be 109 degrees! Cracking” the windows had little effect. Signs of Heat stroke * Panting First Aid For Heat stroke You need to cool your pet down as fast as possible to its normal body temperature. If your pet is outside or in a car, get your pet out of the sun/direct heat and into a shaded, cool area. Check for ABC's of CPR and shock; administer CPR if necessary. If you have air conditioning in the car, turn your air conditioning on high and get your pet to your vet. If possible, hose your pet down with cool water (outside water hose or your bathroom shower). If a hose or shower is not available, find anything you can to wet your animal, place water soaked towels on the head, neck, feet chest and abdomen. Rubbing alcohol can be rubbed under the toe pads to cool the body. Once you have started the cooling process, take your pet's temperature every 5 minutes until you reach your veterinarian or your pet's temperature returns to normal. It's important to monitor the temperature so that hypothermia (below the normal body temperature) doesn't occur. You should follow up with your vet following a heat stroke incident as other medical problems (kidney failure, digestive tract , neurological , cardiopulmonary problems) could still occur hours or even days following a heat stroke.
The only way a dog can get heartworms is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworms cannot be passed from one dog to another. Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. And the bite of just one mosquito infected with the heartworm larvae will give your dog heartworm disease. Even if your dog is an indoor pet and only goes outside occasionally, all dogs are at risk of contracting heartworm disease. Your dog should be tested for heartworms annually. If left untreated, heartworm disease can pose significant health threats or even death. Please consult your vet for the monthly heartworm preventative that is best for your dog.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS / HURRICANE EVACUATION
1-2 week supply of your pet's regular food. (While stored, make sure to replace the food according to expiration dates.) Make sure to include a food dish and, if you use canned foods, a can opener. Record any allergies (food, medicinal, or environmental) your pet may have and keep the record with your pet's other paperwork. Store the food in a waterproof container.
1-2 week supply in gallon-sized plastic containers. (Make sure to replace stored water regularly to ensure freshness.) Make sure to include a water bowl.
To clean crates/litter boxes.
1-2 week supply plus a small, plastic litter box and litter scoop. You can opt for disposable litter boxes that come pre-made with litter.
Copies of important veterinary documents, such as vaccination records, medical history, medical conditions, records of important test results (FeLV/FIV).
Write down the name, address and phone number of your vet and an alternate vet. Write out a release statement, authorizing medical treatments for your pets. Write down your pet insurance policy number, if you have one.
Copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, microchip, tattoo or other identification information. • List of Emergency Contacts
In case you need to distribute pictures if your pet gets lost.
List each pet separately and include dose and frequency for each medication. Keep a two-week reserve supply, with directions on how to administer. If possible, keep the medication in the original container.
The following are items you already have around your home which can be used to prepare a basic pet first-aid kit.
These items should be placed in a plastic storage box, tackle box or other protective container. Pet first-aid kits can also be purchased at pet supply stores, pharmacies, retail and discount stores and on-line.
Hand In Paw • PO Box 8004 • Bossier City, Louisiana 71113 ©2010Hand In Paw, all rights reserved. |