Your Dog and the Heat

I live in South Florida where the heat is pretty intense. The hospital where I work received a frantic call from a client of ours that his dog collapsed. We told him to bring him in immediately.
Unfortunately, his dog passed away on the way over.
We learned that he had taken his 3 year old labrador retriever for a walk at noon.....in South Florida.....in July........... What is my point? Well, most people would think a Golden, pretty hearty dog, young, loves water, etc - they're fine outside. Well, they aren't. And this unfortunately  happens more often than you think.
I'm hear to ask all of you to spread the obvious word that dogs should be not be walked during the hottest time of the day, anywhere. Here's another way to think of this - they are wearing a fur coat in the heat! I don't care how efficient their bodies are at cooling off. And it's not just the "squishy face" breeds (bullies, frenchies, pugs, etc) but ALL dogs would quickly find themselves in trouble in this scenario.

If you find yourself in a situation where your dog can't walk any longer, can't stop panting, tongue turning purple, this an emergency. However, you don't want to shock your dog by plunging him in ice water, so offer him/her some water. Not alot because they will end up vomiting. A wet rag on their forehead, getting them out of the sun and heat and wetting the bottom of their paws will all help.
The guilt that this owner is going through right now is something I never want to experience myself and neither do you!

Keep your dogs safe, Keep your dogs cool and always, Keep Wagging™

What did you do with your firework phobia dog last night?

For many of you it was a very long night last night. Dogs and fireworks are generally not a good mix. You have not been looking forward to this night for weeks. You feel hopeless because you know the grief fireworks cause your dog. Panting, pacing, wanting to hide...you know the drill but you also don't know how to avoid this oft repeated scenario.

Here is some advise for the next time:

If your veterinarian prescribed Acepromazine, find a new doctor for your dog. Acepromazine has been used for storms and fireworks (among other things) for years but what we now know is that it is not an anti-anxiety drug. Acepromazine is a tranquilizer which means it is keeping your dog from reacting....in other words, he is still terrified, he just can't tell you. Not the best way to treat this.
While under the effect of Acepromazine,your dog may be quiet and calm but inside he/she's fear and anxiety is not only still present but may be even worse due to the fact that Acepromazine creates a disconnect with reality and it prevents the dog from understanding his environment in a logical manner. This entire experience couldn't get any worse for this poor animal.
Veterinarian's (with the guidance of Veterinary behaviorists) now prefer the use of drugs in the Valium and Xanax family. These drugs actually reduce anxiety and fear. They kick in quickly (within 30 minutes to 2 hours after giving it to your pet. Your dog will be sedated, his/her muscles are relaxed and their fear and anxiety is greatly reduced or eliminated.

Something else to think about is trying to desensitize your pet. This can be tricky but very affective so I recommend finding a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. You can find one on the American College of Veterinary Behaviorist's website.

You can also talk to your general practitioner veterinarian or behaviorist about anxiety body wraps. A body wrap looks like a shirt for your dog but it is very snug. It applies pressure on acupressure points that can relieve stress and end/lessen fears and anxieties in dogs. Thundershirt is one brand. Another is Anxiety Wrap.

Whatever you decide to do, do something. Don't go through another day/night like yesterday. Get proactive and help your dog for the next day he/she has a high anxiety day!


Keep your dogs safe and happy and always Keep Wagging!

Monique