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Horatio suffers from writer's block...
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrreetings, meow friends...
While surfing the internet, I happened upon a purrrrr-fectly delightful site that quickly became a purrrrrrr-sonal favorite that I would like to share with you... for the laughs, for the fun and for the "kittehs"
Please click here ----->> and enjoy!
Meows & fishes,
Horatio
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Artesia360 photo
Oh, the indignity! I stretch out in the tub where it's cool
once in a while and my people seem to think I wanted them
to lather me up and bathe me! Well, of course, they
should heed my every demand, but how much should a
cat have to endure? It's so hard to find good help!!
Summer Fun - Summer Safety
From Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
Your Guide to Veterinary Medicine.
Time to get out with the family (and likely a family pet or two) and enjoy recreational activities. The purpose of this article
is to serve as a reminder of summer dangers for pets, so that all of the fun isn't spoiled by an unsuspected emergency
or illness.
Heat Stroke
Most people are aware that leaving a pet in a locked car on a 100F degree day would be dangerous. However, it is the
seemingly mild days of spring (and fall) that pose great danger, too. Driving around, parking, and leaving your pet in the
car for "just a minute" can be deadly. Cars heat up fast -- even with the windows cracked. Check out these sources for
additional temperature information:
* How hot do cars get?
* Heat exposure in an enclosed automobile
* Cars develop killer heat, even on cooler days
Avoid Heat Stroke - How to Help
Order the "Don't Leave Me in Here — It's Hot!" flyers, posters, and other educational materials from My Dog Is Cool web
site to put on cars that have pets in them to alert the owners. (Note: if you see pets or children in cars on warm days,
please take action and call the police or fire department - time is critical.)
Jogging is also dangerous this time of year. So your dog jogs everyday with you and is in excellent shape - why alter the
routine? As the weather warms, humans alter the type and amount of clothing worn, and we sweat more. Dogs are still
jogging in their winter coat (or a slightly lighter version) and can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of
sweating through the foot pads. Not enough! Many dogs, especially the 'athletes' will keep running, no matter what, to
stay up with their owner. Change the routine to early morning or late evening to prevent heat stroke.
Consider your pet's housing. If they are kept outdoors, do they have shade and fresh water access at all times? I have
treated one case of heat stroke in a dog that did indeed have shade and water while tethered under a deck, but had
gotten the chain stuck around a stake in the middle of the yard -- no water or shade for hours. If you live in a warm
climate, it is a good idea to hose down the dog before work, at lunch or whenever you can to provide extra cooling (if you
dog is not over heated in the first place).
Signs of heat stroke include (but are not limited to): body temperatures of 104-110F degrees, excessive panting, dark or
bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, coma, death. Brachycephalic
breeds (the short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs), large heavy-coated breeds, and those dogs with heart or
respiratory problems are more at risk for heat stroke.
If you suspect heat stroke in your pet, seek Veterinary attention immediately! Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your
pet. (Very cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede cooling.) Do not aid cooling below 103 F
degrees - some animals can actually get HYPOthermic, too cold. Offer ice cubes for the animal to lick on until you can
reach your Veterinarian. Just because your animal is cooled and "appears" OK, do NOT assume everything is fine.
Internal organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, etc., are definitely affected by the body temperature elevation, and blood
tests and veterinary examination are needed to assess this. There is also a complex blood problem, called DIC
(Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation) that can be a secondary complication to heat stroke that can be fatal.
Water Safety
Not all dogs are excellent swimmers by nature. Especially if Fido has underlying health problems, such as heart disease
or obesity to contend with. Consider protecting your pet just as your human family -- with a life preserver. If your pet is
knocked off of the boat (perhaps getting injured in the process), or is tired/cold from choppy water or sudden storm, a
life jacket could be what saves your pet's life.
Antifreeze
is actually a year-round hazard. With the warmer temperatures of summer, cars over heat and may leak antifreeze. (This
is the bright green liquid found oozing from that car with the engine fan on.) Also, people change their antifreeze and
may spill or leave unused antifreeze out where pets can access it. Antifreeze tastes sweet and is inviting to pets (and
children). It is also extremely toxic in very small amounts. Call your Veterinarian (or Physician) immediately if any
ingestion is suspected. A safe alternative to Ethylene Glycol antifreeze is available, it is called propylene glycol, and
while it does cost a small amount more than 'regular' antifreeze, it is worth the piece of mind.
Summer Travel
Finally, if you are traveling outside of your normal Veterinarian's locale, it is wise to check out the Veterinary
clinics/hospitals in the area that you are visiting, before the need arises. It is better to be prepared for an emergency
and not have one happen than to panic in an emergency situation, wasting valuable time.
Artesia Paws & Claws seeks volunteers, homes
Our Mission: To provide shelter and medical attention to
lost, abused, and homeless animals; to promote animal
welfare through education; to actively encourage reduction
in the pet population; to advocate animal welfare, animal
rescue and rehabilitation, lost-and-found services, and
animal adoptions; to further promote the bond between
people and animals; to actively work with the state and local
officials to develop improved animal anti-cruelty laws and
their enforcement.
The Artesia Paws & Claws society needs YOUR help. Do
you have skills, time or money to donate? Are you willing to
foster a pet? Would you like to adopt a new companion?
Contact Paws and Claws • PO Box 807 • Artesia, NM, 88211
or call 575-703-8479 for more info!
NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR ANIMAL SHELTER
The Artesia Animal Shelter has a new phone number. It is
575-746-8860. This number can be called during normal
business hours in reference to attempting to locate lost
cats and dogs and adoptions. If there is no answer please
leave a message.
The number for the Artesia Animal Control Officer is still
746-5000. This number should be called for functions of
the Animal Control Officer such as dogs at large, vicious
animals or animal bites.