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The Busiest Day Of The Year For Shelters, Toxins To Be Aware Of For Your Bestie, and Heat Stroke In Dogs
Joshua McCarty
July 02, 2024
Welcome to Sustainable Tails. Thank you for joining us on our Independence Day edition this week. A large majority of us will be busy preparing to spend time with friends and family, enjoying a scrumptious barbecue on the deck or a swim in the pool, followed by blasting fireworks high into the night sky in celebration of the anniversary of our nation’s independence. As fun and exciting as these activities are, there are some hazards that are brought upon our furry companions, many of which can’t quite comprehend what the fuss is all about. To them, it is simply a noisy and fearful time. In this edition, we aim to offer tips to make this special day more comforting and safer for your pets. We hope you enjoy what we have put together.
The 4th Of July Is The Busiest Day Of The Year For Shelters
The Fourth of July is a time of celebration, fireworks, and festivities. However, it’s also the busiest day of the year for animal shelters across the country. The loud noises and bright lights from fireworks can be terrifying for pets, leading many to run away in fear. As a result, shelters see a significant increase in lost pets during this time, with many animals ending up miles from home, frightened and disoriented.
To protect your furry friends during the Fourth of July celebrations, consider taking these precautions:
Keep Pets Indoors: The safest place for your pets is inside your home. Ensure all doors, windows, and any escape routes are securely closed. Create a quiet, comfortable space for them away from windows to minimize their exposure to the noise and lights.
Update Identification: Make sure your pets are wearing collars with updated ID tags. Microchipping is also a highly effective way to ensure they can be identified if they do get lost.
Exercise Early: Walk your dogs and engage your pets in playtime earlier in the day before the fireworks start. This helps tire them out and can reduce anxiety.
Use Calming Products: There are various products available, such as calming collars, anxiety wraps, and pheromone sprays, that can help soothe your pets during stressful times.
Play Background Noise: Drown out the sound of fireworks with familiar, calming sounds. Play soft music, turn on the television, or use a white noise machine.
Stay Close: If possible, stay at home with your pets during the fireworks. Your presence can be incredibly comforting to them.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your pets remain safe and calm during the Fourth of July festivities, reducing the risk of them running away and ending up in a shelter. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your furry friends secure and happy during this noisy holiday.
Kitty Curiosities
Did you know kittens are born deaf? Their tiny ear canals are sealed shut at birth, rendering them completely deaf for the first few days of life. This unique characteristic helps protect their delicate ear structures during the early stages of development. Around 5 to 14 days old, their ears begin to open, and they start to hear the world around them. This gradual process ensures that their hearing develops properly and safely as they grow.
4th Of July Toxins To Keep Away From Your 4-Leggged Bestie
The Fourth of July is a time for festive celebrations, but it also poses several potential hazards for your canine companions. During parties and gatherings, dogs may encounter various toxins that can harm them. Here are some common items to watch out for:
Citronella Products: Citronella candles, torches, and oils are popular for keeping mosquitoes at bay. However, citronella is toxic to dogs. Ingesting it can cause gastrointestinal upset, and inhalation can lead to respiratory issues. Keep these products out of reach and use them with caution.
Glow Sticks and Glow Jewelry: While they add a fun element to nighttime celebrations, glow sticks and glow jewelry contain a substance called dibutyl phthalate, which can cause drooling, gastrointestinal irritation, and vomiting if ingested by dogs. If your dog bites into a glow stick, rinse their mouth and offer water or a small meal to help flush out the substance.
Bug Sprays and Sunscreen: Many bug sprays and sunscreens contain chemicals that are harmful to dogs if ingested. DEET, a common ingredient in insect repellents, is especially toxic and can cause vomiting, drooling, and seizures. Opt for pet-safe insect repellents and sunscreens, and apply them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Human Food: The allure of party food can be irresistible to dogs, but many common foods are toxic. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic can cause serious health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal distress to organ failure. Keep these foods out of your dog’s reach, and ensure guests know not to feed them table scraps.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are dangerous for dogs, causing symptoms from mild intoxication to severe metabolic disturbances. Even small amounts can be harmful, so keep drinks well away from your pets.
Being aware of these potential hazards and taking steps to prevent your dog from accessing them can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July celebration for everyone, including your furry friends.
Pet Poem Place
On the Fourth of July, beneath the sky,
Sat a cat and a dog, watching sparks fly.
With earmuffs snug, they sat side by side,
Protecting their ears with festive pride.
The cat’s were red with a tiny blue bow,
The dog's were striped, like a flag on show.
Booms and bangs lit up the night,
Yet they stayed calm, quite the sight.
Under the stars, they watched the display,
A purring cat and a dog in a sway.
Friends forever, through noise and cheer,
Earmuffs on, they had nothing to fear.
Heat Stroke In Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention
Heat stroke in dogs is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Understanding the signs, treatment, and prevention of heat stroke is crucial for every dog owner, especially during hot weather.
Signs of Heat Stroke
Recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke early can save your dog’s life. Common signs include:
Excessive Panting: Rapid and heavy breathing is a primary indicator.
Drooling: Excessive salivation often accompanies panting.
Red or Pale Gums: A change in gum color is a warning sign.
Weakness and Lethargy: Your dog may appear unusually tired or weak.
Vomiting and Diarrhea: These symptoms can indicate severe overheating.
Collapse or Staggering: In severe cases, dogs may collapse or have difficulty walking.
Seizures: High body temperature can lead to seizures.
Treatment
Immediate action is essential if you suspect your dog has heat stroke:
Move to a Cooler Area: Get your dog out of the heat and into a cooler environment immediately.
Offer Water: Provide small amounts of cool (not cold) water to drink.
Cool the Body: Use cool, wet towels to lower your dog’s body temperature. Place them on the neck, armpits, and groin. You can also use a fan.
Avoid Ice: Do not use ice or very cold water as it can cause blood vessels to constrict, hindering cooling.
Seek Veterinary Care: Contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic right away, even if your dog seems to be recovering.
Prevention
Preventing heat stroke is key:
Avoid Overexertion: Limit exercise during hot weather, especially during peak heat hours.
Provide Shade and Water: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water and a shady spot to rest.
Never Leave Dogs in Cars: Temperatures in cars can rise quickly, even with windows cracked.
It is important to recognize the signs of heat stroke, taking immediate action, and implementing preventive measures. You can protect your dog from this serious condition and enjoy a safe summer together by remaining vigilant of the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in your best friend.
Just For Fun
Well, that’s a wrap for our 4th of July edition. Please be sure to share this growing community of pet lovers from around the world with your friends and family. We send you an unobtrusive email once a week right to your mailbox. That’s all there is to it! We welcome any and all input from all of our subscribers. Send us topics you’d love to know more about, or just drop a line to say hello. There are exciting things coming as Sustainable Tails grows in popularity!
Sustainable Tails is dedicated to helping you create a harmonious and eco-friendly life for you and your pets. By embracing zero-waste and pet-friendly grooming products and sustainably exploring the outdoors together, you're not only enhancing the well-being of your furry companions but also contributing to a healthier planet.
Thank you for joining us on this weeks’ adventure. Continue to spread the word on what we are doing here, and always know your comments and participation in our community are welcomed with open paws. We’ll see you right here next week, so continue making sustainable choices and cherishing each and every day with your beloved pets!
Joshua McCarty
Founder, Sustainable Tails
P.S. Have a topic you’d like us to cover in our next newsletter? Share your ideas and questions with us. We’d love to hear from you!
P.P.S. Take a peek over at our partner website for an ever growing list of sustainable and eco-friendly pet supplies and accessories, as well as many other pet friendly products!
