Saturday, August 1, 2009

Heat Prostration

Martin's Point Veterinary Hospital
What is heat prostration? 

 Heat prostration, or heat exhaustion/heat stroke, is an elevation of body temperature. Heat stroke occurs during the hot summer months due to high environmental temperatures and a dog’s inability to dissipate heat.

Dogs cannot sweat to keep cool like humans. Instead, they rely on panting to lower their body temperature. Short-nosed breeds (such as bulldogs and pugs), overweight, and dark-colored dogs are especially at risk. High body temperatures can cause tissue and organ damage and other life-threatening complications.

What does heat prostration look like?

 A pet suffering from heat stroke can exhibit many different signs, such as: excessive panting, collapse, inability to rise, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and sudden death. Body temperature will be elevated above 104°F. The dog’s gums may be bright red. The pet may seem dazed and unaware of its surroundings. Tiny red splotches, or petechiations, may be seen on the dog’s skin.

What should I do if I suspect my pet is suffering from heat prostration?

This is an emergency! Contact a veterinary hospital or emergency clinic. Move the animal out of the heat into a cool area. Immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water using a garden hose or tub. Do NOT cover the pet in ice; this can actually be more harmful than good. Apply cool, moist towels to the groin and neck area and transport your pet to a veterinarian immediately.

How is heat prostration treated?

Your veterinarian will continue to cool your pet to a normal body temperature. Intravenous (IV) fluids will be given. A blood sample will be analyzed to determine how well the body’s organs are functioning. Medications will be given to control seizures, irregular heartbeats, and swelling around the brain.

One major complication of heat stroke is disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC. This is when tiny blood clots form throughout the body. These tiny clots can result in damage to internal organs or hemorrhage. DIC is difficult to control once it starts. What is the prognosis? The prognosis for a pet suffering from heat stroke is variable and dependent on the severity of the pet’s symptoms and complications. Many pets recover fully. Some pets are not so lucky. 

How can I prevent heat prostration in my pet?

Keep pets indoors or provide plenty of shade if they must be outside. Provide access to fresh water at all times. Avoid long walks on hot days and monitor your pet’s breathing while exercising. Sand is hot, keep your pet off the beach during peak sun. Parked vehicles heat up very quickly, NEVER leave your pet in a parked car.

Kelly D. Gimbel, DVM
Martin’s Point Veterinary Hospital

Friday, July 31, 2009

3 Outer Banks Pet Events Today!

Barker Brunch Friday's 10:30 - 12noon
May 22nd - September 11th 
treats & goodies
Outer Barks located at 1171 Duck Road, in the Scarborough Lane Shops in Duck, NC.

2nd Annual Customer Appreciation Day Every Friday 
free Doggie Treat Bag and Free Bumper Sticker 
The Holistic Pet Shop located at the Seagate North Shopping Center in Kill Devil Hills, NC

OB is taking a Brake from the Heat but you can......Pick up an "OB" Autographed Pampered Pets Guide and Register for the Pampered Pets Club
Today July 31st at the Holistic Pet Shop Sea Gate North Shopping Center Kill Devil Hills, NC from 5:00pm - 6:00pm


Thursday, July 30, 2009

Pawgaritaville Doggie Island Theme Party!

Pawgaritaville!

Doggie Island theme Party Today!
Party is Absolutely FREE 

Every Thursday from 2pm - 4pm

ALL SUMMER LONG! Island Theme Party, Costume Contest,Free Pawgaritia's
at Puparazzi! Pet Bow-tique
in the Phoenix Shops in downtown Manteo


and don't forget to mark your calendars for......... "Barker Brunch" on Friday!
May 22nd - September 11th
All you can Eat! Doggie Breakfast Buffet Over 20 different organic, natural treats & goodies.
The time is 10:30am to 12 noon.
at Outer Barks located at 1171 Duck Road, in the Scarborough Lane Shops in Duck, NC.


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Outer Banks Pet Event Today!

The 10th Annual "Happy Yappy Hour!" is today and takes place Every Wednesday through September 9th, 2009, from 4pm - 6pm.

The schedule will change during the spring & fall of the year. The World Famous, 10th Annual "Yappy Happy Hour!" is held at Outer Barks, located at 1171 Duck Road, in the Scarborough Lane Shops in Duck, NC.

This family fun pet event includes complimentary treats such as frozen Doggie Daiquiris & Arf D’ouevres for your pampered pet. There will also be (refreshments and munchies) for the humans inside the store at the same time.

The children's wading pool will be filled with water and a toy or two, ready to splash and have some fun. The Agility Course is waiting for your pets practice and enjoyment.

The most fun of all, everybody loves Ms. Robin & her help in creating unique Priceless Pet Paw Painting Art. There is so much going on at Happy Yappy Hour it is hard to list it all. OB just loves his Paw Painting! Thanks so much Miss Robin!



Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Summer Fun Twosdays is Today !

Summer Fun Twosdays is Today !
Every Tuesday through September 1st 2009.

Bring your Pampered Pet by today your pet will receive Free Special Twosdays Treats!

Salty Paws Homemade Biscuits
3723 North Croatan Highway
Kitty Hawk, NC


Monday, July 27, 2009

It's Too Hot for OB

This is the last week of July 2009 and the Heat is rising on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

 
OB needs to take a brake. He has had so much fun visiting so many wonderfully great pet friendly places on the Outer Banks, But now it's just getting too Hot.

OB will be taking a brake the last week of July and the month of August 2009 to stay cool.

However, OB has not forgotten his friends out there that want to be a member of the Pampered Pets Club. Remember you can always register on-line.

But, OB has arranged to have someone at different Outer Banks Pet Events while he takes a brake, to hand out a limited number of "OB" autographed Vol. 7 Pampered Pets Guides and register pets in the Pampered Pets Club.


Sunday, July 26, 2009

Hot Sand & Pavement can Hurt your Pets Paws


This is just a reminder to all those out there sparing special walks and fun times with their pampered pets on these HOT Dog Days of Summer.

Not only the pavement in developed areas of the Outer Banks, but the beautiful natural sandy shorelines get extremely hot this time of year. The hot pavement and sand can not only hurt and cause pain for your pampered pets paw pads, but cause serous burns & blisters.

The best time of day to share those special walks with your pampered pet(s) is early morning or late in the day, when the ground has had time to cool.

This is one of the reasons the town of Kitty Hawk, NC and the town of Kill Devil Hills, NC have time restrictions on the time of day (During the Summer Months) that you can walk your pampered pet pets on the town beaches.

If you feel that this time restriction is a disadvantage to you and your pampered pet(s) don't despair, the local Outer Banks Pet retailers have you covered :-)

Many Outer Banks Pet Retailers have special pet paw protection footwear for your pampered pet(s) from the very small sizes all the way up to the very large sizes. To find protective paw protection for your pampered pet(s) paws.