In the News: Therapy Dogs - Helpers of Society

Photo retrieved from The National Capital Therapy Dogs, used via a Creative Commons license.

In today’s society, individuals with special needs and disabilities find the use of a Therapy Dog to be an essential role in their lives.  These four-footed furry animals help in terms of guidance, comfort and companionship. The links provided below, will give an overview of how these animals provide a source of comfort and assistance for each person’s needs.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collections.

Photo retrieved from mediapoondi.com used via a Creative Commons license.

NEW! Cesar’s Therapy Dogs

http://www.cesar.com/therapydogs/#welcome

This website, acquired by Google, gives users a glimpse of Therapy Dogs and what they have to offer.  Users can read about Cesar dog products commitment to dogs by donating funds to support Therapy Dogs to assist individuals in need.  Additionally, a person can submit their own personal dog therapy story as well.

The Cesar’s Therapy Dogs link above and photo has a video introducing these canine heroes.

Photo provided from Pet Partners, used via a Creative Commons license.

Pet Partners (Find it on ipl2)

http://www.petpartners.org/

This website provides links and resources to find information about Therapy Dogs along with sources on how to apply for a dog.  It also includes, information regarding donations, volunteering and creating memorial tributes.

Photo provided from Therapy Dogs International, used via a Creative Commons license.

NEW! Therapy Dogs International

http://www.tdi-dog.org/Introduction.aspx?Page=Children+Reading+To+Dogs+Video

This is a great resource that displays how Therapy Dogs used to help people with literacy.  These dogs will sit patiently while individuals which range from children o adults read them stories. This website also contains information regarding additional programs such as: hospice, libraries, shelters, nursing homes and home visits. The  Therapy Dogs International link above and photo has a video introducing special dogs.

Photo provided from Pets On Wheels used via a Creative Commons license.

NEW! Therapy Dogs, Inc.

http://www.therapydogs.com/

This source discusses the steps to obtaining certification for dogs that are eligible to become therapy dogs. Furthermore, this website also contains information regarding membership, donations and canine requirements of good manner, good health and testing for certification.

We hope that you found this topic of Therapy Dogs interesting.  Again, thank you for visiting the ipl2blog.

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Save A Dog, Inc. News

Here it is, July 14th 2013, and it’s looking to be a hot summer. An average summer for Boston has 10 days that have temperatures 90+. We’re only half way into July, and so far this year Boston has already had 10 days of 90+ temperatures, two official heat waves, and there’s another 4 days of 90+ weather in the forcast. Being close to the ocean, at least Boston has the possibility of a sea breeze to cool things down. We here in Sudbury and the Metrowest area aren’t as lucky. It’s already over 90 today, and the forecast is in the 90s for the entire week. It’s going to be hot! And if we’re hot, just imagine how our dogs are feeling!

Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe and cool during the heat:

Never leave your dog in a parked car. Not even with the car running and air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. When the outside temperature is in the 90s, this occurs even faster! In these temperatures your dog can quickly die from heatstroke or suffocation.

Don’t rely on a fan. Dogs respond differently to heat than humans do. Dogs can only rid their body of heat while panting. They do not have sweat glands – as humans do – except for a few on their feet. Panting alone is not enough when the temperature soars. And fans don’t cool off pets as effectively as they do people. So make sure you provide plenty of fresh drinking water for your dog. Better yet, go swimming with your dog, run through the sprinkler or play fetch with one the many water toys out there. This way both of you can keep cool! If you’re out walking or running with your dog, go someplace where there are streams or a lake, so your dog can cool off!

Limit exercise on hot days. Remember to adjust the intensity and duration of your dog’s exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with dogs with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed dogs, who typically have difficulty breathing. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your dog’s paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible. If you are out running or hiking, treat your dog the same way that you treat yourself. If you need to stop to take a drink, so does your dog. If you are feeling hot, your dog probably is also, so pour some water on their head and neck. (The best places to cool a dog down are on the neck, pads of the feet, and belly.) If your dog wants to slow down, assume that there is a reason and allow it. Remember you are the human, so you need to be the one to anticipate the dangers and not take a chance. If you are far away from help, the results can be tragic.

Never leave your dog outside unattended!  Go out with them, and when you start to get hot, it’s time for you both to go back inside. Watch for signs of heatstroke including heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness.

Those dogs at a higher risk for heatstroke are those that are very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or have heart or respiratory disease. Some breeds, such as boxers, pugs, boston terriers, shih tzus, and other dogs with short muzzles, will have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat.

Stay cool, and stay safe!

Save A Dog, Inc. News » 2013 » February

2013

02.27

By: David Bernier

The EPA is still reviewing 44,000 complaints that were filed in the past few years concerning potentially dangerous – and sometimes deadly – “spot-on” flea and tick products for pets. Please use the links provided below to read up on the situation and to protect your beloved pets!



Worried about your dog getting Lyme disease? Does your dog already have Lyme disease? You should read our post on Lyme Prevention and Treatment

Save A Dog, Inc. News » Increased Scrutiny of Flea and Tick Control Products for Pets

2013

02.27

By: David Bernier

The EPA is still reviewing 44,000 complaints that were filed in the past few years concerning potentially dangerous – and sometimes deadly – “spot-on” flea and tick products for pets. Please use the links provided below to read up on the situation and to protect your beloved pets!



Worried about your dog getting Lyme disease? Does your dog already have Lyme disease? You should read our post on Lyme Prevention and Treatment