Protect Your Pet from Sizzling Summer Temperatures

   

Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals Offers Summertime Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe

(Photo by Dana Edelson)

New York, NY – Monday, July 15, 2013 – With RealFeel temperatures expected to soar into triple-digits all week, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals urges all pet owners to take special precautions to keep their four-legged friends safe and healthy in the sizzling heat.

Jane Hoffman, President of the Alliance, said, “Dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable in high heat and humidity. Following a few common sense tips will keep your pet safe, healthy, and comfortable in this week’s dangerous weather conditions.”

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  Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even for a “minute.” Even with a window cracked open, a parked car can heat up dramatically and pose an immediate danger to an animal. If you see a pet in a parked car, seek out a police officer or call 911 for help.


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  Don’t take your dog out during the hottest time of the day. This will help protect her from overheating and sunburn. Yes! Your dog can get sunburn. Also, remember that asphalt, blacktop, and concrete get hot! Dogs — little ones, especially — are very close to the ground. The radiating heat can contribute to your dog overheating, and burn their paws.


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  If you take your dog for a walk in hot, humid conditions, wet his coat thoroughly — including the paws and outside of the ears — before you leave the house. Bring water!


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  Limit your dog’s exercise. A dog’s temperature can soar to 106-degrees in a flash. If your dog begins to exhibit signs of distress — heavy panting, difficulty breathing, bright red tongue, vomiting, and/or unsteadiness — get him to a cool place and call your veterinarian.


• Make sure your cats and dogs have access to clean, fresh water.
  


• Check that your window screens are secure to protect your pets from falling out.

Hoffman added that no matter what time of year it is, make sure your pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, licensed (dogs), and protected against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

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About the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals^®
The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that works with more than 150 partner rescue groups and no-kill shelters to offer important programs and services to save the lives of NYC’s homeless animals. Receiving no government funding, we are supported by donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals. As we mark our tenth anniversary in 2013, we are committed to transforming New York City into a no-kill community by 2015: where no dogs or cats of reasonable health and temperament will be killed merely because they do not have homes. www.AnimalAllianceNYC.org

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Phone: (212) 329-1408
E-mail: csavoia@lakpr.com

Can You Separate Your Dog"s Health from Your Own?

When I first became interested in a natural diet and health care for my animals, I was invited to a public talk, given by my veterinarian. She was heavily into alternative health care and soon after, she gave away the veterinary side of her practice all together

Even though this resulted in a substantial income reduction, she felt she could no longer carry out procedures which she knew to be harmful. Her biggest bug bear was vaccination.

Her talk inspired me. She narrated how she had been visiting a relative overseas, who wanted her to treat her cat.

The cat was very timid, spending much of the day hiding under the bed covers. Geraldine, my vet, observed that this was exactly how her relative, Odette was. She was hiding at home, hardly daring to leave her home unless it was absolutely necessary.

Geraldine was an old hand at observing the similarities between people and their pets, so she set about treating Odette, rather than her cat. She decided to use the Bach Flower Essences.

Odette kept in touch, and over the coming weeks and months, reported her progress. She was becoming increasingly brave, venturing out and about at an increasingly regular rate.

AT THE SAME TIME, almost in step with Odette’s improvement, her cat started venturing around the house and then outside. He even wanted to spent a night outside on occasion, something that was completely unusual as it was formally very fearful for him.

And yet, he had received no treatment AT ALL!

Why am I telling you this?

Natural therapists know only too well that animals seem to take on the  same attributes as their humans. It’s as if they are helping us carry the load, by sharing it. Or perhaps they are reflecting back to us, who we are.

Whatever it is, your health is inextricably linked to that of your animals.

If you want the best for your dog, then the first thing to do is to start by sorting out your own problems. Lighten up. Seek appropriate health care, preferably holistic, preferably homeopathic. By sorting yourself out, you have gone a long way to sorting out the health of your dog.

Would you like to know more about how to have a naturally healthy dog?