Water Safety

For a lot of families, summertime means swimming time. If your pooch will be joining you on your adventures, be it lakeside, oceanside or poolside, please read our following tips:

- Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool.

- Not all dogs are good swimmers, so if water sports are a big part of your family, please introduce your pets to water gradually.

- Make sure all pets wear flotation devices on boats.

- Try not to let your dog drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause GI upset.

A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean. So make sure to bring a large shade cover or don't stray very far from your hotel so you don't run into trouble! We bring a fold up gazebo with us on our trips to the beach so when we need to rest out of the sun its right there. It also makes a great marker for the pups playing on the sand to know right where their fresh drinking water is located.

Some tips for ocean safety:

Have your dog visit his vet to ensure overall health before heading out.

If your dog is not an experienced swimmer, the ocean is NOT the place to learn

Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.

Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.

Got a light coat?

Don't forget the sunscreen pups! Dogs with light colored coats and thin fur need suncreen. They can and will burn.

Just like fair-skinned people, animals with light or white extremities such as noses and ears are subject to solar dermatitis and skin cancer.

• If you do take your pet outdoors, apply a sunscreen (PABA); level 10-15 to the light or white areas
• Limit the pet's time outdoors to before 10 am or after 3 pm

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems. If in doubt if the brand you have can be used, a fast call to your trusted veterinarian will clear you! Be safe and have fun!!

Heat Stroke

We are taking into consideration how hot its going to be this weekend.... But do you know what to look for? Did you know that your dog can over heat, even while swimming? Even dogs that generally jog with you every day for the last 4 years, can suddenly over heat.

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, Boxers 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.

Things you can do for your dog include: Taking walks early in the morning before it heats up for the day. Wearing protective footwear so the hot pavement doesn't burn them if you must take them out in the evenings. Carry at least one bottle of water JUST FOR THE DOG, and a collapsible bowl if your dog wont drink from the bottle, and offer that water often. Always carry a cell phone with emergency numbers including your vets number and the local emergency vet. Allow your dog to cool his pads if he starts panting. Don't bring them to crowded events on a really warm day, as they wont be able to properly cool down. Try to plan any and ALL walks and trips to allow shade stops often.

Hot cars

OK dog lovers, here comes the heat again. Now I know you all adore your pups as much as I love mine.... And none of you would ever think of doing anything that could harm them... right? I knew it!

Well I have found a site to help you educate and promote some safety measures for pups. Mydogiscool.com has a treasure trove of information on hand that you can read and find out just how drastic the temp difference can be in a parked car, with windows rolled down..... even after just 5 minutes. We all know if you are reading this, you already know better yourself. But there are sadly many animals harmed every year when people DON'T know. So check it out, and let others know. They have pamphlets and signs that can be put up in stores (with their permission of course) to remind people

Arkansas mayor orders shelter dogs released into "the wild"

& some of these dogs were sick???
What will become of them?
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/news/?cid=72681
eta: Who is good at gathering up e-mail addys & phone numbers?...We need contact info. for the jerk, the shelter & any "powers that be" there.

If interested, we have several links to other bits of this story. I am told its even hit CNN!

Dog Fest ‘08

Saturday, September 20th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dog Fest ‘08 will be held at
Chemeketa Community College.
Dogs enter for $3
and receive a bandana entitling them to
participate in activities and contests.
Humans get in FREE!
The Annual Marion County Dog Fest
will be a day of fun, games,
prizes, demonstrations and treats!!


For everyone’s fun and safety,
your dog must be:
• On leash
• Current on all vaccinations
• Sociable with other dogs and
children
• Comfortable in a loud and festive
environment
• At least 4 months old (puppies have
weak or no immune systems)
And your dog must not be overly
aggressive about food, toys or owner
Avoid bringing elderly, obese, or
oxygen-challenged dogs (pug-nosed breeds)
if the temperatures are in the 90s


Directions:
Take the Cooley Drive exit and
park in the main parking lot on
the southwest side of the campus.
Phone: 503-566-6966
Fax: 503-566-6914
E-mail: dog@co.marion.or.us
Website: www.mcdogs.net
For more information, contact
Marion County Dog Shelter at
503-566-6966.
Marion County Dog Control
3550 Aumsville Hwy. SE Salem OR 97317

wish list

Animal Wish List for the Willamette Humane Society

If your thinking of bringing in a gift for the animals, here's a list of their most asked for items. Thank you in advance for your generosity

(items vary WIDELY in price, some you might have at home, and others you might purchase on a upcoming shopping trip)

Medical/Exam Supplies:
Digital pediatric scale
Digital thermometers
Disposable surgery smocks
Elizabethan collars
Flea treatments (Frontline, Advantage, Revolution)

Feeding Supplies:
HOT DOGS
Peanutbutter, squeeze cheese in a can
UnOpened cat or dog food (AniMeals on Wheels Program)
Wet cat and dog food for young and /or sick animals

Cleaning Supplies:
Bath mats with non-skid backs (new or gently used)
Blankets & Towels (gently used ok)
Cat disposable litter pans (cardboard)
Cat Trees
Clay litter
Dog and Cat Kongs
Dog Houses (for large breed dogs)
DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) collars
Easy Walk front clip harness (for the volunteers out walking shelter dogs every day)
Extra-large crates
Feliway
KMR
Kuranda beds (WWW.kuanda.com/shop/donate.asp)
Small covered litter boxes
TOYS (chew toys, rope toys, food puzzles)
Treats (small for training)
Treat bags
Washable cat toys
Stop watches (easy to operate for Canine Program)

Small Animal Supplies:
Aspen shavings (no cedar or pine)
CareFresh (small animal bedding)
Ceramic food dishes
Fruits & vegetables (carrots, kale, lettuce, cilantro)
Medium sized litter pans (plastic)
Rabbit, Guinea, Hamster, Mouse, Rat & Gerbil food
Rabbit toys
Timothy hay & pellets
Bales of hay

Grooming Supplies:
Blowdryers
Brushes & dematting combs
dog clippers (high quality for shaving)
Flea Combs
Gift Certificate for an outdoor horse blanket
nail clippers
hair/coat clippers

Office Supplies:
Computer: Dell Dimension 3000 series, 512 MB RAM, network ready (new or gently used)
Copy paper (white & COLORS)
laptop computer (new or gently used)
Spiral binding machine
scrapbooking materials

Miscellaneous Needs:
1/2 to 3/4 inch plywood sheets (slightly imperfect ok)
Clothes dryer (commercial quality)
Digital camcorder
digital camera
Electric chop table saw
forklift
pressure washer
Solatube (R) lighting for shelter facility.
Cloth scraps to make toys for the animals