July 2022 Newsletter

National Pet Fire Safety Day – 
July 15, 2022

National Pet Fire Safety Day takes place every year on July 15, and it’s a day to learn how to keep your pet safe in a fire. For many of us, pets are our most precious asset so it makes sense that we would dedicate a day to keeping them safe during one of the scariest things we can imagine. It was started by the Kennel Club and ADT Security in 2009 to help pet owners learn safety measures to protect their beloved pets and homes from fire, and it’s a great opportunity to learn how to keep your fur baby safe.

While our animals are oftentimes the culprit behind devastating fires, it’s a little ironic that dogs (specifically dalmations) have become an American icon associated with firefighters today. Let’s briefly explore how that came to be. A few hundred years ago, dogs were trained to trot alongside horse-drawn wagons and protect their occupants (and horses) from harm. Dalmations quickly became the ideal carriage dog for their strength, vitality, fortitude, and size. They also had a reputation for getting along well with horses and were known to have a calming effect while firefighters were battling a blaze. Overtime as motorized fire trucks replaced carriages, Dalmatians and other fire pups were seen less aboard fire trucks and more as on-site firehouse residents and mascots.

Today, many firefighters have pet Dalmatians, and firehouses around the country still have Dalmatians as station dogs. However, Dalmatians aren’t the only dog in the firehouse. It’s become common for firefighters (and sometimes entire fire teams) to adopt dogs rescued from fires. These lucky pups, whatever their breed, become symbols of the resiliency, bravery, and fortitude of firefighters and the individuals they help. They also take important steps into education and helping firefighters demonstrate fire safety and emergency preparedness for schools and community groups across the country. Teaching that pets cause over 1,000 house fires each year in the United States and the preventive measures we can take to protect our beloved companions.

 BE AN SHELTER ANIMAL HERO THIS JULY 4TH SEASON 

 Help Keep Your Pets Safe this Fourth of July

Remember that fireworks sound even louder to your pets as they have more acute hearing than people. Also, pets don’t understand why these unpredictable sounds and lights are happening and, because of this, they regard them as threatening. With the hustle and bustle of guests going in and out of the house, pets can dart out the front or side door, especially when fearful of the sounds—even if you thought you put them safely away in another room.

Make sure your pet is microchipped AND has a collar with an ID Tag with your contact information. The collar should be secure so your pet can’t squeeze out of it. You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the collar so it’s not too tight, but not so loose that comes off over the head.
 

Create a safe space for your pet. Find a small room in your house where you can makes sure windows are closed, block out the lights from outside with shades or curtains, and place favorite items inside such as beds and favorite toys. You could include puzzle games or toys for your pet that dispense food rewards. If a dog is crate trained and regards that as his/her safe place, put him in the crate. You might consider also covering the crate with a heavy sheet or light blanket. Play soothing music or white noise to block out the loud fireworks.

Help your pet stay calm. There are many ways to naturally try to soothe your dog or cat. For both, there are calming sprays, diffusers, edible chews, and even calming wraps that work by applying gentle pressure on the body. This pressure produces pheromones or other hormones that have a calming effect.

Dogs, considering the fact that they may be indoors and outdoors, should be kept on a leash during celebrations with fireworks. They should never be taken to a fireworks display. Don’t set off fireworks near them because an accident can result in burns and/or trauma to the face and paws. It’s a good idea to take your dog on a long walk so he/she can go to the bathroom and then have an extra vigorous play session just before fireworks are to begin. Then the dog may settle down more easily in the safe space.

Remember, the next day when you go to take your dog outside, that there may be leftover items from the fireworks or just from your barbecue that can be very harmful. Lighter fluids, citronella candles, and insect repellants can irritate a pet’s skin and, if swallowed, cause gastrointestinal distress and central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the lighter fluid can cause aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems.

If you notice that your pet stays upset for days afterwards and the noise phobic behaviors seem severe, consult your veterinarian. The doctor may recommend medication for your pet as a last resort.

Make sure to keep a close eye on your feline friends, particularly males, to see if they are going to the bathroom outside of the litterbox, if there is blood in their urine, or if they are straining or not urinating at all (this is potentially deadly). Urinary tract disorders in cats are often stress induced according to the College of Veterinary Medicine of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. So these disorders can be triggered by fear of loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms.

The bladder of a cat can become inflamed in response to stress so that crystals form and the narrow urethra, particularly in males, can become blocked. If your cat stops eating, throws up and you know he or she is not urinating at all, it is an emergency and your cat must be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

If you’re hitting the road with your pets this summer, stay vigilant during family vacations too—fireworks displays are common and the chance of thunderstorms increases as well. The number of lost pets rises greatly during vacations. You can bring along some of the items mentioned and create a calm and secure space on the road for each of your pets. Have a fun and safe summer!

Article from https://www.animalleague.org/blog/tips/pets-and-firework-safety/

 National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
July 2022

National Pet Hydration Awareness Month is observed in July to help raise awareness about the importance of pet hydration. While humans have resorted to hourly reminders to keep up with their hydration needs throughout the day, our pets rely on us to keep a full bowl and a hydrated body. The blazing sun of July requires us to amp up the hydration of ourselves, and our pets. Pet dehydration can quickly take a turn for the worse. Yet, there aren’t a lot of commercials, wellness gurus, or social media stars reminding us about this.
 
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PET HYDRATION AWARENESS MONTH
There’s no better way to fight back the blazing hot sun of July than by keeping your pets hydrated. Pet dehydration is a highly overlooked yet critical area that concerns your pet’s general health and well-being. Just as human bodies are 60% water, pets’ bodies are 80% water, and abruption in consistent replenishment can seriously limit their mobility and strength. A severe case of chronic dehydration can turn fatal as well.
National Pet Hydration Awareness Month propagates the importance of hydration and lets pet parents know about the early warning signs of dehydration, which include loss of appetite, lethargy, loss of skin elasticity, etc. The month also raises critical awareness about the dangers of water intoxication, which occurs due to constant exposure to water bodies such as pools or garden hoses. Excessive salivation, seizures, vomiting, and bloating are some of the early signs of water intoxication.
The month was introduced by PetSafe to raise awareness about the water intake of domesticated animals, as they brave the hottest month across the U.S. Each time you reach for a glass, think of your pets. The annual observation also asks us to limit their exposure to extreme temperatures. It is important to keep freshly-filtered water in the vicinity of your pets at all times. Since we are responsible for the hydration of our four-legged friends, it is recommended to set daily alarms, check up on the bowls, and keep in mind the symptoms of dehydration.

NATIONAL PET HYDRATION AWARENESS MONTH FAQS
How much water should a dog drink in a day?
Ideally, a dog needs an ounce of water for every pound it weighs. For example, a 16-pound dog would require 16 ounces of water a day.
What are the signs of dehydration in a cat?
Dry and tacky gums are the foremost sign of dehydration in a cat.
Is cold water bad for dogs?
Drinking icy cold water every once in a while is considered to be okay, but consistent servings are bad for dogs, as it can lead to a hypothermic shock.
 
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PET HYDRATION AWARENESS MONTH

Fill the bowl everyday
We understand that being a pet parent can be a ton of responsibility. And with the everyday juggle, essential things such as pet hydration are bound to slip out of your list of priorities. This July, make it a habit to refill your dog’s water bowl every day, regardless of the residue. Additionally, schedule regular cleaning and maintenance of the dish so that it’s hygienic and safe.
Set an alarm
If consistent alarms have helped you in being consistent with daily water intake in the last couple of months, we'd suggest you try the same with your furry friends. Keep daily tabs on your pet's water intake and set reminders to replenish their supply at regular intervals of the day.
Check the gums
There are a lot of symptoms of dehydration, but the most apparent one manifests in the mouth. Dry and sticky gums are the most noticeable symptoms of dehydration. Canines, felines, and almost all other pets are constantly salivating, and only stop when they physically can’t. Dry and unpaired gummies are a sign of dehydration.

5 SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION IN PETS
Appetite loss
Dehydration dulls the digestive system, resulting in loss of appetite.
Panting
A lack of water in the system drains the energy and results in vicarious panting, even after limited activity.
Loss of skin elasticity
The skin and fur lose their shine and elasticity due to a lack of hydration.
Dry nose and gums
Dehydration deprives the pets of their habit of consistent salivation.
Lethargy
Dehydration leads to a pathological state of unresponsiveness and sleepiness.
 
WHY NATIONAL PET HYDRATION AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT
Summer is here
July is chosen as National Pet Hydration Awareness Month so that we can be extra cautious of the blazing temperatures and plan our schedules accordingly. The month educates all pet parents about the early symptoms and severe consequences of dehydration and overhydration.
The symptoms aren’t always apparent
Sometimes it’s hard to detect conclusive symptoms of dehydration, as they align with that of many other summer diseases. Hence, the best option for all guardians is to stay updated with their pet’s water intake. National Pet Hydration Awareness Month also educates us about how we can encourage the water intake of our pets.
It creates awareness
A sudden change in drinking habits can indicate other changes in an animal’s body. For example, dogs with leptospirosis, pancreatitis, and parvovirus tend to avoid water. Whereas bladder infections and diabetes can lead to uncontrollable thirst. Closely monitoring the water drinking patterns can keep their health in check.
 
 
Article from https://nationaltoday.com/national-pet-hydration-awareness-month

July 2022 Pet Holidays

July

Month-Long Observances

• National Lost Pet Prevention Month™. Learn how to keep your pets from becoming lost in this month-long observance launched by PetHub.
• National Pet Hydration Awareness Month.
• Dog House Repair Month.

Week-Long Holidays

• 3rd Week in July: National Feed a Rescue Pet Week: Launched in 2017, this holiday by GreaterGood.org and The Animal Rescue Site aims to feed shelter pets.

One-Day Events

• July 1: ID Your Pet Day.
• July 4: International Whippet Day.
• July 4: Independence Day. This US holiday is no holiday for dogs; the sounds of fireworks causes many dogs to panic and run, resulting in many lost dogs every year.
• July 9: Coon Dog Day. This Saluda, North Carolina festival is the perfect excuse to celebrate coonhounds everywhere. This is always held on the Saturday following July 4th.
• July 10: National Kitten Day. Always held on July 10, this day celebrates the joy of kittens.
• July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day.
• July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day. Sponsored by the The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), ADT Security Services and the American Kennel Club® (AKC).
• July 16: Feline Leukemia Day. Community Cats Podcast and Feline Leukemia advocacy supporter Margaret Tompkins hosts this annual online event with important expert information on this disease, ways to manage it and adoption of FeLV+ cats.
• July 21: World Collie Day.
• July 21: National Craft for your Local Shelters Day. Regardless of your crafting skills, you can create items that will be joy and comfort to pets waiting for their forever homes in animal shelters.
• July 21: No Pet Store Puppies Day. As part of the ongoing effort to end the suffering inflicted upon dogs through the puppy mill pipeline, the ASPCA declared July 21 No Pet Store Puppies Day. 
• July 22: AAHA-Accredited Hospital Day or AAHA Day. A day that celebrates facilities accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
• July 26: National Dog Photography Day. UK holiday.
• July 31: National Mutt Day. Also see Dec. 2.

• Calendar from https://www.dogtipper.com/fun/pet-holidays