Our Furry Friends

Dust Off Your Saddle Shoes for the PAWS fund!

2012-01-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

2012 is kicking off with a great fundraiser, courtesy of our friends at The Asylum in Portland. We will be having a sock hop to benefit the PAWS fund. The PAWS Fund stands for "Pets Are Worth Saving" and was created as a last request of Wanda Donovan, one of our beloved volunteers and friends who passed away in March of 2006. The fund helps animals age 7 and older that arrive at the ARL with special medical needs. “Special needs” are medical expenses over and above the standard treatments that all animals receive during their ARL stay. Some examples are dental cleanings/extractions, surgery of various types, blood work or x-rays to determine the cause of an existing condition and subsequent treatment. This fund helps to provide the extra, and necessary care to help these animals and get them “adoption” ready. Like Wanda, we believe older animals make wonderful pets. For more information on the Asylum's Sock Hop visit our website at www.arlgp.org/events/

Special Precautions For Your Pet in Extreme Heat

2011-07-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

Temperatures are expected to approach 100 degrees for the rest of this week. As we experience these hot temperatures, please be aware of the effect it can have on your pet. Even normal activities can have deadly consequences if precautions aren't taken. For example, when taking your dog for a walk avoid parking lots or areas where there is asphalt. Dogs paws are very sensitive to high temperatures and their body can heat up quickly from standing on asphalt surfaces. Try to make dog walks shorter and be sure to have plenty of water available at all times. Signs of heat exhaustion in animals include;

body temperatures of 104-110F degrees

excessive panting

dark or bright red tongue and gums

sticky or dry tongue and gums

staggering

stupor

seizures

bloody diarrhea or vomiting

coma

NEVER leave an animal in the car, even if the windows are open. Temperatures in a car can become deadly in a short period of time. Parking in the shade offers little protection in this kind of heat.

Remember to be extra sensitive if you have old and overweight animals and those with heart or lung disease; they are particularly susceptible during hot weather. Plenty of water with ice cubes added can help as well. Another idea is to use Bach's Rescue Remedy which are flower essences that help to reduce stress.

Be sure to have your vet or emergency animal hospital information available should an emergency arise. Taking just a few precautions can go a long way to insure the safety of your treasured pet.

Caring for your pets during the holiday

2011-07-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

Remember that while we're having fun with cookouts, picnics and fireworks, our furry friends need plenty of attention too! Hot humid conditions require shady, grassy areas and plenty of water for your pet. Loud noises (such as fireworks), crowds of people and other dogs can create a stressful situation for your pet. Try to take into consideration the temperament of your pet, how well it has been socialized and how long you will have him away from home before you make your plans!

As always, never leave a pet in a car! Even if the windows are rolled down and even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven - temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes. Also, certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat - especially obese dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, like pugs and bulldogs. Use extreme caution when these dogs are exposed to heat.
Having time off and enjoying fun with your pets is always great, but remember a pets needs are much different from ours. With that in mind, have a safe and memorable 4th of July!