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The hot summer months are here, meaning a higher chance your pup will get more time outside. As the weather gets warmer we want our dogs to experience the joys of nature just like we do. However, the warm weather also brings a huge threat to your pet, Heat Exhaustion. Heat exhaustion occurs when a dog is unable to regulate their body temperature through panting. The open-mouthed breathing, called panting, is the main way dogs decrease their body temperature. When a dog’s temperature reaches above 103 heat exhaustion can occur and if it becomes even higher they are at a risk for heat stroke or death. 
If your pup does start to show signs of overheating take action immediately to cool them down. One strategy is to move your pet to a cool area, such as an air conditioned room or in the shade. Another is to get them wet. If you are near a pool or lake, have them jump in. If not, use some wet cloths on their body, such as on their neck, armpits, hind legs, ears, and paw pads. Try to give your dog water, but do not force them to drink. Instead wet their tongue with water (not ice cubes because it could drop their temperature too fast). If the heat exhaustion is very severe, take your dog to the vet. If possible call ahead of time so the vet can be ready as soon as you arrive.
While knowing what to do when heat exhaustion occurs is helpful, knowing how to prevent it is even better. Here are a list of practices to do during those hot times of the year.
Summer time is the perfect time to connect with your dog both in nature and indoors. Just remember to keep your fur baby as hydrated and cool as you want to be!
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On June 2nd at 5AM, our tiny survivor Bella finally stopped fighting & crossed the rainbow bridge. She touched so many hearts in her short time here on earth and we will never forget her. This month we honor the life of Bella, a strong fighter whose life was cut short. Bella was one of the 4 siblings to be rescued by Lucy during her trip to Cartagena at beginning of 2018. While on her vacation, Lucy went above and beyond to spay and neuter twelve dogs on Playa Blanca. Two of Bella’s siblings (Harper and Charlotte) and their mother were spayed during that trip. However, Lucy wanted to do more after seeing the struggling conditions of Bella and her siblings (Harper, Charlotte, Eloise and their brother). She took even more initiative to call Cartagena Paws to ask for help rescuing and fostering them. Maureen went to the pups and took the two weakest to the vet, Bella and her brother. On the way to the vet, Bella’s brother died. Bella, being the other weakest, had many close calls during the beginning of her rescue, but she fought hard to make it through. Lucy fell in love with this determined little girl with the adorable under bite and decided to adopt her. Lucy then took it upon herself to sponsor treatment for Bella and all of her siblings by having them spayed and provided for in foster at the veterinarian. While at the vet for four months, it was discovered that Bella had a kidney disease and would go into kidney failure in the near future. Even knowing this, Lucy funded treatments for Bella to have a longer life and continue with the adoption. She knew Bella wouldn’t have long, but she wanted the life she did have to be the best possible. When Bella was finally healthy enough at the beginning of April 2018, she went to live with Cartagena Paws Creative Director, Stephanie Brown, and her dog, Reesie. There Bella began to grow stronger and found a perfect puppy playmate in her foster sister. On May 11, Bella was finally able to fly to the United States and be with her savior, Lucy, in Washington D.C. Shortly after she arrived though, what was feared most occurred, Bella’s kidneys started to fail. Lucy provided her with the best care possible with the assistance of her veterinarian in the States, but the inevitable had come. Bella was in full kidney failure. Lucy made sure that Bella’s last remaining days were as happy and comfortable as possible and on June 2 she was taken to heaven. While her life of earth was small, Bella made a strong impact on several lives and will remain in the hearts of many. Cartagena Paws wants to thank Lucy for all of her unwavering efforts with Bella and her siblings and offer our deepest condolences for your loss. Meet Rose, Rex, and RyuThis month adoption spotlight highlights a determined Mom and her new babies. Rose was found near a shopping center by a Cartagena Paws volunteer. She was begging for food and had noticeably given birth recently. After giving her something to eat, the volunteer followed her back to her pups and rescued all three. Cartagena Paws worked with the volunteer to get Rose and her babies, Rex and Ryu, in to vet care, where they have been ever since. Rose is about 3 years old and true lover. She is always flipping over to receive belly rubs and dotes over her babies, making sure they are okay and well fed. One thing she does not like, though, are cats and would not be good for a home that has cats. Rex and Ryu are about 6 weeks old and just utterly adorable puppies. They love to be around each other and either pounce or snuggle with one another. At this time, Rose is ready to be adopted into her forever home! Rex and Ryu will be ready for adoption around mid-July. At the end of April, our amazing friend Jaz rescued a mama cat about to give birth. As the story of the good Samaritan goes those that are able take in those that are in need. One of the Cartagena Paws volunteer must have taken that story to heart when she opened her home to a pregnant cat. Jaz was going about her daily business when a she saw a young cat struggling to find a place to give birth. She brought the mire kitten herself into her home, in a true showing of compassion, and created a space for the birth of Pilar’s three kittens. Now 6 weeks old, Paco, Rambo, Gracie, and Momma, Pilar, are doing well under the care of Jaz. Pilar is an absolute sweetheart and shows complete appreciation for the woman who brought her in. Paco, Rambo, and Gracie are starting to grow into their personalities, but seem to follow suit with their mother. All 4 kitties are looking for homes in the near future! |
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