Helping you provide the best care for your pets and animals
Current News: Cat in Texas weighing 26 pounds is placed on diet after animal rescuers step in Fox News
Update: We’ve completed the new look, for all the details check out our about us page here. There is still a lot of work to be done, there are still major sections that need to be fleshed out, and I am in serious need of finding images so people can see what these beautiful animals look like, but we’re getting there. Thanks for your support as always, you guys are great!
Hey there pet lovers! If you have any particular pet or animal related topics you’d like us to cover on the website, please let us know. I’ll be trying to provide more information on the different ways to help your animals and pets, and if there is a particular topic you’d like to have covered, we’re here to help.
Featured Article: High Temperatures and Your Dogs: Protecting Your Pets from the Summer Heat. As the summer months approach, it's important to consider how to protect our beloved pets from the soaring temperatures. Dogs, much like humans, are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and it's our responsibility to ensure they stay cool and safe. Here are some tips and advice to help you care for your dog during the hot summer days.
Safe Walking Practices
When to Schedule Walks
Walking your dog is a daily routine, but during summer, it's crucial to adjust the timing to avoid the peak heat. The best times for walks are early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid walking your dog between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as this is typically the hottest part of the day.Walking on Pavement
Pavement can become extremely hot under the sun, potentially burning your dog's paws. A simple test is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog. Consider walking your dog on grass or shaded paths instead.Going to the Beach
A day at the beach can be fun for both you and your dog, but there are precautions to take. Ensure there is plenty of fresh water and shade available. Rinse off salt water from your dog's coat to prevent skin irritation. Be mindful of the hot sand, as it can burn your dog's paws just like hot pavement.Access to Water
Hydration is key during hot weather. Always have fresh, cool water available for your dog. When outside, bring a portable water dish and offer water frequently. Ice cubes can also be a refreshing treat, but ensure they are given safely to prevent choking.Providing Shade
Shade is essential for preventing heatstroke. Ensure your dog has access to shaded areas whether you're at home or out and about. A patio umbrella, tree, or even a dog-friendly sunshade can provide a cool retreat for your pet.Never Leave Your Dog in a Vehicle
Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can quickly become life-threatening. On a 75-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 100 degrees in just 10 minutes. Always take your dog with you or leave them at home where it’s safe.Recognizing Unsafe Temperatures
Understanding when it becomes unsafe for your pet is crucial. Generally, when the outside temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it can become hazardous, especially if your dog is very young, old, or has health issues.Identifying Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion in dogs can escalate to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Signs of heat exhaustion include:- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Rapid heart rate
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion or dizziness
Responding to Heat Exhaustion
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, take immediate action:- Move your dog to a cooler area, preferably indoors with air conditioning.
- Offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water.
- Wet your dog with cool water, focusing on the head, neck, and chest.
- Use fans to help cool your dog.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately.
High Temperatures and Your Dogs what you need to know
Summer can be a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog, but it requires careful planning and awareness of the dangers posed by high temperatures. By adjusting your routines, providing plenty of water and shade, and being vigilant about the signs of heat exhaustion, you can ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy during the hottest months of the year.Questions for Our Readers
- How do you keep your pets cool during the summer?
- Have you ever had a scare with your pet and the heat? How did you handle it?
- What tips would you add for fellow pet owners?
A little background about how and why we love helping animals
For several years now, my family has made regular contributions to the SPCA. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is dedicated to helping animals in need, whether they need food and shelter, or medical care and treatment. In either case, their attention and assistance helps prevent animals from suffering.
My youngest daughter Carleigh and her mother have been the motivating force behind our family’s efforts since it was first decided to lend a hand. They have canvassed for funds, sold pet calendars provided by the SPCA and in the last 2 years have begun a new project – the creation and sale of holiday gifts. They spend the entire year creating ornaments and related goodies, which they sell at craft fairs during the holiday season. (let me tell you, our home becomes quite the construction site!) They have been doing this for a few years now, and are still going strong. Needless to say, I am very proud of them.
BJ was suffering from a nasty illness called glaucoma, which caused him to have a massive infection in his eyes. When we saw him waiting for treatment at the SPCA our hearts went out to him and the girls decided to work extra hard raising funds to help him get his surgery done. Thanks to the generous support from Little Paws and Carleigh, BJ was spared after having surgury and regained his healthy and loving nature.
We often receive email from pet owners about difficult situations they are in, or from shelters in need of funding assistance for the animals they care for. Often there are medical expenses involved that are unexpected and need outside help. This is an example of the emails we receive:
“I found your website trying to look for assistance in helping me pay for
my cats surgery. I rescued my cat about a year ago, when I took her to the
vet she had an open wound in her armpit, which was stitched up three
seperate times. I was later told that I had to take her to a specialist.
The surgery will cost about $3000. I am a single mom of a young child and
in a very hard financial position that I am slowly getting out of. My cat
is very loveable and dear to my daughter and myself, which is why I do not
want to give her up. She is in pain and I am tired of watching her limp
around on three legs. I am contacting you because your work is great. I
wanted to know if you have any suggestions in helping me find donations
for this surgery.”
We receive email like this from people needing help for the animals every week. The amount we can help just doesn’t match up to the amount of help that is needed, which is why we rely on the generous support from people like you.
Meet Kailey – The most recent recipient of help from the family, Carlena, and Bruning.com 🙂
Kailey also had eye problems, as you can see in the close up images, her right eye had been severely traumatized. You’ll also notice in the 2nd picture how much she appreciated the help she received! Thanks to you we’re able to offer advise and care for the animals we have been able to help over the years, and we’re grateful for the opportunity.
While I support their efforts to help animals and occasionally help out, the vast majority of the assistance we have provided (raising funds, donation gathering, feeding and caring for the animals) has been done by Carleigh and Ann-Margaret (her mom).
Despite busy lives which distract them from their goals of helping pets in need, they do an excellent job of staying focused on helping the animals. Pets have always been a big part of our lives, from cats to gerbils, to hamsters (you should have seen the hamster cage we built with custom runs going EVERYWHERE), our family loves animals and if a firm hand wasn’t kept, our home would be overflowing with pets that needed our help.
Which brings us to this site. Instead of getting in the way of their craft production I am building this site to help them and the animals we love so much. Continuing on the path they have begun, you will find a wide assortment of pet related material on this site.
Pet care articles, stories, Cat and Dog Humor, related online resources, favorite pictures, etc are all available for your enjoyment. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!