Pets Abandoned and Trapped in Middle East War Zone

They were having a perfectly good summer until the missiles came. And now it is the relentless Mediterranean sun, not bombs, that is likely to kill them. But with so many two-legged refugees of the human variety at risk in Lebanon it may come as no surprise that almost nobody is thinking of the four-legged ones.

Isreali dog health preparation with gas mask.

Nobody, that is, except the Ahava Project, a group of animal-friendly volunteers now scrambling to save the dogs of war on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border.After 10 days of dodging Hezbollah rockets in northern Israel, the Israel-based Ahava Project has rescued and given shelter to 170 freaked-out dogs and cats that either ran away or were abandoned by their Israeli families in the haste to flee danger.

For domesticated pets too frightened to be coaxed out of hiding, the group has spread an additional 2 tonnes of dry kibble and 4,000 litres of water throughout the stricken Western Galilee.Now, if Ahava has its way, the next stop is southern Lebanon, where hundreds more animals are believed to be lost in search of water and refuge.   

A non-profit group comprised of some 50 volunteers, Jews and Arabs alike, Ahava has secured a ship in the hope of sailing Lebanese strays to safety. "We have the boat, we have permission from the Israeli navy to do this, we have the contacts with animal lovers in Lebanon," said Ahava spokesman Tamara More. "What we don't have yet is co-operation from foreign embassies and aid groups to let people know we are ready to help. And we need it quickly, because the sun alone is going to kill 30 dogs and cats left behind in a matter of days.

"Ahava volunteers were in contact with their Lebanese counterparts about the latter-day Noah's Ark mission until Friday when all direct phone links between Israel and Lebanon ceased. Several kennel operators in southern Lebanon were in need of help as they prepared to run, More told the Star." We know one Lebanese man with 10 purebred German Shepherds and no idea what to do.

Of course we are not asking that resources be diverted away from human needs. "But let's get the word out to the Lebanese people that we have a solution." An added urgency, said More, is that family pets have been excluded across-the-board from the mass evacuations of foreign nationals fleeing Beirut.

"Embassies are telling people, `No animals.' But they're not bothering to tell people we are ready to help. We are ready to take anyone's cat or dog, care for them and return them when this mess is over," said More. "Even if you don't care for the animals, it should happen for the souls of the people. It is bad enough that people must flee their home, but imagine having to leave behind a dog that you love, knowing he will probably die.

"For the 170 cats and dogs in Ahava's care, many will need a new home. Like the 250 family pets Ahava rescued last summer during the flight of Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip, many of the abandoned will never be reclaimed.

Some of last summer's animals ended up with adoptive families overseas, including Holland and the United States, with Ahava handling the complicated paperwork. More said Ahava would happily arrange the same for any Canadians willing to take in the displaced pets of this latest conflict. "We like to think we live in a modern democracy here, but the attitude toward dogs and cats is still very third world," said More.

"Some of our volunteers have witnessed dogs being tossed out of cars stopped at major intersections as people rush south to stay with friends and family in southern Israel. "They are just dumped on the side of the road," More said. "So we're looking for families everywhere, including Canada. Email animalsavers@gmail.com and we can send you pictures."

technorati tags:dog+health, dog, pets, lebanon, israel, war

Dog Health Tales Busted

You've heard of "old wive's tales', when it comes to our pets there are also "old dog health tales" too, as reported by InsideBayArea.com.

One tale centers around neutering male dogs and cats. With dogs, one of the mostcommon reasons given is "if I neuter him, he won't be tough or make a good guard dog."

I'm not exactly sure what people mean when they make this statement. Dogs are territorial by nature, and guarding is a natural instinct for them. Dogs will naturally guard their homes, yards, andhumans. Now the extent that they will guard can depend on a number offactors, such as breed characteristics, and training, but it doesn't depend on their testicles.

Neutering a male dog or cat can make life with one so much nicer. They aren't as apt to mark their territory, they don't tend to roam as much and it helps decrease their risk of developing prostatic disease and testicular cancer.

If you've heard the one about how "a cold, wet nose means a healthy dog," remember that the nose should not be used as a barometer of a dog's health. The same is true about the "warm ears mean a fever"myth. Warms ears are almost always a result of the pet's environment and are not indicative of health status. If you have noticed changes in your pet's behavior or appearance, you really should make an appointment to have it evaluated.

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Heat Stroke Can Get Dogs Very Quickly And Quietly

When temperatures this summer hit the century or above, it is important to remember this heat can affect dog health, as reported by Jon Dunkerley from Dogflu.ca.

Along with summer, comes blistering heat that can compromise dog health considerably if steps are not taken by dog owners to insure that their dogs are properly looked after. Dog healthis not something that dogs can knowingly look after themselves, thus itis dog owners like you and I that must do this vital service for our4-legged friends.

Taking care of ourselves during hot weather is not always on the topof our own priority list, however our dogs need our attention duringthese times due to the fact that they can go down hill quite quickly ifthe atmosphere is right and their basic needs are not met.

Dogs can succumb to heat stroke at temps equal or over 110 degrees.Most areas do not get this hot usually, but prolonged exposure to hotweather can have the same effect as a shorter exposure to an unbearableheat over the 110 degree mark.

For a dog owner that is unfamiliar with signs and symptims of heatstroke, they may not even realize that their dog is exhibiting theprime symptims. The symptims commonly associated with heat strokeinclude; restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lackof appetite, a dark tongue, vomiting and a lack of coordination.

Steps to take to insure that your dog does not become sick due toheat exposure include; keeping your dog inside during hot days,limiting dog walks to dawn or dusk, always make sure your dog hasaccess to cold water, if your dog is outside during the day make surethey have shade (put them in the shade as some dogs may not evenrealize that the shade is available for them.)

technorati tags:dog, health, heat, stroke

Cool Vest for Pets Introduced Just in Time for Dog Days of Summer!

NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- July 18, 2006 -- One of the hottest pet items in Japan has just arrived to keep dogs here in the U.S. cool during the dog days of summer. The Cool Vest™ is made with a special fabric that absorbs and retains water well. It contains no chemical gels. By simply soaking the adjustable, easy to wear, vest in water, it provides a protective layer from direct and indirect sunlight and heat. Its laminated lining keeps dogs dry.

(Click here for details)
Cool Vest(TM) for pets, in five sizes and
two colors, orange or blue, covers vital
organs, providing cooling effects.

The sporty vest, in five sizes and two colors, orange or blue, is good for all kinds of dogs, from puppies to seniors. It covers vital organs, providing optimum cooling effects without the excessive coldness that would be harmful to a dog's health.

The vest requires no refrigeration. It utilizes a simple scientific principle -- cooling through evaporation. As water, soaked in the vest's special fabric, gradually transforms from a liquid state into vapor, it takes the heat away. It's just like wearing a wet T-shirt to the beach! It takes less than a few minutes to prepare and on average Cool Vest™ remains effective from 45 minutes to 2 hrs depending on air temperature and humidity levels. To refresh the effect, only thing you need to do is to wet it again with a bottle of water.

Cool Vest™ is truly beneficial for dogs as heat is one of the worst health hazards for dogs. As it is very thin and light in weight even when it's soaked, it is suitable and convenient for many occasions from routine walks around the corner to long-hour outings in the mountainside.

It's easy to care for, too. Simply hand wash in warm water with mild soap and hang dry. Cool Vest™ was one of the best selling new pet products in Japan last year.

This vest helps reducing heat fatigue but is not intended to prevent heatstroke by itself. Always provide drinking water to your dog and choose a shady area for pets even when the product is worn. This is for pet external use only. This vest is not a life vest or harness and does not float in water.

Cool Vest is manufactured by Radic, Inc. in Japan, and is distributed by Gramercy Distribution, Inc. in North America.

(Click here for details) A senior dog enjoys summer walks in Cool Vest(TM)

technorati tags:dog, cool, vests

How To Give Your Dog A Pill

Here's a very handy video if you want to know how to give a dog a pill. Hope it helps.

Lift your dogs head by reaching your hand over the top of his face, inserting you thumb and first finger gently into the side of his mouth and lift hi jaw upward.With you other hand make sure his mouth is open by gently pulling down on his lower jaw.Place pill in the dogs mouth and push it down his throat with your finger.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

technorati tags:dog, health, pill

Great Dog Health Tips

Just came across these very useful dog health tips ...some of which I wasn't even aware of (and I've been a dog owner for many, many years).

• Chew toys should be digestible or organic to avoid intestinal tract problems.
• Rock chewing, wood chewing, plant and dirt eating is usually a sign of a lack of trace minerals in the dog's diet.
• Dog bones such as "Milk Bones" help prevent tartar on your dog's teeth.
• Lactating dogs should be fed three times a day and be given a variety of supplements.
• Do not give your dog any medications without first consulting your veterinarian. Acetaminophen is poisonous to animals.
• Be cautious of flea products. Be sure to discuss them with your veterinarian and read all information before using it on your cat.

More Dog Health Tips Here

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Dog Health: Signs Of Emergency Problems

Our dog’s health is important to us. When we suspect our dog is ill, we want to do the right thing. Unfortunately, distinguishing between a minor illness and health problems that need emergency attention is not always easy. It’s important to be prepared for and know how to identify serious dog health problems.

Know where to take your dog in an emergency

If your dog falls seriously ill, time wasted locating emergency services can be fatal. Know in advance where to go. Many veterinarians offer 24 hour emergency services. Find out if this includes your vet. If not, find out where the nearest veterinary emergency hospital is located. Keep this information in a convenient place.

So how do you know if you are experiencing an emergency?

Most veterinarians will advise you to not to take a chance but call the nearest emergency veterinary service if you suspect that your dog’s health needs immediate attention. Staff will assess the situation and usually advise that you bring your dog in for an examination.

The following information will help you identify and respond appropriately to the most common dog health emergencies.

Severe stomach pain

Signs that your dog is experiencing abdominal pain include an abdomen that is tender to the touch, standing with their back arched, and refusing food. Take your dog to the nearest emergency veterinary service immediately. Abdominal pain can be (and often is) a sign of a serious health problem.

Other signs of abdominal distress include vomiting, whelping, shakiness and breathing difficulties. Your dog may be suffering from gastric torsion. Gastric torsion develops suddenly and rapidly and tends to affect large, heavily-chested dogs more than most. This condition needs immediate attention.

Abdominal distress may also be a sign of bloat, constipation, kidney or liver disease, urinary stones, poisoning, an intestinal obstruction or a simple tummy ache. Err on the side of caution. A visit to the emergency veterinarian is advised to safeguard your dog’s health and give you peace of mind.

Control heavy bleeding

A laceration that results in heavy bleeding must be dealt with immediately. Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean, dry bandage. Bleeding should stop within ten minutes.

With the bleeding controlled get your dog to the vet as quickly as possible. With dogs, there is only a small window of time for stitching a wound.

If the bleeding does has not stopped within twenty minutes, or if your dog is bleeding from the chest take your dog to the emergency clinic immediately.

Breaks and fractures

If your dog has had an accident and possibly broken bones, the first step is to call your regular vet. If they are unable to see your dog soon, take your dog to the emergency clinic. X-rays will determine whether or not your dog has broken bones.

Do not try to clean or straighten the wound. If you have a small dog, use pencils or pens as a splint. For larger dogs, use rolled magazines or newspapers. Place them on either side of the bone, then roll cloth or adhesive tape progressively up the splint material.

While traveling to the vet, touch your pooch’s toes every few minutes to be sure circulation is normal. If they get too cold, rewrap the splint material more loosely.

Difficulty with breathing

If your dog develops breathing difficulties, don’t hesitate. Take them to the closest emergency hospital immediately. Breathing problems are a sign of several health problems, many of them serious.

Vehicle accidents

When a dog is hit by a car, take him to the closest emergency clinic immediately even if he appears to have come to little harm. They may have suffered internal injuries that need to be identified and taken care of as quickly as possible. Shock can also pose a threat to your dog’s health. To prevent shock, wrap your dog in a blanket.

Keep away from your dog’s mouth. Dogs in pain may bite, even if they have never bitten you before.

Convulsions

Any degree of seizure is a problem. Call your veterinarian at once. If convulsions last for more than a few minutes, place a blanket over your dog, keep away from his mouth and take him to the nearest emergency service immediately.

Seizures are a sign of serious health problems including epilepsy, metabolic problems, brain tumors, and poisoning. Seizures themselves can be life threatening.

Whenever you are seriously concerned about your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to seek immediate veterinary advice. You know your dog well enough to know when something is seriously amiss. And you love your dog well enough not to take chances. Remember, veterinarians love animals too, and understand your concern.

Calling emergency services first will give clinic staff an opportunity to assess the situation and, if necessary, ensure that a medical team is prepared for your arrival. For further advice on emergency dog health problems, consult your veterinarian. A good veterinarian will be more than happy to help with any issue concerning your dog’s health.

Best Wishes, Colleen

Discover how you can reduce vet fees and keep your dog healthy and happy… http://dogandpuppyhealth.com/guide.

technorati tags:dog, health, emergency, fractures, pain, veterinarians, bleeding