Is 5 minutes of your time worth saving your pet's life? Learn these basics before you are in a panicky first aid situation.

What would you do if:

...your dog ate the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that was left out on the kitchen counter?

...your cat had a seizure right in front of you?

...your dog fell down the stairs and started limping?

...your cat was overheating on a hot summer day?

...your dog was choking on a chew toy or piece of food?

Preventable accidents are the leading cause of death among our pets, and according to the American Veterinary Association (AVMA), 9 out of 10 dogs and cats can expect to have an emergency during their lifetime. The good news is that 25% more animals can be saved if humans perform first aid BEFORE getting to their Vet (American Animal Hospital Association AAHA statistic).

Read this article on basic first aid procedures written by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Don't wait until you are in a panic. Only 5 minutes of your time right now could make the difference of life or death for your pet. There are simple techniques in this article for all of the following - bleeding (internal and external), choking, seizures, fractures, burns, heatstroke, not breathing, no heartbeat.

It is well worth the read BEFORE something happens so you are prepared if something does happen. You will learn quickly how to:

• Lower your pet’s body temperature if he suffers from heat stroke and prevent brain damage or death.

• Stop bleeding until you can get your dog to the vet.

• Prevent your pet from losing consciousness by alleviating choking.

• Expel poison from your pet’s system by properly inducing vomiting.

• Be the pump your pet’s heart can’t be until you can get him to professional medical help.

Here is a great check list for a Pet First Aid Kit. Have these items on hand before an emergency happens and know what each item is used for.

Or you can purchase full first aid kits online - check out Sunny Dog Ink. 

Finally - know how to take you dog's vitals. This is a great 5 minute video on taking your pet's vitals with Denise Fleck, an expert on Pet First Aid and CPR.

Pet First-Aid is by no means a replacement for veterinary care, but reacting at the moment injury occurs and then getting to professional medical help can make a big difference in your pet's surviving an accident.

So what would you do if your dog ate a bag of chocolate?

Fragrant Friday: Learn about the Benefits of Niaouli, Ravensare and Frankincense

Dogs encounter a wide variety of irritants as part of their daily lives. Exposure to lawn or pool chemicals, pollens, viruses and bacteria, long-term use of medications, and the cold dry air of winter or the hot humid weather of the summer can wreak havoc with your dog’s natural immunity, and cause them to suffer from itching, swelling, and other minor illnesses.

Fortunately, there are a number of essential oils that are safe for canine use, and can help bolster the immune system, and support the lungs, liver and skin. Three essential oils that strike a balance between powerful and gentle are niaouli, ravensare and frankincense.

Niaouli

Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) is an Australian tree related to the tea tree. It has a more pleasant scent, is gentler to the skin and mucous membranes than tea tree, and it has powerful anti-bacterial properties. Niaouli has been used in remedies for first aid, and to soothe skin disorders such as herpes, roundworm, sores and abscesses. It is helpful with viral, fungal and bacterial infections, including those that affect the ears and throat. Niaouli can help relieve allergic reactions, especially those affecting the skin and ears.

Ravensare

Ravensare (Ravensara aromatica) is a tree native to Madagascar that is related to the bay laurel. It is a gentle yet powerful antiviral, and has been used in remedies to relieve flu, sore throat, bronchitis, fibromyalgia, mononucleosis, chronic fatigue and shingles. Canine practitioners sometimes use ravensare to help dogs with compromised immune systems or until the vaccination schedule is complete.

Frankincense Tree

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) has been used in incense, perfumes and embalming agents, and more recently has been studied for its antitumoral activity. Frankincense is nontoxic and nonirritating to tissues, used in preparations for wounds, acne and boils, and to relieve dry, chapped or maturing skin. It can help support the lungs and immune system to relieve colds, flu, bronchitis and asthma. Frankincense has shown an ability to slow and deepen respiration, and so inhaling its scent can bring feelings of calmness, comfort and serenity during unsettling times.

Essential oils are the volatile oils produced within the seed, flower, leaf, bark, root or resin of aromatic plants. Scientific studies in Germany and France regarding the medical effects of essential oils on animals and humans were quite advanced by the mid-1800s. Due to positive clinical results, the practice of veterinary aromatherapy was not uncommon in these countries by the mid-1900s.

Clinical studies over many decades have shown essential oils to have a variety of medicinal properties including analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antispasmodic, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, detoxifying, expectorant, immunostimulant, regenerative, and sedative actions. When used correctly, remedies containing pure essential oils can be a safe and effective natural alternative to conventional remedies.

Because they are highly concentrated, it is advisable to dilute essential oils before use to avoid problems such as skin irritation or overwhelming the sense of smell. This is especially important with remedies for dogs, because they have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. As with any home remedy, it is important to know the use and safety guidelines, and to recognize when it is time for professional help from your veterinarian.

At 86 degrees outside temperature, asphalt is 135 degrees - hot enough to fry an egg and your pet's paws!

 

Outdoor Temperatures are No Indication of Surface Temperatures

Asphalt, concrete, wood decks and metal can easily burn your dog's paws at temperatures that seem totally fine outside. Don't be fooled!! An egg will fry at 131 degrees and severe skin damage happens at 140 degrees to vulnerable areas in only 5 seconds.

We all know what it's like to walk on hot sand in bare feet and how quickly we run to find a cool safe place for our scorching feet. A dog's paws are not any thicker than our feet so what's hot to us is hot to them, and for puppies with tender paws it's far more dangerous.  So imagine what it's like when you bringing your dog along to an outdoor event in the summer and he can't go running for the nearest cool spot at the end of his leash. Dogs who refuse to walk at an event are not necessarily being stubborn - scorching paws is more likely the culprit.

Summer Safety Tips - Use the 5 Second Rule:

• Place the back of your hand against the pavement and hold it there for 5-7 seconds. If it's uncomfortable to you then it's too hot for your dog to walk on.
• You really aren't doing your dog a favor taking him out in the middle of the day to events or for a long walk. Leave them at home in the air conditioning when you can.
• It takes hours for pavement to cool off after the temperature goes down. Asphalt soaks up heat all day long and only cools down at a certain rate after the sun retreats. The very best time to go out for a walk is in the morning. What's safe at 9 am is likely not safe at 2 pm or even 6 pm.
• The air temperature is not a reflection of the ground temperature at all! See the above information from the Journal of the American Medical Association.
• If you have to walk your dog or go to an event, find cool grass or walk along the water's edge or consider booties or paw pads.
• Most important check your dogs paws daily for any damage, soreness and cracking. 

Check out Sunny Dog's "Dog About Town" First Aid Kit. It has Musher's Secret Paw Protection, highly regarded for protecting and healing dog's paws.

It Only Takes Minutes For A Pet To Get Incapacitating Heatstroke

In just 15 Minutes, the Temperature Inside a Car Rises from 83 to 109 Degrees!

When the outside temperature is 83° F, even with the window rolled down 2 inches, the temperature inside the car can reach 109° F in only 15 minutes. “Within the first 10 minutes the temperature in an enclosed vehicle will rise an average of 19 degrees or 82 percent of its eventual one hour rise.”

It has been scientifically proven that cracking windows open does not decrease the rate of temperature rise in the vehicle!

Check out the data below in terms of how hot a car becomes in <30 minutes even on a relatively cool day.

Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University

 

Why do Hot Cars Affect Dogs so Quickly?

 

Dogs do not perspire the way humans do; the only sweat glands that they have are on the pads of their feet. Dogs pant to exchange cooler outside air with the warm humid air in their lungs.

If the outside air isn’t cooler than their body temperature, an animal can succumb to heatstroke which can cause brain damage, kidney failure, cardiac arrest and death.

Old and overweight pets as well as short-nosed breeds are at the greatest risk but any dog can succumb to heatstroke in less than 30 minutes.



According to PetMD here are symptoms of heatstroke:

• Increased heart rate
• Excessive panting
• Increased salivation
• Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Depression
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Diarrhea 

 

What Should I do if My Dog gets Heatstroke?

 

Remove your dog from the hot area immediately.

While transporting him immediately to your veterinarian, lower his temperature by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, under the forelimbs, and in the groin area.

If possible, increase air movement around him with a fan. Be careful, however, as using very cold water can actually be counterproductive. CAUTION: Cooling too quickly and especially allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions.

Mix a clean spray bottle with 50% water and 50% rubbing alcohol and spray on skin (pads of paws, inner flaps of ears -- but don't get inside ears, belly skin). Avoid eyes, nose and mouth. As alcohol evaporates, pet will cool.

The rectal temperature should be checked every 5 minutes. Once the body temperature is 103ºF, the cooling measures should be stopped and your dog should be dried thoroughly and covered so he does not continue to lose heat.

Allow free access to water if your dog can drink on his own. Do not try to force-feed cold water; as he may inhale it and could choke.

Even if your dog appears to be recovering, take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible, he should still be examined since he may be dehydrated or have other complications.

 

 photo credit: 0298 via photopin (license)

How can Heatstroke be Prevented?

• Make sure outside dogs have access to shade and provide access to water at all times.
• Do not leave your pet in a hot parked car even if you're in the shade or will only be gone a short time.
• On a hot day, restrict exercise and don't take your dog jogging with you. Too much exercise when the weather is very hot can be dangerous.
• Do not muzzle your dog. They must be able to pant.
• Avoid places like the beach and especially concrete or asphalt areas where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade. Asphalt and hot beach sand will burn their pads.
• Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain a normal body temperature.
• Move your dog to a cool area of the house. Air conditioning is one of the best ways to keep a dog cool, but is not always dependable. To provide a cooler environment, freeze water in soda bottles, or place ice and a small amount of water in several resealable food storage bags, then wrap them in a towel or tube sock. Place them on the floor for your pet to lay on.

Don’t let your dog go AWOL (Absent With Out Leash) – Earth Heart’s Summer Safety Contest

"According to the National Council of Pet Population Study & Policy and the National Humane Society, a family pet is lost every two seconds in North America. The organizations also report that more than 10 million pets are lost each year and one out of three pets will be lost during its lifetime. However, only one in 10 pets is found.” 

Earth Heart is sponsoring a summer contest to raise awareness of Pet Safety. As we mentioned in our last post, more pets are lost on July 4th than any other day of the year. And July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. Unfortunately less than 20% of pets will find their way back home from a shelter.

Even the most loyal pets will run from fireworks. Maybe your pet has never run away - as pets age their hearing changes, and noises that didn’t bother them in the past can suddenly become a problem.

A few reminders from Earth Heart, PetHub, Sunny-Dog Ink and John Paul Pet:

1) Keep your pets calm – create a safe space, exercise them early in the day, and use a natural calming product like Canine Calm.

2) Keep dogs on a leash – bolting from a car is one of the biggest factors on July 4th. It’s not just about the hours of 8 pm to midnight when the big fireworks displays are happening. We’ve all heard a firecracker go off in a parking lot unexpectedly, or a neighbor setting a few firecrackers off in their yard. That’s all it takes for your pet to become a statistic.

3) Make sure your pet IDs are up-to-date – don’t rely just on a microchip; your pets should have a tag as well. Here are some facts from PetHub.com:
* If the vet or shelter does not have a universal scanner your pet’s microchip may go undetected.
* The microchip can migrate and not be detectable.
* The information on the microchip is not up to date with your contact information. (Depending on the brand of microchip it can take anywhere from 24 hours to 2 months to update your microchip information.)

4) Be sure to have a Pet First-Aid Kit (PFA) – assemble your own or purchase ready-to-go kits from Sunny-Dog Ink. Be sure to replenish items as they are used up or expired. Also consider taking a pet first-aid class from a certified instructor.

5) Keep pet wipes in stock – these can be helpful for cleaning up messes and odors from head to toe when traveling.

In honor of Lost Pet Prevention Month, Earth Heart has partnered with Pet Hub, Sunny-Dog Ink and John Paul Pet to give away products for your pet’s safety.  


Donated by Sunny Dog Ink:
Week 1: Pet First Aid for Kids book
Week 2: Dog First Aid & CPR pocket guide
Week 3: Cat First Aid & CPR pocket guide
Week4: Set of Choking/CPR laminated posters

Donated by Earth Heart:
Each week: Canine Calm and Guard Well 2-ounce mists

Donated by Pet Hub:
Each week: Gold Paw ID tags and mobile subscription

Donated by John Paul Pet:
Each week: Tooth & Gum, Ear & Eye, Body & Paw Pet Wipes

Submission Terms:

• Submissions start July 1 and end August 1.

• Share a photo or video - it can be dogs on a leash, a photo of your cat with a tag on his/her collar…anything that shows how you are keeping your pet safe. We will be posting some of our favorites, so give your pets their 15 minutes of fame!

• Post your photo or video in the comments section of our Facebook announcement here.

• You can also email your pet safety photo or video to contest@earthheartinc.com. 

• At the end of each week, Earth Heart will randomly select one (1) winner from submissions received that week via Facebook post or email.

• You can post something new each week. If you have more than one pet or more than one example of Pet Safety, please submit them. The more, the merrier!

• Winners will be notified by email no later than July 15, 22, 29 and August 5, and prizes will be mailed to each winner on receipt of mailing address.

• All photos and videos submitted become the property of Earth Heart Inc. for use in educational or promotional purposes, including the right to post those submissions on Earth Heart’s website and social media accounts.

• Open to residents of the USA and Canada.

More Pets Go Missing on July 4th Than Any Other Day of the Year. Please Read and Keep Your Pet Safe.

July 5th is the busiest day of the year for Animal Shelters because July 4th is the worst day of the year for runaway pets. Animal Control Services see a 30% jump in calls between July 4th and July 6th, and sadly less than 14% of lost pets are returned to their owners. Please don't let your dog or cat end up a statistic by losing your pet to the loud noises and bright lights of July 4th festivities. Often it's the pets that have never shown signs of fear that get lost because their owners don't take precautions.  It only takes an ounce of attention to keep your animals calm, safe and protected. 

The best advice for July 4th is to keep your pets inside and restrained. (Download our "July 4th Calm Home" infographic here.) Most pets are lost on July 4th because they bolt out the door or window of a home or a car unexpectedly from the noise of firecrackers. Dogs and cats have extremely sensitive hearing so even noises at a distance can make them react without warning. And while getting lost and ending up miles from home is often the fate on July 4th, the bigger issue is a frantic dog or cat bolting into the path of an oncoming car. 

We also want to share some advice from instructor, author and pet advocate Denise Fleck of Sunny-Dog Ink to help your pets stay safe during the July 4th weekend:

Indoors
Close the drapes and turn on a radio or television to mask any noise and distract the pet’s attention from the pops and bangs. Triple check that all doors, windows and gates are secure, and if your pet is easily agitated, make sure someone stays with him during the festivities. The pleasant smelling formulation of essential oils, gently rubbed into Fido’s ear flaps or sprayed on his favorite bandana is sure to help him relax.

Outdoors
Enjoy your cookout, but keep your pets on their normal diet. Burgers, fries, salty chips, and fried chicken can all upset your pet's stomach while fats from an abundance of these foods can result in pancreatitis, and alcoholic beverages can result in a coma or respiratory failure. Chocolate can be lethal.

Keep pets far away from sparklers and firecrackers. One spark on precious fur and you'll need an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Allow paw, snout or any part of your furry friend close to a firecracker, and the results could be deadly.

Paws Off
Keep insect repellents and sunscreens out of reach. If ingested by your pet, these products can result in neurological problems, vomiting and diarrhea.

Make sure your pets can't find your matches or lighter fluid. Some matches contain chlorates which if ingested by Fido can damage his red blood cells, cause difficulty breathing or even kidney problems. Lighter fluid can irritate the skin, cause gastrointestinal, central nervous system and pulmonary distress.

Also, since the hot days have arrived, make sure your pet doesn't walk on any surfaces that could burn his paws. If it's too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for Fido's four paws!

Be aware of the dangers of Heat Stroke and make sure your pets have plenty of cool, fresh water and shade to retreat to. Getting over heated can result in permanent brain damage and death to your pet, so never, never, never leave him alone in a parked car -- even for a short time. It only takes a few minutes (with the windows rolled down which can present a danger in itself) for the car to heat to deadly temperatures.

Earth Heart and Sunny-Dog Ink wish all of you a calm, safe and fun July 4th. Watch for our contest next week. We have some great prizes being offered. Details in our next blog.

Download our "July 4th Calm Home" infographic here.

Fragrant Friday: The Journey of an Aromatherapy Newbie

CALVIN

I was recently at a conference on marketing to Baby Boomers and I met Pat Campbell, a semi-retired marketing executive who has started a new company called In Pursuit of Greytness. She is helping baby-boomer women who are starting new businesses develop their digital strategies. I was interested in her background and new venture, and she was a self-described newbie to aromatherapy. We had a wonderful conversation and she asked many educated questions. As is the case with many people I speak to, she had a healthy dose of skepticism but was totally open to learning about essential oils. She has a horse, several dogs, and in the past has had as many as eight dogs at the same time, several cats and lived on a horse farm.

Here are just a few of her questions and my answers: 
When combining various essential oils do you use them all in equal amounts?

Sometimes, but not always.  It depends on the purpose of the blend, which essential oils you select, and whether a particular scent profile is important.  For example, a simple blend to use in a hand sanitizer might combine equal parts of tea tree, lavender and lemon in a base of aloe gel and witch hazel extract. If you’re using a very strong scented essential oil such as rose, peppermint or sandalwood, you’ll use less of those than citrus, which are very light and fleeting.

Can you use the same essential oils on cats and dogs? 

Cats are more at risk for essential oil reactions because their livers work differently than dogs.  When necessary we use essential oils very sparingly on cats. Some potentially toxic essential oils for cats include basil, birch, citrus, clove, hyssop, oregano, pennyroyal, sage, savory, tansy, tarragon, thyme, tea tree, thuja and wintergreen. 

Since animals metabolize and react differently to essential oils, it is important to know about species-specific differences before using them. People often overuse oils. More isn’t better! Continual diffusing can lead to an unintentional overdose for their pets. 

When diffusing, maintain good ventilation and circulation of fresh air. Make sure your cat can leave an area that is being diffused. You can reduce your cat’s exposure by diffusing for specific reasons, and only when necessary. Just 15 minutes 3 to 4 times a day or during sleep can be adequate essential oil therapy even during family illness. 

While not all cats may react negatively to all essential oils, exercise caution and watch your cat for subtle changes in behavior as well as a lack of energy. Using essential oils with cats can be managed, and it is generally believed that limited exposure to quality pure essential oils is a better option than using synthetic or adulterated fragrances. 

Do you know of any oils that will calm a horse? What makes a horse different than a dog in the use of Essential Oils?

COMET AND COLE

We have had customers use our products on horses and have lots of testimonials that Buzz Guard and Canine Calm have been beneficial to both dogs and horses. A dog’s sense of smell is remarkably better than ours. There are about 40 times more scent receptors than humans have, allowing dogs to identify smells between 1,000 and 10,000 times better than us.  Dogs also have remarkable olfactory memory, and because their world revolves around scent, aromatherapy is ideal for use with them. 

The horse's range of smell is more acute than that of humans but less sensitive than that of dogs.  We typically recommend that our products be massaged into the tips of dogs’ ears. On horses we recommend rubbing the products on the ear tips as well as on the forehead, cheeks and muzzle. 

The use of aromatherapy with dogs and horses is time-tested. Scientific studies in Germany and France regarding the medical effects of essential oils on animals and humans were quite advanced by the mid-1800s. Early clinical studies with dogs and horses had positive results, and so the practice of veterinary aromatherapy was not uncommon in those countries. 
 

PAT AND CALVIN

Pat has written her own blog this week about her journey through the maze of aromatherapy. Whether you are deep into the subject or just learning you will definitely enjoy her experience so far. She has two dogs, a horse and several cats so this subject has become near and dear to her heart. Click here to read about her first aromatherapy test with Calvin her four-legged best friend at Pat's blog.