{"id":3957,"date":"2010-08-01T01:10:51","date_gmt":"2010-08-01T06:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=4015"},"modified":"2010-07-24T19:53:18","modified_gmt":"2010-07-25T00:53:18","slug":"hearthbeats-notes-from-a-kitchen-witch-14","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2010\/08\/01\/hearthbeats-notes-from-a-kitchen-witch-14\/","title":{"rendered":"HearthBeats: Notes from a Kitchen Witch"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Pets and hot weather<\/strong><\/p>\n

For many of us this is our favorite time of year and a chance to have fun outdoors with our pets. The Humane Societies want Pet owners to enjoy this time while being mindful of the dangers that hot weather can pose for our Furbabies. Dogs primarily control their body heat thru panting and drinking cool water. In extreme heat, it can be difficult for pets to cool off and overheating is a serious danger.<\/p>\n

On very hot days, pet owners should always be aware of their pet\u2019s condition. Immediately stop strenuous exercise if pets start excessively panting, drooling or appear weak. You should take these simple precautions.<\/p>\n

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  1. When pets are outdoors they should ALWAYS have access to shade and cool fresh water.<\/li>\n
  2. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. If you run with your pet, do so in the early morning or very late afternoon, when the humidity and temperature are lower.<\/li>\n
  3. Asphalt and concrete can become VERY HOT in the sun, these surfaces can burn your furbabies paws and reflect additional heat back up at them.. Minimize exposure to these buy walking them on the grass or dirt as often as possible.<\/li>\n
  4. When Traveling bring water and a travel bowl for your pet.<\/li>\n
  5. NEVER EVER leave your furbaby in the car\u2026 If you see a pet locked in a car and in distress call the local police and ask them to call animal control. The pets owner \u00a0will thank you for saving their furbabies life.<\/li>\n
  6. If you plan on shaving your pet please leave at least 1 inch of fur as they will get sunburns too.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Heat stroke is a very serious and often fatal condition. Pets in this condition should be moved to the shade, cool water given to them and ice packs on their chests and bellies while transporting them to the Vet.<\/p>\n

    These furbabies are part of you hearth and home, they love you, keep you safe, warn you of dangers and love you unconditionally\u2026 Please return the favor and do not do to them what you would not do to your own child.. they are and defenseless and depend on us as much as our children.<\/p>\n

    Pets and flea— and the treatments.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Further on this would be flea season for many of us\u2026 when all the animals you have indoors or outdoors seem to be bringing in all sorts of nasty fleas\u2026 or being bothered by biting bugs of some sort. There are a few things that you can do year round to help this.
    \n1. Diatomaceous Earth is Mother Nature\u2019s product with no harm to the environment, pets or to people. Diatomaceous Earth is not actually an “earth” but it is the fossilized remains of microscopic shells created by one celled plants called DIATOMS. As you will see, there are many uses for Diatomaceous Earth. This food grade product( not pool grade) can be used internally as well as externally. When lightly rubbed into their coats or dusted on their premises, it is very effective against fleas, ticks, lice, and other pests on pet dogs, cats, and birds. It can also be used as an organic wormer and will kill any worms or parasites the pets may have. When using as a de-wormer, mix the Diatomaceous Earth into their food as follows:<\/p>\n