The Dangers of Heatstroke
Pets, like people, are also at risk!
Why is overheating so dangerous for dogs?
Well, strictly, it's not just dogs. Any animal that gets too hot will overheat and suffer from hyperthermia (excessively high body temperature - not to be confused with hypothermia which is excessively low temperature). Most domestic animals have an optimal body temperature between 97 and 104 degrees
Fahrenheit
. Once body temperatures go above 104, however, it becomes increasingly dangerous to the body. The enzymes (protein machines in the cells that keep us all alive) start to shut down above 110-113 degrees, and eventually, the animal will suffer brain, liver and kidney damage (these organs are most susceptible to heat damage). If they continue to overheat, they will literally cook and die.
However, dogs are especially sensitive to high temperatures. Dogs are essentially domesticated wolves, and as such are best adapted to life in a very cold climate. Yes, there are some breeds that are better able to cope with heat, but overall, dogs are really badly designed for hot weather! They have a coat of insulating fur; they cannot sweat (except through their pads), and so to lose heat, they must pant. But panting requires a lot of energy, so in the long term it heats them up even more; and also leads to rapid dehydration. Humans and cats cope much better with the heat than most dogs do.
So, what situations are most dangerous?
- The obvious one is the dog in the hot car. Remember, a car acts as a tiny greenhouse - it gets progressively hotter inside and there isn't enough volume for cooling air currents to form. However, actual greenhouses, sheds and outdoor kennels are potential death traps; the air temperature gets higher and higher inside.
- Lack of shade can also be fatal for dogs chained or tied outside and unable to get out of the heat - temperatures in the shade may be as much as 50 - 60 degrees cooler.
- The breed and health of the dog are also important factors. Dogs with longer noses generally cope with heat a little bit better than average short nose, including Boston Terriers
, really struggle with hot weather. This is because, as a result of their short muzzles, their breathing is impaired, so they cannot pant as efficiently.
- Likewise, any dog with lung or heart disease will struggle more in the hot weather because they cannot regulate their body temperature as well.
- Dogs with reduced mobility and senile dementia are also at higher risk - because they can't (or won't) move out of the heat when they start to get too hot!
Are there medical diseases that can cause hyperthermia?
Yes - the most important is epilepsy (or indeed any cause of seizures). When a dog is having a fit, their muscles contract very fast, causing a buildup of heat. If untreated, dogs can become hyperthermic very, very fast! Remember, any seizure lasting over 5 minutes is an emergency and needs to be seen by one of our vets ASAP.
So, how can I help prevent it?
There are a couple of easy steps you can do to help minimize the risk:
- Don't ever shut a dog in a car, shed, greenhouse or small kennel
- Make sure they always have fresh water
- Make sure they can get into the shade if needed
- If they're a high-risk breed, or have one of the health conditions mentioned, make sure that you monitor them for signs of overheating or discomfort.
- If your dog is struggling, actively cool them with cold water, fans, or (ideally) a pool or pond to cool off in!
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Excessive or exaggerated panting
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Drooling
- High fever
- Dark red gums
- Rapid heartbeat
- Unresponsiveness to commands and surroundings
- Vomiting
- Collapse
- Staring/anxious expression
- Warm/dry skin
It is imperative to get the pet to a doctor immediately as permanent organ damage can occur, i.e., heart, liver, kidneys and brain. There is also a complex blood problem, called Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). It can be a secondary complication to heatstroke and can be fatal.
If you see a dog in a car or on private property with the lack of shade and water call authorities immediately; police, animal control, local rescue, and humane society. There are laws to protect these animals. Be there voice. Waiting will result in death.
|
Adoptable Dog of the Month - Hozi
Hi, my name is Hozi. I am 3 years old and weigh 18 pounds. I need a new home because I went after my neighbor's dog. I am not dog friendly and currently live in a home with no other pets. Unfortunately I do not have a fenced in yard, but an invisible fence which in this case did not keep me homebound. I am being fostered in St Joe, MO.
I love walking in the park and chasing squirrels, car rides (on your lap), swimming in the pool, chasing shadows, and cuddling with my human sisters who are 9 and 11 years old.
I get along with our 4 year old cat Olaf, but have never been introduced to other cats. So right now it's probably best if my new home has no cats either.
I would rather not be with very small children as I tend to jump when I get excited. I do not want to share my home with other dogs as I have a hard time making new friends.
Will you give me a chance and be my furever family?
~~~ Click
here to learn more about this dog! ~~~
|
It's baaaaaaack...
RAFFLE TIME!!!
Check out this beautiful quilt!
Hand made, one of a kind quilt consisting of multiple breeds including the famous Boston. Two sided. Measures 54 inches x 80 inches. Washable.
Raffle ticket prices:
- 6 chances for $5
- 14 chances for $10
- 23 chances for $15
- 35 chances for $20
- 48 chances for $25
- 60 chances for $30
New owner will be announced on 25th day of the month and noted in The Boston Times and on Facebook.
Everyone can participate. Will ship USA only.
for more details and to purchase your chances.
Good luck, and thanks for your support!
===========================================
...is taking a break until September. You can see the schedule below as well as what we've raised so far this year!
Schedule (click
here for the 2018 monthly schedule)
January's earnings on tote bags:
raised $231.96
February's earnings on bows:
raised $26
April's earning on garden flags:
raised $251.75
May's earnings on retro portraits:
raised $153.63
|
"For the Love of Bostons"
Dinner and Silent Auction Recap
On May 5th, we had another great evening with friends to help us celebrate MABTR's family of volunteers.
The new venue was a winner and well-accepted. There were many new faces - which is wonderful to see! - and our repeat guests who are always a pleasure to have.
Because of your support we raised $9,206 for our medical fund, and we can't thank you enough. To put that into perspective, our average medical expense per dog in 2017 was $498.29. With the amount raised at the dinner we can provide medical for almost 19 dogs. That is huge for us!
***Mark your calendars for May 4, 2019!***
We extend a HUGE special thanks to Kelsey from
Uhli Photography
for volunteering her time to take photos throughout the evening, and to Mark Hall, caricature artist,
who did an amazing job creating beautiful art for our guest based on a photo or live portrait.
A big THANK YOU to our sponsors in support of our CO Dinner and Auction.
|
Misty Lou came to me just over three years ago. She was so different from my first Boston Terrier, Pugsy. To put it simply, Pugsy was full of life and just plain crazy. In contrast, Misty was underwhelming.
Misty came to me with a bad skin condition. She was very underweight, and she hung her head as if she carried the world on her shoulders. Misty didn't know what to do with a ball or a doggie toy. And she just looked away when offered a bone to chew on or some deli meat.
Misty was not affectionate. She never sought a lap to lay on, always keeping space between herself and whatever family member happened to be sitting closest to her. My heart broke for this poor creature who seemed to have no joy in her life.
But slowly Misty came out of her shell as I began to introduce her to new experiences. Since Misty didn't know how to play, I determined that we would walk every day, rain or shine. The closest park had a nice walking path that circled a pond. Pugsy and I would circle round 3-4 times, easy. Misty circled round once, and then she sat. And sat. Until I would finally carry her back to the car.
But Misty learned to love the park. She attracted a lot of attention as she pulled me left, right, backwards, and in circles. In Misty's defense, I probably didn't train her to walk properly on a leash. Misty power-walked with her nose to the ground and, if there was a pile of poop anywhere in that park, she found it.
Misty ignored other dogs, but she was always willing to receive a pet from a stranger. She tolerated the bows, headbands, hats, and necklaces my grand daughter adorned her with. Misty was always a good sport on Halloween, wearing her skunk costume (which greatly suited her, if you know what I mean).
Then one day it happened. The day I gave Misty her middle name. (Because you cannot truly convey how angry you are unless you use someone's middle name when you are yelling at them.) I had set out the McDonalds Happy Meals on the table and called the grandkids to come and eat. In a split second, right before my eyes, Misty jumped on the piano bench and sprang onto the table, inhaling every chicken nugget in her path. But I couldn't be angry long. My Misty had finally become a real dog.
A hundred adventures have since passed, bringing me to the present day. I noticed Misty wasn't using one of her back legs. The very next morning Misty walked like she was drunk. An x-ray determined that Misty had three areas on her spine that were bone-on-bone, severe arthritis in her spine, and a BB in her back! (Though the vet assured me the BB wasn't causing any issues, it was an old wound. But what monster would do such a thing?) Misty was becoming paralyzed and her doctor "prepared" me that she may not make it through the summer.
Misty received pain therapy twice a week but I could see her quickly going downhill. I carried her everywhere, made chicken for her, waited on her hand and foot. But then Misty stopped eating. She collapsed shortly after I got home from work one day. I took her to the vet immediately and I was told, "it's time."
I took Misty home for our last evening together and we did some of her favorite things. I took her to the park and carried her to a tree where we watched the geese and squirrels. Then we came home and played the piano together. Misty always used to jump onto the piano bench when I played, sitting quietly with one paw on the keyboard. Misty even nibbled some roasted chicken and ice cream. We went to sleep that night holding hands.
The next morning, in the vet's office, I held Misty close as she left this world. My sweet, underwhelming Misty Lou, I miss you so much.
--
Catherine C,
Wichita, KS
|
Let's go SHOPPING!
Come to an MABTR event this summer and get this exclusive 'Year of the Dog' shirt! 3/4 length sleeves in XS to 3X.
This item will NOT be available online.
Only $20!
Come see us at an event and
get yours today!
|
Ask Jennifer
Q: What should I do if I find my dog is overheating?
A: We're focusing a LOT on the topic of a dog overheating this month, and with good reason. It's only June, and we've already had some extreme heat in many areas of the country. And it will likely only get worse as summer goes on.
Additionally, there have been a lot of anecdotal stories on Facebook and other sites about dogs suffering from heatstroke because they are left outside or in a car, sadly many do not make it and die.
If your dog is showing any symptoms of heatstroke, or has spent a lot of time outdoors, exercising, or soaking up too much sun, please do the following:
- Start the cooling as quickly as possible. If you are nearby a tap, wet them down. If you are at home spray your dog with the hose and move him into the shade. You can also put rolled up wet towels under the arms and in the groin area. Do not apply ice or put him in an ice bath! Be aware that after the cooling phase, you may have a hypothermic dog who is too cold.
- Cooling should stop when the rectal temperature gets to 103°F - dry your dog and cover him with a towel at this point and keep an eye on that temperature for further increases or decreases.
- You can also place a fan near your dog to move cooler air around.
- As soon as you have cooled your dog down, take him to the vet. It may seem like everything is fine, but sometimes swelling in the airways and dehydration can lead to later problems so treatment may be needed to reduce the risks.
- If you are nowhere near a vet and you have caught the overheating fairly early on (before the point of collapse) let your dog have a little drink. Whatever you do, don't let him gulp a lot of water at once, as he is likely just to bring it all up again. Give the dog small drinks of water every half hour or so. If you have any Pedialyte or electrolyte solution used to rehydrate humans, you can add a little of this to the water.
Remember, heatstroke can be fatal. Please exercise caution during warm weather and be aware of your pet's surroundings and activities, especially when outdoors.
If you see a dog in a car or on private property with the lack of shade and water call authorities immediately; police, animal control, local rescue, and humane society. There are laws to protect these animals. Be there voice. Waiting will result in death.
|
Melissa D sent this to us with the following note...
"This came home today from my son's first grade writing project. It was the day after we had to say goodbye to Fergie, MABTR alumni who passed in May 2018."
RIP Fergie. Thanks, Melissa, for sharing this touching photo with us.
|
Thank You for Your Donation!
$50
in honor of Lynda Brown
$25 in memory of Ralphie
$25 in honor of Nick Fritz' birthday
$25 in memory of his little buddy, Echo
$20 in honor and memory of Miley McHendry on her 14th birthday
$694 YourCause
$320 Facebook
$200 Linda J
$120 Raymond N
$100 Jake's Fund. Dennis D
$85.47 DMJ Designs
$60 Boney G
$50
Audrey C, Caroline W, Kathy B
$40 Reynolds P
$31.90 Hales Pet Door
$30
Lori L, Leslie M, Kelly B, Cynthia K
$25 Charity C, Western Union
$20 Susie M, Matthew S, Pam M, Donna Z, Sara S, Michael M, Ashley H
$15 Target
$10
Nanette S, Katherine F, Ann A, Angela C, Robin B, Angela P, Mart D, Lisa B, Cindy F, Loni D, Danielle K
$6.27 Pledgeling Foundation
$5 Angie V
All donations are tax deductible!
|
 |
|
Why you aren't seeing our Facebook Posts
Have you noticed that you aren't seeing our Facebook posts very often? Well it's not just you! Due to changes in the way Facebook works, less and less of our posts are showing up on your timelines. If fact, less than 5% of you see our posts daily! And sadly, this means you are missing a lot of our amazing rescue stories and videos!
The good news is Facebook has created a way around this using new settings.
Read the instructions below, go to our Facebook page and update your settings on your desktop or mobile device so you won't miss a thing!
- Visit our FB page - https://www.facebook.com/MABTR/
- Make sure you have clicked the "LIKE" button on our page.
- Click the "Follow" button.
- Under the "Following" drop down menu, select "See First" in your news feed.
- Under the "Following" drop down menu, select "On" for notifications.
And last but not least, be sure to routinely "Like", "Share" and "Comment" on our page. If Facebook doesn't see that you are interacting with our posts, they will remove us from your Facebook Feed.
Plus, by sharing our posts, you are helping our mission in educating and rehoming bostons.
|
|
|
|
All
donations
(monetary or items)
are
tax-deductible.
MABTR is
100% volunteer-driven. Your
entire donation amount goes towards rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing Bostons in need in foster care.
|
Employer Match Programs
Did you know that many employers will match your donation to a 501(c)3 organization? Some even pay a flat fee to the organization for volunteer hours!
Check with your human resource department for details!
A few companies we know of are:
- Pinnacol Assurance
- AT&T
- Wells Fargo
- MidAmerica Energy Holding Comp.
- Pfizer
- Allstate
- CenturyLink
- CNA Surety
- CSG
- 8z Real Estate
- Great Western
- Thrivent Financial
- Western Union
- SalesForce
- Microsoft
- United Way
- First National Bank
- Lockhead Martin Corporation
- Benevity: Apple, Google, ADP
- Johnson and Johnson
- United Healthcare
- Walmart
|
- Colorado dinner and auction : $9,206
- Nebraska pub crawl: $222
- Colorado Mother's Day: $70 - Omaha Gives: $3,915
- Nebraska puffin sales: $385
|
Have room for a four legged passenger?
Many of us travel for business or pleasure by car. We are looking for
you to help us transport a dog from one state to the next to get him/her into foster care or towards a
forever home.
Share your travel plans
even those scheduled for a future date.
It is Simple!
Click here to share details OR
email
[email protected]
your starting and ending location, date of travel, and your name and phone number. We'll file the travel schedule and if the need approaches, we will contact you with details.
The doggies thank you!!!
Remember that you can write off at tax time your gas or mileage when transporting our Bostons.
|
Adoption Corner...
~~Happy Tails~~
|
22
dogs rescued
in April!
82 dogs rescued in 2018!
3,430 dogs rescued since November 2005!
We ask that you help us educate the public about their options when looking for a new pet. We appreciate the fact that you are not purchasing your pet from a pet store that sells lives animals, since 98% of all puppies in a pet store come from terrible situations such as puppy mills. For more information on puppy mills visit our site and read all you need to know about puppy mills.
If you are interested in a breed other than a Boston check out the links below.
-Petfinder
-Rescue list by breed
-Google search under
"breed" rescue"
|
AGE is
just a number
I wish applicants would make personality and behavior priority when adopting a dog but the truth is that a majority are not even interested in learning about a dog if it is out of their age range.
Remember that just because a dog is young does not guarantee he/she will live to be 14. MABTR cannot promise anyone how long a dog will live. We unfortunately have experienced the loss of a life at a very young age unexpectedly.
MABTR is not prejudiced when it comes to rescuing. A life is precious no matter
*gender *age
*disability *health
|
May Theme
~ Best Outfit or Hat ~
And the winner is...
Leenah Louise!
owned by Ann M.
The theme for June is...
Sunbathing!!
Catch your pup catching some rays!
|
Other online shopping networks that give back to MABTR with each of your purchases are:
|
Saving Labels to
Save Lives
MABTR is participating in the
Best Choice Save-A-Label Program! Not only will you help earn funds for our group, but you will also save money on your weekly grocery bill with Best Choice products!
Purchase Best Choice products at your favorite store and save the UPC (proof of purchase). MABTR will earn $30 in cash for each bundle of 1,000 UPCs sent in.
Please send saved labels to the following address:
MABTR Save-A-Label
C/O Kristin Hashbarger 530 North Woodland Road
Olathe, KS 66061
|
Make a donation
in Memory of..
or
in Honor of...
of someone special
(human or pet)
MABTR has a program that will mail your special someone a card recognizing the individual pet or human
that your donation was made in behalf of.
Make your donation here
|
|
Boston FB Groups to 'Like' by city
|
Did you know that there might be a Boston Terrier fan page on FB in your area? You should consider joining in!
Click below for the link in your area!
Minnesota
St Louis
Iowa
|
|
Saying Goodbye
"Keep their memories close to your heart and remember in another time, in a beautiful place, you will see them again."
|
Golden Paws for Golden Years
Did you know
that MABTR has such a program where an adoptor 60 or older adopting a Boston 7 years and older receives $50 off the adoption fee?
|
|
Local MABTR Events
Colorado
Sat, June 2
11am - 2pm
I Love You Because... Photo Event
Chuck and Don's, 4765 Front St.
Castle Rock
$5 includes 2 photos emailed to you after the event.
See flyer at left for details!
Sat, June 2
10am - 5pm
Rocky Mountain Pet Expo
National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St.
Denver
Vendors, pet fashion show, activities, and fun - bring your pet. Free admission, $10 to park.
Sat, June 9
11am - 2pm
Meet and Greet
Chuck and Don's, 6380 S Parker Rd
Aurora
Sat, June 9
Noon - 4pm
Echo Ridge Apartments Pet Expo
339 E Allen St
Castle Rock
There will be games and prizes along with groomers, trainers, mobile vet, pet spa, dog walkers, and various rescues. Bring your pet!!
Sat, June 23
Time TBD
Red, White, and Blue Photo Event
Chuck and Don's, 6380 S. Parker Rd.
Aurora
More details coming soon!
Sun, June 24
1 - 4pm
Adoption Fair
Belmar Shopping Center Courtyard, 464 S Teller St.
Lakewood
Join MABTR and other rescues for meet & greets, education, and a silent auction.
See flyer at left for details!
Sat, June 2
2 - 4pm
Play Date
2800 78th St.
Urbandale
Bostons, Boston mixes, kids, and spectators welcome! Water will be provided.
And there will be door prizes!
Check the website and FB, as the event will be moved to Sunday the 3rd if there is rain or excessive heat on the 2nd.
Missouri
Coming soon!
~KC Area~
Sun, June 10
2 - 3 pm
Downtown KC Optimist Fun Fest
Alexander Majors Barn, 8201 State Line Rd.
Vendors, face painting, silent auction, games, door prizes, raffles, and more. Homemade pet treat contest at 3pm. MABTR will be exhibiting our kissing booth!
Wed, June 27
7 - 9pm
Bingo Night
Hamburger Mary's, 3700 Broadway Blvd.
Kansas City
Make a donation to play!
Reservations required - call 816-842-1919.
See flyer at left for more details!
|
No anesthesia
Dental Cleaning
Boulder, CO
|
|
Well Animal Institute offers dental cleanings that are anesthesia-free.
So many dogs are in need of dentals; however, health concerns may deter them from getting what is needed.
Here is your solution for only $185!
For every dog that comes in and gets their teeth cleaned,
$30 goes towards a rescue.
Win-win for
MABTR and the dogs!
|
|
|
|
|
