Message from the President-
It's Now Too Hot For Your Dog |
 Hot weather spells trouble for dogs. Because they can't release heat by sweating the way humans do, heat and humidity can raise your dog's body temperature to dangerous levels. Heat stroke kills, and heat stress (a less severe condition) can take a serious toll on a dog's health. Do everything you can to keep your dog safe in the heat. Schedule walks for the coolest time of the day -- dawn and dusk. Just after sunrise and just before sunset are the best times to take your dog for a run or a long walk. Humidity matters as much as temperature; in fact, a combination of high humidity and moderate temperatures can stress a dog as much as mid-day sun. Always watch for signs of stress. Dogs pant to release heat, so if your dog pants more heavily than usual, slow down, stop, find shade, offer water, and rest for a while. Provide extra drinking water. Your dog's panting cools him by releasing body heat, but this process also can dehydrate his body. To encourage a hot dog to drink on hot days, resupply his cold water. It is now too hot to take your dog in the car and leave the windows and sun roof open. If you don't believe me, sit in your car for five minutes in the exact conditions you plan to leave your dog in. Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Your Dog - Restlessness
- Panting
- Increased respiratory rate
- Increased heart rate
- Excess salivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
As the symptoms progress and the dog's body temperature increases, signs become even more serious. - Weakness
- Staggering
- Gasping
- Gum color may become brick red, then purple or blue
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Treatment of Heat Exhaustion If you believe your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, seek veterinary care immediately even if your dog's condition does not seem serious. Cool water can be used to begin to decrease his body temperature during the trip to the veterinarian. Towels can be soaked in cool water and used to cover your dog. You can also place the towels between his legs and across his neck. Do not use cold water or ice. This may make the situation worse. Lauren Genkinger President & Founder
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| May Orphans of the Month |
Meet Sydney and Mattie, our May Orphans of the Month!
Sydney is a 5 year old golden girl and her long-time buddy here is Mattie, a 5 year old Great Dane. Sydney loves chasing tennis balls and spending time with humans. Mattie enjoys exploring new places and taking long naps. These sweet girls may look and act very different, but when it's time to go on walks or play at the dog park their bond is unmistakable. While they like each other's company, they aren't fond of small dogs and we aren't sure if they like cats. Sydney and Mattie can't wait to share their love and make new memories with their new family!
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Meet Sydney and Mattie!
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Bear & Nick Need A Nurturing Home
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Hi- it's me, Bear. I am the spokesdog for me and my friend Nick here! I am 7 and 74 pounds and he is 5 and 56 pounds - a little skinny. I say "eat", "eat". Nick does the best he can - he is just kind of shy and scared.
I have been to see the doctor about surgery for the thing in my mouth called a melanoma. We had a long talk and decided this plan was not the best for me or Nick. You see I wouldn't be able to take care of him- in fact someone would have to take care of me afterwards. It would be something that hurt a lot and I might not be able to eat with my mouth and it maybe wouldn't do any good anyway. I don't think I'd really be the dog I've always been, afterwards and I don't want to live like that. What we decided was that I'd just have the shots and we would hope for the best.
My first set of shots will cost $2400 and that's all we need now in donations. After that I have to have a shot every 6 months which is $600 and AGA will pay for or those or we'll use any extra money that is donated. I know this is very serious, but I'm willing to take the time I have left to be with Nick and to run and play ball and hope for a family.
If you would adopt Nick and let me come along as a foster dog then that's the best thing I could imagine! I promise we won't be any trouble- in fact I think you'll find that we are a really good boys and can make you happy.
Finding a home means everything to us because I know when I have to leave, I will have someone to help me and Nick will be safe. That would be perfect! Please remember us and send lots of "good luck" thoughts our way. Thank you for loving goldens!
XOXO,
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| A Little Help Needed | |
We are about to enter into our busiest part of the year and need more foster families. We are beginning the project of putting AGA posters recruiting foster volunteers on bulletin boards in all the veterinarian offices, pet supply stores, doggie day care and boarding facilities in the greater Atlanta area. We will need a little help from a lot of people to do this. We will have some at Adoption Day, May 6.
We hope you will commit to taking one (or more) and taking them to one of the facilities near you. Please email Maya Hahn at mayahahn@att.net and let her know if you are planning to come to Adoption Day and which vet, dog supply store, etc. you will commit to delivering a flyer. If you aren't sure whether you'll be at Adoption Day, you can always sign up, there.
Thanks,
Maya Hahn
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Snakes, One of Summer's Dangers
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About 15,000 dogs and cats are bitten by snakes annually. More dogs than cats are bitten and dogs are usually bitten on their heads or extremities. A snake bite should ALWAYS be considered an emergency! If you even suspect your dog has been bitten by a snake take the dog to an Emergency Veterinarian Immediately.
Time is of the Essence!
What are the Symptoms of a Snake Bite?
- One, two or several small puncture wounds
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Extreme painful swelling at the site of the bite
- Inability to bark
- Diarrhea
- Shock
- Lethargy and weakness
- Muscle Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
What Should I Do If My Dog is Bitten?
- Seek immediate treatment from an Emergency Animal Clinic.
- Restrict movement of your dog - This will help the venom from spreading.
- If your dog is bitten on an extremity, loosely immobilize the limb in a functional position.
- DO NOT apply a tourniquet without veterinary assistance. A tourniquet will significantly affect circulation to the area and may result in serious tissue damage.
- DO NOT apply ice to the area
Prevention:
Snakes need cover to hunt in and protect themselves. If they don't have places to hide they are less likely to be around.
- Eliminate rock piles.
- Keep leaves and other debris picked up to reduce the nesting and living area for snakes.
- No food for domestic pets should be allowed to remain on the ground.
- Cordwood should be stacked as far away from the house as possible.
- Keep the lawn low cut and clean.
- Snakes love English Ivy and other dense ground covering, so if possible remove it from you property and if you can't keep your dog out of it!
Carolyn Gambino
Director, Canine Health and Wellness
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Adoption Day
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Sunday, May 6
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It's time for our Spring Sale of
enjoy free shipping!
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Come See Us
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AGA will be at City Dog Market on May 5 from 10-2. We'll have a table out front, dogs and volunteers to answer questions about adopting and fostering.
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Check out this link to a great article about jogging with your dog.
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Save the Date
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Goldenrama is one of our biggest Adopt A Golden events each year, and this year we are expecting 1000 people at the Atlanta Athletic Club's huge field on October 21!
If you own a dog-related business, it's a great way to showcase your products.
Contact Juliann for more information on how you can have a table at this fantastic event for a $100 participation fee.
We are also looking for dog-related products to feature in our silent auction. Next time you're at your favorite pet store or groomer, be sure to let them know about these great opportunities!
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Warning!
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It is predicted that we will have the worst tick and flea season ever due to the warm winter and hot weather we are now experiencing. Protect your pets and check them often.
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New Adoptions
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Congrats to all our pups who found Forever Homes during April!
Hannah
Reggie
Chyna
Alex
Dailey
Dixie Auburn
Winston
Rusty
Lucky Ten
Ramsey
Freddy
Max
Hunny Bunny
Raven
Winnie
Roman
Rookie
Murphy Glade
Jackson
Apache
Fancy Doodle
Dixie
Penny
Princess
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Spread the Golden word -- please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and family who would be interested in either Adopt A Golden Atlanta or being a foster! We are always in need for more fosters... Click here for more info.
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