If your dog shows heatstroke symptoms, head to the vet. (see below for symptoms) The same is true for serious cuts or other injuries that need more than first aid. But whether your animal companion needs veterinary care or something more in the category of a band aid and a kiss, Tellington TTouch can help!

Ear TTouch is the best all around TTouch for emergencies large and small. Ears contain acupuncture points for every organ in the body, and the gentle stimulation of TT provides many benefits. According to TTouch creator Linda Tellington-Jones, "Ear TTouch is particularly important in cases of emergency and shock. (It) ... also helps induce relaxation, reduce stress, improve digestion and overcome fatigue and car sickness."

Personal experience has demonstrated time and time again that ear work on myself or other people has the same powerful effects. :)

How To:

Position yourself so that you can support the animal's head with one hand. On the opposite side of the head, the thumb of the other hand is on the outside of the ear and the folded forefinger on the underside. Slide finger and thumb towards the tip of the ear and repeat several times, covering different portions of the ear with each slide.  

Copyright LTJ, used with permission.

When you reach the tip of the ear, release slowly, then repeat. The amount of pressure is a gentle contact. Breathe deeply, slowly as you TTouch. We tend to hold our breath when anxious or fearful. When we hold our breath, our TTouches can become hard, and too fast, which adds to the distress of the animal rather than helping.

Most animals will let us know if our TTouch is too hard, too light, or too something. If the animal being Ttouched is resisting or trying to get away, change your pressure and/or speed. You can also stop for a minute or so, do some breathing, and shake the tension out of your hands and arms.

Ear TTouch can prevent shock, and also bring an animal or human out of shock. That alone can save a life!

Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs, courtesy of PETWAVE

Initial symptoms of heat stroke in dogs are characterized by unanticipated restlessness. They include physical signs such as excessive or fluctuating panting, which may start, stop and then start again. Other physical signs are excessive drooling (hypersalivation), foaming at the mouth, dry tacky gums and labored or difficult breathing (dyspnea). Among common behavioral changes are agitation, whining, barking and other signs of anxiety. As the dog's core body temperature becomes dangerously elevated (called hyperthermia), the initial signs normally progress to include vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, lack of muscular coordination (ataxia), very red gums and uncontrolled tremors. In the end stages of heat stroke, a dog will become listless, dull, weak and recumbent. It may try to move to cool places but be unable to rise, will have increased difficulty breathing and ultimately will have seizures, collapse, lapse into a coma and die.

Very young and older dogs are at higher risk of heat stroke. Brachycephalic breeds, obese animals and long haired and dark-colored dogs are also predisposed. Dogs with hyperthyroidism, cardiopulmonary disease or thick hair coats are also at increased risk of developing heat stroke. If you notice these signs in your dog, take your dog to a veterinary clinic immediately.

Source: PetWave 

Stay in TTouch!

Penny Case

Guild Certified Tellington TTouch Practitioner

star9fish@aol.com 

Visit ttouch.com for books, DVD s, equipment, and to locate workshops and practitioners near you.

♥ Kung Fu Kori and sweet Ashley ♥

Most, if not all, of you have adopted your yorkie(s) through YTNR. You know first-hand how rewarding this experience has been and how grateful these new family members are to be part of your lives.

There are many opportunities for you to do more for YTNR and the yorkies we help. Following is a list of ideas for your consideration:

            Use your creative skills to make items that can be donated to the Angel Boutique for fundraising.

            Make a financial contribution, via check or PayPal, to help with medical costs. These contributions can be for a specific fur baby or for best use.

            Become a foster family until a forever home is found. If interested, your state director can assist you with the process.

            Think of a fund raising project that you can hold in your area. Before implementing, share your idea with any board member to make sure all legalities are accounted for.

            Volunteer to assist in YTNR administrative tasks such as e-correspondence of various types. If you have the time and interest, contact MaryElizabeth (YTNR@bellsouth.net) for details.

If you have questions or ideas of other ways to support YTNR, please contact one of the board members.

        Contribute your stories, articles of interest and photo's of your pets to our newsletter.