With the warmer weather approaching, I thought this was an important reminder.....

Heat Stroke by Dr. Marc Habib

All too often, dogs are seen left alone in vehicles parked in the sun or even in the shade with the window generously rolled down - by all of about 5 cm.

This attitude is mainly one of irresponsibility. Remember that unlike humans, dogs do not perspire through their skin.

Perspiration or sweating is an excellent system that allows humans to conduct temperature exchanges with the outside air, thereby preventing the body temperature from rising too quickly in extreme heat. This system is also used artificially in cats. When they lick themselves, they deposit saliva on their coat, which thereby allows for a thermal exchange to take place.

With dogs, even though their skin does not produce the sweat that is necessary for thermal exchange, air blowing in an open space does help cool their body through radiation and conduction.

Dogs therefore, do not only breathe with their mouths, they perspire through their mouths. What happens in the event of heat stroke?

If left in the heat in a vehicle that is almost entirely closed, the dog will begin to pant in order to perspire and to lower his rising body temperature. Moreover, he is unable to lower his temperature through his skin because there is no air circulating in the closed vehicle. Therefore, his body temperature rises to a dangerously high level. In addition, a panting dog quickly exhausts the amount of healthy air available in the vehicle and ends up breathing in exhaled air that is high in carbon dioxide and low in oxygen. The combination of these factors makes the dog highly susceptible to fainting. It occurs suddenly. The dog is often standing, as though in a daze, his legs spread apart, gasping for air and breathing quickly. Often, he begins to tremble or may even have convulsions. If his temperature reaches 42°C, he will begin to vomit and will end up going into a state of shock, which may quickly become irreversible.

Rapid action must be taken as soon as possible.

The dog’s temperature must be brought down as quickly as possible by placing him in lukewarm water that is progressively cooled, or in cool water that is in a well-ventilated, airy place. Monitor the dog’s temperature and general state. Take the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Which animals are at risk?
The larger the dog, the more quickly he will use up the air in the vehicle.
Dogs with cardiac problems or respiratory difficulties run the risk of suffering heat stroke very rapidly since gaseous exchanges in their lungs are extremely limited.
Breeds with short faces (Boxers, Pekinese) have more problems breathing than other breeds.
Animals that are high-strung by nature may also be sensitive to heat stroke.
Obese animals, since fat is good insulation.

Prevention
Never leave a dog in a vehicle parked in the hot sun.
Remember that even if the vehicle is parked in a cool, shady spot, it may be in the sun a few hours later.
Always leave the windows sufficiently open.
Never leave puppies, older dogs or dogs with cardiac problems in a vehicle in the heat, even in the shade.

The Who’s Who of Conservation Organizations by R. Michael DiLullo

Wildlife Conservation groups are looking for your contributions, but are their policies concerning hunting the same as yours?


Every week I receive several solicitations in the mail and via email to join or contribute to a conservation group. And I am not alone, I am sure many of you are on some of the same mailing list as I am. Wildlife and conservation has become a business and raising funds, be it through contributions or memberships, has become very competitive among the countless number of groups out there. However, many of these groups are not clear on their agendas or stances concerning hunting. Also, local affiliates sometimes differ drastically from their national’s policies concerning hunting, firearm ownership and the shooting sports.

So, who do you support and whom do you send your hard-earned money to with confidence that the funds will be used appropriately? Supporting a group or groups whose views and opinions closely match your own is a responsible and noble thing to do. As hunters/conservationists, it is our duty to support the organizations that support our rights and our sport. But, do your homework and find out whose goals you are really going to be supporting!

Below is a partial listing of some of the more well-known conservation organization, this is by no means a complete listing! Remember to always check for policy differences between your local chapter and the organization’s national (official) positions before making a contribution or becoming a member.

Pro Hunting
·  American Forests
·  Delta Waterfowl Foundation
·  Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU)
·  International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
·  The Izaac Walton League of America
·  The National Rifle Association of America (NRA)
·  The National Shooting Sports Foundation
·  The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)
·  Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA)
·  Pheasants Forever
·  Quail Unlimited/The Dove Sportsman’s Society (QU)
·  Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Alliance (TRCA)
·  The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
·  The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS)
·  The Wilderness Society
·  The Wildlife Legislative Fund of America
·  The Wildlife Management Institute
·  The Wildlife Society
·  Waterfowl USA
·  Wildlife Forever


Selectively Pro-hunting
·  Defenders of Wildlife
·  National Audubon Society
·  The National Wildlife Federation
·  The Sierra Club
·  World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Anti-Hunting
·  American Humane Association
·  Friends of Animals, Inc.
·  The Fund for Animals
·  The Human Society of the United States (HSUS)
·  People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Past Articles:

MOVING WITH YOUR PET

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF BIRD PLANTING…
OR LIFE IN THE JUNGLE