Saying Goodbye

This is a topic none of us enjoy talking about, but we seem to have had to say goodbye to many friends this past week or two. That has led all of us at Holly Tree Animal Hospital to revisit our own experiences with euthanasia. The first thing to remember when the decision to help your friend pass more comfortably approaches is that this is a merciful decision you are making. That doesn't necessarily make it easier because you will experience emotions you may not be ready for. We try to help you in any way we can. At our hospital we discuss the impending decision as much as you wish, and we allow you to make as many decisions as possible. We place an intravenous catheter to make the actual injection more comfortable for you companion. You can visit as long as you wish before and after the passing of your family member. We offer cremation with or without the return of your pet's cremains, or you may take you friend home for a private burial. We also make a clay imprint of your companion's paw as a keepsake for you and your family.

We use Good Shepherd Pet Services as our cremation provider. We invite you to visit their website at www.goodshepherdpet.com. Here you will find a description of their full range of services and links to grief hotlines to help you with any emotional issues you are having difficulty handling alone. You may also post a memorial to your friend on their website.

Although the actual decision to end your pet's life is very difficult, it is one we feel honored to help you make. Helping a cherished family member pass with dignity and decreased suffering is a responsibility we take very seriously at Holly Tree Aniaml Hospital. Please call us if you have any questions about this topic.

How Hot is Too Hot?

Here's a good question as we battle through the early Dog Days of Summer. Well, the heat is definitely important, but if you're a dog it's the humidity that makes the biggest difference. Remember that a dog's most effective means of cooling down is through evaporative cooling from the lungs during panting. When the humidity increases this system becomes more inefficient. A combination of high temperatures and high humidity can quickly induce hyperhtermia, or heat stroke, in a dog. While young, active dogs can be most susceptible to heat stroke due to their enjoyment of play, older dogs who have chronic airway changes can also easily overheat. Even moderate temperatures on super muggy days can be dangerous.

What do you do when you suspect your dog is overheating? Get him wet as soon as possible and inside where it's air conditioned. Then have a veterinarian check him out soon. If the body temperature doesn't begin to return to normal within 20 minutes or so it can spiral out of control. This can lead to life threatening multiple organ failure. Prevention of heat stroke is much easier than treatment.

So keep an eye on the weather. Don't let your silly puppy get too crazy. And be smart with older dogs.