[ PET OHANA ]
Dogs enjoy taking a dip in the cool pond and waterfall at McInerny Dog Park at the Humane Society. This off-leash dog park brings dogs together to play freely on one-third of an acre of grass. It's best not to overdo exercising your pet in the intense heat of the middle of the day -- stick to the shady areas of the park.
Summer’s hot days require
attention to keep pets safe
Summer's a lazy time of year when the living is easy. So the song goes! The season also sizzles with hazards for our animal companions. Review these tips to keep your whole family happy and healthy, no matter what the weather.
Pets in cars
Don't ever leave your pet in the car. Just a few minutes can be too long for a pet on a hot day. Within 10 minutes the temperature inside the car can reach 160 degrees. That's hot enough to cause an animal to suffer heatstroke.The short stop you plan to make at the store could stretch to 15 minutes or more before you know it. Your mistake could cost your pet its life. Unless you're taking your pet to the veterinarian or taking your dog to the dog park, it's better if you park your pet at home.
Transporting dogs, horses and cattle
A city and county law on Oahu protects animals while they are being transported. Dogs riding in the back of pickup trucks must be in a secured carrier or cross-tethered from three points in the truck bed to prevent them from being thrown from the truck. On a sunny summer day, you should also provide shade and fresh water for your tail-wagging cargo.A new law in effect since June 16 makes it mandatory for horses and cattle transported on any public street or highway to be carried in enclosed vehicles so they cannot fall or jump from a vehicle while traveling.
Beware poisonous toads
Those huge toads that come out at night can be a deadly threat to your playful dog. The head of the bufo marinus (cane toad) has glands with a substance that is a dangerous toxin.Depending on the size of the dog and how much toxin was ingested, symptoms can progress to tightly clamped jaws, heartbeat irregularities and even death. Start first aid immediately, and seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible.
First aid includes washing out the dog's mouth with a steady stream of water, especially along the gums. Don't point the water down the dog's throat or allow him to swallow. Gently wipe the toxic secretions off the gums and teeth with a cotton towel, and rinse again with water. If the dog continues to salivate or shows other symptoms, take the dog to a veterinary clinic immediately.
Never leave your dog unsupervised in an area where you see bufo toads.
Vacation tips
Your pets will love it if your family spends more time at home during the summer. A vigorous game of catch is best played in the cool morning or evening hours of the day. If your pet stays outside in the yard, remember to provide a breezy, shady spot and access to fresh, cool water. They're not called the "dog days" of summer for nothing!With their thick, furry coats, rabbits are especially susceptible to overheating if left outdoors during the summer. Place bunny hutches in the coolest part of the house.
When it's time for your vacation away from home, make advance arrangements with a responsible pet sitter or boarding kennel to care for animals left behind. Protect your animal companions from all the hot, hidden dangers of the summer season.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. They are at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
Photo deadline near
July 31 is the deadline for submitting photos for the Hawaiian Humane Society's 2005 Pets in Paradise calendar.All entries will be judged by a panel of professionals. The top 14 photographs will be featured as full-page "Pets of the Month," plus the front cover. All other photos will be included as part of colorful collage pages.
All entries must be:
» Horizontal color photo printsPhoto entries will not be returned. The society cannot accept Polaroid photos, disks, e-mail or computer-generated photos.» No bigger than 4-by-6 inches
» Contain only animals (no people)
» Include $15 entry fee with each photo
Submit entries to the Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826. For more information, an entry form and tips for taking great pet photographs, call 946-2187, ext. 225.
Morning hike
The Paws on the Path group will bring humans and their pet dogs together to hike Waimano Ridge, at the top of Waimano Home Road, in Pearl City.The trail offers a good climb and passes a stream bed before looping back. Meet at 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. hike. For more information, go online at http://www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs/pawsonpath/viewcat.asp.
Mourning a pet
For those grieving over the loss of a pet, a support group will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Hawaiian Humane Society. To attend, call 946-2187, ext. 217.
Click for online
calendars and events.
