All 4 Paws Inc

Heat Stroke: Let’s talk about the signs
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➡️ Heat stroke in pets can manifest through behavioral changes, excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and physical signs like bright red gums or rapid heart beat

Behavioral Changes⤵️
•Lethargy/weakness (reluctance to move or exercise)
•Seeking shade, cool surfaces, or water
•Restlessness, agitation, pacing
•Disorientation/confusion
•Staggering/difficulty walking

Respiratory and Salivary signs⤵️
•Excessive panting/drooling
•Foaming at the mouth
•Open-mouth breathing

Cardiovascular and physical signs⤵️
•Rapid heartbeat or irregular pulse
•Bright red and darkened gums
•Warm or hot skin - can sometimes be dry or flushed
•Swelling or signs of dehydration

Gastrointestinal signs⤵️
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea
•No appetite

Neurological signs⤵️
•Dizziness, disorientation, unsteady gait
•Seizures
•Collapse

Things to note for species specific⤵️

🐶Particularly at risk if brachycephalic, obese, elderly, young, or long haired - Panting is the primary cooling mechanism

🐱Signs are often subtle; may groom excessively to cool, hide, or seek cooler surfaces

🦜🐓Rapid breathing, wing spreading, weakness, reluctance to move

Stay tuned for tomorrow, we will talk about what actions to take if you believe a pet is experiencing heat stroke

📞 Call us today at 502-370-4086 if you have any questions regarding heat stroke

Who is most at risk for heat stroke?
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Brachycephalic breeds ➡️ (aka flat-faced breeds). Bulldogs, pugs, boxers, boston terriers, persians, and some shih-tzus have airway structures that make panting less efficient. This reduces their ability to cool down, especially during exertion or in high heat

Overweight or Obese pets ➡️ excess body fat acts as an insulator, which traps heat and makes it harder to dissipate. Obese pets are also prone to respiratory strain, which further limits cooling

Young and Senior Animals ➡️ puppies + kittens have underdeveloped thermoregulation systems, while older pets often have chronic health issues that impair heat dissipation

Animals with pre-existing conditions ➡️ pets with heart disease, respiratory disorders, kidney diseases, or upper airway problems are at a higher risk because their bodies cannot efficiently regulate temperature

Small animals ➡️ small species have higher metabolic rates, meaning they generate MORE body heat relative to their size, making them more prone to overheating (rodents, exotics)

All animals can suffer heat stroke, but the ones listed above are most at risk.

☎️ Call us today at 502-370-4086 if you have any questions or concerns regarding heat stroke

Stay tuned for tomorrow, we will be talking about the signs and symptoms of heat stroke.

You all know the heat and humidity has been no joke in Kentucky this year🐶☀️

This week we will be talking about heat stroke - what it is, the signs and symptoms, what to do if your pet is exhibiting symptoms, and how to prevent heat stroke.

What is Heat Stroke? ⬇️
Heat stroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises above 104 degrees F - The body’s cooling system fails and leads to rapid organ damage if not treated immediately. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can be fatal

How do pet’s regulate temperature? ➡️ Dogs cool themselves primarily by panting and limited sweating through their paw pads. They do not have the ability to sweat like humans. Cats also do not sweat like humans - they generally cool themselves by seeking a cool environment and grooming. Felines do have sweat glands around their paw pads, lips, chin, and around the a**s but sweating is very minimal and not sufficient in major cooling.

Stay tuned for tomorrow, we will be talking about the pet’s most at risk for heatstroke🥵

Meet Oakley😍

This sweet boy came in for his next round of puppy shots today and we cannot get enough of that smooshy cute face!

Talk about a cute duo! 😍

Meet Titan and his sister, Peggy! These two pups came in today for their annuals and we couldn’t love them more! Welcome to the All 4 Paws family! 🐾

Long-awaited Ranger update ❤️

For those unfamiliar, Ranger came to us in March after being brought in by a good samaritan. Ranger had extensive injuries, a severe tick infestation (Lyme and Erlichia positive), and a brachial plexus injury which affected his ability to walk. Due to the extent of his brachial plexus injury, we thought his leg would have to be amputated; but Ranger proved us wrong.

Over the past few months, Ranger has made a complete 360. His injuries have healed, his tick borne diseases have been treated, and he is now able to use his leg. When Ranger came in, he was terrified. He spent most of his days cowering, and would flinch at any sudden sound or movement. Staff worked hard to gain his trust, spending countless days tending to his injuries and attempting to teach him that not all humans are bad, and with every day it got a little better.

Now, Ranger is a completely different dog. He plays. He gets excited. He butt wiggles to go on walks and does a happy dance for his breakfast. He gets the zoomies. He loves other dogs and cats - he truly is an incredible dog. The condition Ranger came to us in was heartbreaking. Every single individual tail wag was a win. Watching him realize that we are here to love him has been the most rewarding feeling. We are now working on basic training and manners - like leash walks, car rides, and sit. We believe he has some trauma regarding cars, but he continues to show us how brave he is. The clinic has become Ranger’s safe space, and the staff have become his people. He is still slightly weary of strangers and new places - but he has made so much progress and we know he can make so much more.

With that being said, Ranger is ready to find his forever home. Ranger’s ideal home would be somewhere that has a lot of patience and a lot of love. While Ranger has met children and been good with them, we believe an older-kid or adult only home would be the most ideal for him as loud noises can overwhelm him. Definitely a place with another dog or two for him to play with! Ranger is a dog that has been through so much trauma, and he deserves a peaceful and loving environment. He deserves a human who acknowledges the trauma he’s been through, and will work with him to continue gaining trust and help him to become a dog who never has to worry again. All of us here at All 4 Paws love Ranger, and we are truly so thankful for each and every one of you who has donated and checked in on our boy.

Please call us at 502-370-4086 if you are interested in receiving an application to adopt Ranger 🤍🐶

Meet Suki🐶

This sweet girl came to us to start her puppy vaccine series, and she already has all of us wrapped around her little paw! 🐾

Welcome to the All 4 Paws family!

Bordetella in Canines🐶

What is it? ⬇️
Bordetella Bronchiseptica is a bacterium that affects the respiratory system of canines. This bacterium is the leading cause of kennel cough

How is it spread? ➡️ Bordetella is transmitted through aerosol droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces like food bowls or toys

Is my dog at risk? 🐶❓
Dogs that frequently interact with other dogs are at a higher risk of contracting the infection - If your dog attends dog parks, boarding facilities, or grooming facilities, they are at a higher risk of contracting bordetella

Treatment and prevention🩺💊💉
Most bordetella cases are mild and can resolve on their own - however, if symptoms persist, your veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants or antibiotics. The bordetella vaccine is considered a non-core vaccine as it is primarily recommended for dogs that are frequently exposed to other canines

If your dog is at risk of catching Bordetella, give us a call today at 502-370-4086 to schedule your pet’s visit for their vaccine!
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Kentucky is under an extreme heat warning. Please stay educated and aware and keep your animal’s safe during this weather.

If it’s too hot for you to walk on the pavement, it’s too hot for them⬇️
-Pavement and asphalt heat up significantly faster than the air, which often reaches 125-140 degrees F during the day. This kind of heat can SEVERELY blister and burn your pet’s paws in as little as 60 seconds.
-Plan your pet’s walks. Early in the morning and late at night. Seek out grass and utilize dog booties.

❌🚙Do not leave your pet in the car
-it is never safe to leave your pet in a parked car, even for just a few minutes. Dogs can develop life threatening heat stroke in less than 10 minutes on a mild summer day
-Dogs cool themselves by panting, which becomes ineffective in a hot, humid, enclosed space like a car. The greenhouse effect traps heat inside, making cracked windows or shaded parking ineffective

💧 🐶Fresh water and shade
-If possible, keep your pet indoors in air conditioned spaces during this heat.
-Ensure your pet has 24/7 access to fresh water and shade (outside and indoors)

Know the signs of heat stroke⬇️
Early Warning Signs:
-Excessive panting
-Thick, sticky drooling
-Bright red tongue and mucous membranes
-Hot skin to the touch
-Increased heart rate
-Restlessness, hyperactivity, difficulty maintaining balance
-Dry nose, sunken eyes, and tiredness
Moderate to severe symptoms:
-Confusion and disorientation
-Muscle spasms
-Vomiting /or diarrhea
-Collapse
-Fainting
-Seizures
-Loss of consciousness
-Pale, white, or blue gums

At the first sign of heat stroke, move the dog to a shaded and cool area immediately. Offer small sips of cool water (Do NOT force). Wet the belly, groin, and neck with a damp towel. Monitor temperature and call an emergency vet immediately. Heat stroke is life threatening and can also result in very serious complications.

If you have any questions regarding heat stroke or heat safety, please call us at 502-370-4086 ☎️

Paws up for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention!

Our sweet patient, Lilo, came in for her annual appointment and got all of her flea, tick and heartworm prevention! Now Lilo can continue stealing everyone’s heart and stay protected while doing it!

Call us today at 502-370-4086 to schedule your pet’s annual visit ❤️🐶