Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates’
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Volunteering your time or talents to improve the lives of those in need is a worthy cause, but adding a four-legged friend to the mix takes philanthropy to the next level. Volunteering with your pet is a wonderful way to give back to your community and bond with your pet at the same time. What could be better than that?

6 Ideas for Volunteering with Your Pet

There are plenty of opportunities for you and your pet to make a positive change in your community. Depending on your pet’s personality and the amount of time you have, any of the following options might be the right fit:

Pet heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that affects all pets regardless of age, species or breed. The symptoms are most common when the weather is hot and humid, but can also result from strenuous over-exertion or confinement in tight spaces (like a parked car). This means that even though the season’s changing from summer to fall, pets remain at risk. Prevention is definitely the key, but immediate recognition and treatment are critical toward a positive outcome.

Taking Stock

Pet heat stroke happens when the body cannot regulate body temperature. Impacting the entire body, pet heat stroke can damage the nervous system, alter normal cellular and enzymatic functions, injure the tissue, and collapse circulation. Left alone, internal temperatures hovering over 106 degrees can result in fatality.

As mentioned, all animals can suffer from heat stroke, but some pets, like those with short muzzles, the young and senior pets, and those with other health issues are more prone.

Due to the prevalence of holiday-related pet emergencies, a significant emphasis must be placed on prevention. The weeks between Halloween and Valentine’s Day are full of potential hazards to our pets, and incidents peak around New Year’s Eve. It’s not just the food, drinks, noise, and weather, but the combination of all potential dangers can result in terrible consequences. On a night that’s supposed to be celebratory and hopeful, keep pet safety measures in focus.