thefirstfriend

[thefirstfriend]

Splish Splash

(via)

[thefirstfriend]

Howdy neighbour

(via)

[thefirstfriend]

stop what you're doing right now and look at archaic period terracotta fox scratching its head

ok you can continue

[thefirstfriend]

Having dogs to go adventure with is such a gift.

[thefirstfriend]

Golden Lady 2019

Blueksy / Website / Youtube / Instagram

[thefirstfriend]

Thank you Benny

[thefirstfriend]

Frank Stick, Hunting Dog

[thefirstfriend]

To add to the above, if you (or someone else) have signs of heatstroke, stop what you’re doing, get inside or in shade, cool down with any means available, hydrate, and get to a doctor or call emergency services because heatstroke is a medical emergency.

And because it is even more overlooked and missed, here’s the signs of heatstroke in dogs. Remember, your dog cannot and will not tell you it is hot or dying.

Early Signs

Heavy panting and rapid breathing

Excessive drooling

Dry mucous membranes

Bright red gums and tongue

Skin that’s hot to the touch

Higher heart rate

Hyperactivity, but potentially also difficulty maintaining balance

Worsening Signs (get them cool ASAP, then get to a vet)

Hyperventilation

Pale mucous membranes

White or blue gums

Very rapid heartrate, sometimes with irregular pulse

Dilated pupils

Muscle tremors

Lethargy or unwillingness to move

Uncontrollable bladder and bowels

Collapse or fainting

Comatose, then death

(Keep in mind, not all signs may occur or be obvious, so don’t think your dog is in the clear if only a few symptoms are happening.)

How to Treat (a lot of this applies to humans and other animals too FYI)

Immediately stop any activity if you notice any of the above signs and walk or carry your dog to a well-ventilated and cool area

Spray or sponge your dog with cool or tepid water, especially on the underside (NOTE: some experts say immersing dogs in very cold water is dangerous due to risk of blood vessel constriction and shock making things worse, while others say it is safe and the fastest way to cool them off, so tread carefully; I am no expert, but from what I gathered across sources, it seems like cool or tepid water may be best if available, but cold water can be fine for healthy dogs in their prime, and either way the priority is still to cool the dog down ASAP)

Use a fan to blow cool air on your dog

It is best to bring your dog to the vet as soon as they cool down (ESPECIALLY if they had any of the worsening signs) — complications don’t always occur right away and severely affected dogs require fluids, medication, support, and oxygen

How to Prevent

It isn’t always obvious to people: limit outside time on hot days and try to walk, play, or train at cooler times of the day (early morning, late evening)

DO NOT LEAVE DOGS, BABIES, OR ANYTHING ALIVE INSIDE A CAR WHEN IT IS HOT/WARM OUT (cars can reach fatal temperatures in minutes depending on the sunshine and temperature outside, cars can reach fatal temperatures in even 60 degree weather, and cars can reach fatal temperatures even with windows cracked or open: HOT CARS ARE COFFINS!)

Make sure there is accessible shade

Make sure there is available cool, fresh water and refill as it as soon as it gets low (don’t wait until it’s empty)

Make sure your dog is taking plenty of breaks (if they aren’t, make them; if you can’t, it is time to stop the activity or go inside)

Some vets believe that if a dog has had heatstroke once, it is more likely to reoccur. Young, old, overweight, long-haired, and short-faced dogs are also more susceptible to heatstroke, as well as certain hyperactive or neurotic breeds, like border collies, that don’t like to stop and are known to drive themselves to exhaustion (and sometimes death) if a human doesn’t make them stop running around or put them inside.

Stay safe out there and keep your pets safe too.

y'all it's about to get really fucking humid and hot

[thefirstfriend]

He is a pianist

[thefirstfriend]

Took the dog on a walk and she finds this really good, strong fox scent. And she's having a great time sniffing and tracking this fox, really focused, nose to the ground.

And we know it's a fox, because about 6 feet ahead of us on the path is the fox, and she's following its exact trail. The only reason she didn't see the it was because she was too busy sniffing.

oh my god I LOVE dogs

[thefirstfriend]

Playmates

[thefirstfriend]

You know when dogs sit outside with their face turned towards the sun and their eyes closed and they look so relaxed and when you pet them they’re warm that’s how I want to feel always

[thefirstfriend]

Southern Dhole | Shamim Azam

[thefirstfriend]

Art museum priorities are in order.

[thefirstfriend]

Mountain Coyote | Savannah Rose