MASTIFFS IN NEED OR DISTRESS

TAKING YOUR DOG ON HOLIDAY

Please ensure that you have a tag made up with the address where you are staying and a contactable telephone number ie a mobile number if you leave on his usual tag and he goes missing whilst on holiday there will be no one at home to take the call should he be found, the same applies if your dog is to go to boarding kennels whilst you are away so in that case have a tag engraved with the address of the kennels and telephone number and also your own mobile number also if your dog is microchipped give the kennels your dogs microchip number in case he escapes, if this occurs whilst on holiday with you inform the chip company immediately  your dog goes missing giving your current location.

PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM BEING STOLEN

Companion animal theft is unfortunately a serious problem in this country. The number of companion animals that are stolen from backyards and from outside stores and supermarkets increases dramatically throughout Spring, Summer and Fall. Even the "safest" neighbourhoods are not immune to this growing problem. The bottom line is: never leave your dog unsupervised if there is any risk that your dog could be poisoned, drugged or stolen.

If your dog is lost or stolen contact your local dog warden and police and report him missing immediately, ask the dog warden which kennels has the council contract to take in stray dogs and contact and visit them to check if your dog is there, do not rely on giving a description over the phone. If your dog is microchipped contact the chip registration company and ensure that your contact details are up to date. 

Make up posters stating that your dog is missing and where possible offer a reward for its return put these in high traffic areas surrounding the area in which your dog was lost/stolen ie near schools bus stops traffic lights to get a maximum of people to see them, include a picture of your dog where possible 

contact your local Rescues they are often approached by people who have found a dog or told of a dog that is seen roaming

when searching for your dog ask as many people as possible if they have seen your dog and at what time also which direction your dog was travelling in it can help build a picture of here to search.

Search at night as well as during the day, there is less traffic and people noise then and a dog is more likely to hear you call. also a dog that is scared is more likely to  come out of hiding when its surroundings are quieter.

PLEASE get your dog microchipped NOW before anything happens, microchips have helped to reunite many owners with their dogs

DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS
Leaving your dog in a parked car in the summer (even with the window left a few inches open), can cause heatstroke within minutes. Note: Leaving your dog in a car parked in the shade does not assure that your dog will not become seriously overheated. Shaded cars may still get very hot due to the the greenhouse effect, and the sun may also move enough to change shaded areas into sunny ones. Dogs left in parked cars also risk being stolen.

General Info: Heat exhaustion is often caused by over-exercising or running with a dog during hot weather. Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure or even death in a short period of time.  Short muzzled or thick-coated breeds and mixes are particularly vulnerable, although any breed may be at risk, particularly black dogs. Always bring cool water along when walking, running or hiking with your dog during hot weather. To cool off an overheated dog, offer him plenty of water, then wet the dog's body and paws with cool water, then fan. A dog's normal internal body temperature is between 100.5 degrees F and 02 degrees F. Heatstroke is life threatening for dogs. Signs to watch for are: heavy, loud breathing, staggering gait, bright red gum tissue and tongue. If heatstroke is suspected, try to cool your dog down as quickly as possible with cool but not cold water, so as not to shock the dogs system and seek veterinary care quickly as this is a medical emergency.

 If your pet is kept outdoors for any length of time during summer, make sure he has a shaded place and plenty of fresh water to drink. Your pet will need much more water in the summer to replenish what he loses by panting. Many dogs also enjoy swimming for exercise and to cool down, though they should not be allowed to swim in canals or slow moving water as there is an increased risk of leptospirosis and although dogs are vaccinated against this as part of their vaccination course they are only vacced against the more common strains and there is doubt that the vacc lasts more than six months, this is a terrible illness and often results in death.  Please do not allow your dogs off lead near a canal as the high sides prevent your dog being able to climb out if he should fall in

Heatstroke is life threatening for dogs. Signs to watch for are: heavy, loud breathing, staggering gait, bright red gum tissue and tongue. If heatstroke is suspected, try to cool your dog down as quickly as possible with cool but not cold water, so as not to shock the dogs system and seek veterinary care quickly as this is a medical emergency.