Today is National Rescue Dog Day! Founded in 2018, National Rescue Dog Day celebrates all dogs, from purebreds to Heinz-57 mixes, and encourages adoptions. There are hundreds of thousands of great dogs out there just waiting for their forever homes, and many more who have already been adopted. If you are looking to adopt now, you can start your search with our rescue partners at arcsrq.org/friends-family, or simply Google to find a rescue or shelter near you. Your new best friend is waiting! If you aren’t quite ready to adopt, consider fostering to give rescue dogs a good start. Can’t foster or adopt? Think about making a donation of money or supplies to a local shelter or rescue group in honor of National Rescue Dog Day. Do you have a rescue dog? Share their photo with us here! (fb)

Here in our part of Florida, the humidity is already quite high, and local vets are already seeing dogs that are severely overheated. Dogs don’t sweat; instead they pant when they are hot, and moisture from their lungs evaporates and cools them down. But when the humidity is high, there is less evaporation, and panting is less effective. So you may believe that as long as your dog is panting, he is cooling himself, but that is not the case if the humidity is high. Heatstroke can come on quickly, and the survival rate for dogs with heatstroke is low. Early signs of heatstroke signs include heavy panting, agitation, red gums or tongue, drooling and vomiting. Your dog may also have a rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing and glazed eyes. Move him into shade or indoors, cool him down with a hose or lay him on a wet towel, and head for a veterinary ER. Heatstroke can cause multiple organ failure and death. Be proactive rather than reactive. First, have your veterinarian show you how to take your dog’s temperature with a digital thermometer. Dog body temperatures usually run from 100 to 102.5 degrees. Remember that cooler times of the day are best for long walks and exercising, and limit those outings. Keep to shady areas as much as possible, and have water available at all times. Cooling vests, harnesses and bandanas are available on Amazon, or in local pet supply stores. (fb)