Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
What You Need to Know About Pet First Aid
Did you know that April is “National Pet First Aid Awareness Month”?
In light of this, this post will discuss some important pet first aid tips that every pet parent should have at the ready. To avoid feeling panicked and unprepared in the face of medical mishaps it is helpful to become familiar with the necessary information beforehand.
Pet first aid is not a replacement for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until such care is available.
Bleeding (external)
If you notice your pet is bleeding, muzzle your pet as safely and comfortably as possible before addressing the wound. Then, press a clean gauze pad over the wound and apply pressure with your hand until the blood begins to clot. This will take several minutes. If the bleeding is severe and on your pet’s legs, apply a tourniquet using gauze between the wound and the body. Apply a bandage to the wound and consistent pressure. Once you have performed this essential first aid, get your pet to the veterinarian immediately as severe bleeding can be life threatening.
Bleeding (internal)
Symptoms of internal bleeding include pale gums, bleeding from the nose or mouth, collapse, blood in the urine, weak and rapid pulse, and coughing up blood. If you notice your pet exhibiting any of these symptoms keep them as warm as possible and in a quiet place. Seek immediate medical attention.
Heatstroke
Pets are at highest risk of heatstroke when left alone in a car on warm days. The temperature can rise very quickly inside of a vehicle and can become dangerous even when outside it doesn’t feel all that hot. Be sure to never leave your pet alone in the car on a warm day.
Should your pet be exhibiting signs of heatstroke for any reason, immediately move them to a shaded area out of direct sunlight. Place a cool, wet towel around your pet’s head and neck, being sure not to cover their eyes, nose, or mouth. Use a hose to rinse the pet’s body continuously with cold water, focusing especially on the belly and between the hind legs. Use your hands to sweep the water away from your pet’s body as the water absorbs the excess heat. Make sure your pet is seen by a vet as soon as possible.
Poisons/Toxins
While it is no surprise that most products and substances harmful to humans are also harmful to pets, there are common foods and household items which can be dangerous for pets as well. It may be helpful to keep a list of foods, products, and plants in your home or town which could cause your pet harm.
If a toxic product has come in contact with your pet’s eyes or skin treat your pet as you would your own eyes or skin if they encountered such a product. Read the label’s instructions. If the label advises to wash affected areas with soap and water, then this is the same treatment advised for pets.
If you know or suspect your pet has consumed something harmful (symptoms include difficulty breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness), contact your veterinarian. In the case of after-hours emergencies, you can contact the Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435) 24/7. There may be a fee for the consultation.
Shock
Symptoms of shock include dazed eyes, weak pulse, nervousness, and shallow breathing. Shock usually occurs following a severe injury or trauma. If your pet is experiencing symptoms of shock, keep them safely restrained, warm, and quiet. If they are unconscious, be sure to keep their head level with the rest of their body. An animal in shock is in extreme danger and needs to be treated by a vet.
Seizures
If your pet is having a seizure, keep them away from any objects or furniture that may hurt them. Do not try to restrain the pet. Sit with them to insure they are kept safe and be sure to time the seizure. They typically last about 2-3 minutes. After the seizure has stopped your pet will be tired, disoriented, and may need to go to the bathroom. Keep them warm and comfortable as they recover.
Depending upon the severity, a seizure may not necessarily require medical attention. It is important to communicate the length, details, and condition of any seizure activity to your vet either by phone or in person.
These are just a few medical emergencies you may encounter at some point as a pet parent. Of course, we always hope to never need this information, but it is certainly best to be prepared, Next week we will continue to discuss first aid situations for pets in honor of “National Pet First Aid Awareness Month” and spread the news about how to better keep our pets safe.
When it comes to our precious fur-kids, we can never be too informed!
Ashley Gustafson
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gustafson.31Instagram (@ashikiwoman)
What’s In Your Backyard 04.18.2021
We live in a rural area of Massachusetts, on 3 acres and surrounded by woods and hay fields. We set up trail cameras on our property to catch the action that we can't regularly see.
The deer, coyote, and fisher cat live in the area and are regular visitors captured on our trail cam. The fox is new to our camera as he checks out the deer, who look unconcerned.
From time to time, I catch my cat, Layla Jingle Paws, sister of Milo Meow (named by our granddaughter) on the trail cam, right in the same spot as the coyotes, and other animals. Luckily, their paths have not crossed and hopefully don't.
What's in your backyard?
What Is Reiki??
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese healing system created by Mikao Usui. The system was intended for spiritual cultivation, healing and enlightenment with no principles or doctrines tied to any specific religion.
Today, the system has involved into a healing practice that uses specific Japanese meditation practices and breathing techniques.
Reiki has been utilized as a healing technique for people in many medical settings. Reiki's success with people has opened up this healing support holistic system for animals.
What Does Reiki Do?
Reiki can:
~ Maintain health & well-being on the physical, mental & emotional level
~ Induce deep relaxation & stress relief
~ Accelerate healing for illness & injuries
~ Help abused animals heal from past mental/physical trauma
~ Compliment conventional & alternative therapies
~ Lessen the side effects of other medical treatments
~ Supports the dying process
(Source: The Animal Reiki Handbook by Kathleen Prasad and Sara Members)
Coming Soon: Reiki & Animals
Check back next week to learn more about Reiki & Animals, differences in the practice with animals (versus people) and why it is an ideal holistic therapy for animals.
Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA)
After recently receiving my certification in Level 1 Animal Reiki ~ Let Animals Lead Method, I am very excited to join The Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA) and become a SARA Practitioner.
SARA is a nonprofit organization created to bring Reiki energy healing to sanctuary and shelter animals. SARA's mission is to raise awareness of the benefits that Reiki can provide for shelter and rescue animals. Our goal is to create a healing and harmonic energetic space to promote stress-relief and relaxation, supporting healing possibilities on all levels for both the animals and their caregivers.
To learn more about SARA visit the Shelter Animal Reiki Association web site.
As a SARA practitioner, I have made a volunteer commitment offering Reiki treatments for local shelters, sanctuaries and rescues. If you are local (MA) and interested in learning more, please reach out to me by email or text:
[email protected]
or text 774-826-8118.
"The Let Animals Lead® method of Animal Reiki teaches animal-guided healing through meditation. This unique perspective on healing helps humans support animals. Techniques teach practitioners how to support their animals through difficult times with peaceful acceptance, through letting go of judgment, worries, the need to fix and the need to control outcome". (Source: https://animalreikisource.com/animal-reiki-information/what-is-animal-reiki/
As a SARA Practitioner, in working with the animals, I follow these guidelines:
• I work in partnership with the animal.
• I always ask permission of the animal before beginning, and respect his or her decision to accept or refuse any treatment. I listen intuitively and observe the animal’s body language in determining the response.
• I allow each animal to choose how to receive his or her treatment; thus each treatment could be a combination of hands-on, short distance and/or distant healing, depending on the animal’s preference.
• I let go of my expectations about how the treatment should progress and/or how the animal should behave during the treatment, and simply trust Reiki.
• I accept the results of the treatment without judgment and with gratitude toward Reiki and the animal’s openness and participation in the process.
Check back often to learn more about Animal Reiki and the amazing work of SARA. We will be sharing a lot more in the days to come.
Master Blaster: Featured Product
The health of our family and animals is always a top priority when choosing household products. Finding effective toxin free alternatives is not always easy; however there is an option ... Master Blaster! This single product can replace both your stain removers and air fresheners and is natural and toxin free!
We may not be able to eliminate all the hazards we face daily, but we can create a toxin free home environment at an affordable cost!
We offer many great products but this one is a must for households with children and animals! If you give it a try, you won't be disappointed!!
This super-hero cleaner is here to save the day, naturally! It blasts stains. Eliminates odors. Freshens fabrics and furniture. Deodorizes sneakers and shoes. And so much more – without harmful chemicals.
Made with all-natural ingredients, eco-friendly, and safe around kids and pets. This plant-based multi-enzyme formula works within minutes to break down stains (even red wine!) and eliminate odors. Color will vary from bottle to bottle.
ingredients: water (purified), organic grape alcohol, enzymes (mannase, lipase, cellulose, protease), vegetable glycerin (kosher, non GMO), coco glucoside, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), medica limonum (organic lemon) essential oil, rosmarinus officinalis (organic rosemary) leaf essential oil, citric acid.
Interested in hosting a virtual gathering AND earning free rewards!
Email [email protected] or text 774-826-8118 for more info.
Pets and Seasonal Allergies
As the seasons change, many of us humans suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms of seasonal allergies and our pets are no different! There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy now that spring has sprung from hiking the trails to swimming and gardening. It is unfortunate that pesky allergens seem to lurk around the corner of every beautiful flower and freshly mowed lawn, but it certainly doesn’t have to keep us from getting out and experiencing all the sights and smells that the season has to offer. Instead, we can simply be mindful as to how these allergens affect our pets and some simple, natural ways we can mitigate the symptoms of their presence.
Although our pets can’t use words to tell us when allergies are making them uncomfortable, there are some signs we can look out for. Many symptoms that pets experience when it comes to allergies are not all that different from those experienced by humans. Although only a vet or wellness professional can know for sure if your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies, some of the most commons signs are:
• Runny nose
• Rashes
• Licking paws
• Excessive chewing and/or scratching
• Inflamed skin
• Sneezing (more often than usual)
• Itchiness
• Watery eyes
• Hair loss
In order to help our pets stay more comfortable during allergy season, there are some simple things we can do at home that can make a big difference. To alleviate some of the itching, it is helpful to bathe pets regularly. For those with dry or irritated skin, a medicated or calming type of shampoo can be used. Regular bathing helps remove allergens from the skin and coat, but too much bathing can also dry out a dog’s skin. So, aim to bathe your dog about once a week during allergy season to keep him looking his best!
Another easy thing to do is wipe or rinse your pet’s feet off before coming inside, especially after playing or taking walks. If you notice your pet chewing at their toes it may be due to allergens, and a simple rinse can go a long way.
To keep your home clear of dirt, pollen, and other irritants, be sure to wash your pet’s bedding regularly. It is important your pet can sleep in a clean place that is free of these allergens. Each week, run all bedding through the washing machine and vacuum and shampoo carpets anywhere your pet spends a lot of time.
This will not only keep the entire environment more comfortable for your pet but also cleaner for you and reducing allergy symptoms for any affected humans in the household.
The immune system can be under heavy stress when dealing with seasonal allergies, so be sure to maintain a healthy diet for you and your pets. Eating local and spending time outside in your local area will help the body become accustomed over time to the natural allergens present around you.
If after implementing some of these simple changes your pet still appears to be uncomfortable and itchy due to allergies, consult your pet’s wellness professional for further information. Sometimes a small dose of antihistamine can provide a lot of relief, but it is up to you and your vet to decide if that is best. Always approach giving any medication to pets with caution and, whenever possible, solve problems the natural way.
Seasonal allergies can certainly be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and even painful at times but this shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the fun and beauty of spring with your pets! By looking out for the symptoms of allergies and implementing some safe and natural changes to your routine, you and your pets can conquer the springtime and be rolling in the grass and sniffing the flowers without a watery eye or stuffy nose in sight!
Ashley Gustafson
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gustafson.31
Instagram (@ashikiwoman)
Galileo!!
“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
― Karen Davison
Meet Galileo!
This handsome boy is a 5 year old American Staffordshire Terrier/Great Dane mix and has been with his wonderful friends at Suruluna Rescue for 3 years. In this time, many of his friends have come and then gone to their new forever homes ... and he patiently waits for his turn .... hoping he will be next to find his very own forever family.
Galileo's Background:
Galileo was listed for euthanasia at an NYC shelter. His life was spared and he was adopted, but sadly to the wrong person. What might have been a "happily ever after" turned into a nightmare of abuse for this undeserving boy.
Galileo ultimately ended up at Suruluna, a safe haven for him to heal and find peace as he recovered from the mistreatment and injuries caused by the abuse and excessive and improper use of a prong and shock collar.
About Galileo:
Galileo is a strong, obedient boy who shows zero aggression.
He needs someone who is gentle and loving but firm.
Help us find this boy his forever home.
Home is where the heart is and this beautiful heart is looking for his forever home!
You can't change a dog's past but you can rewrite his future.
Please join us in this mission to spread the word of Galileo and help him find his forever home!
For more information on this handsome boy, please contact:
Suruluna Rescue: (917) 533-0701
Email: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.Suruluna.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suruluna
Sidewalk Update!
Now that the better weather has arrived -
Sidewalk's wheels are oiled and she's ready to go!
Sidewalk loves walking and being with people!
The Pawsitive Cause Project, Inc is helping provide CBD oil to Sidewalk and other dogs in need. We can make a difference one dog at a time!
To learn more about Sidewalk, visit the Suruluna Rescue Facebook page!
Visit our Sidewalk page to learn more about this sweet girl.
The Diary of Dougal
Meet Dougal! We invite you to share in his story and adventures.
The Beginning:
Our cat Neo lived for almost twenty years. He was a handsome fellow who had many (mis) adventures,...but that’s another story ...for another day. We all loved him dearly and the decision to say goodbye was a very, very difficult one, but we knew he was in great discomfort. We shed many tears on that day, but we also cherished the countless happy memories.
We had always told our children that it wouldn’t be fair on Neo to get a younger puppy since he was such an elderly gentleman. When we said goodbye we waited for a time and then put it out there that we were interested in adopting a dog. I knew that throughout the pandemic both dogs and cats were being adopted at record levels so I expected the whole process to take months but, through a stroke of serendipity, we heard of Dougal. His huge soulful eyes and mischievous air had us all hooked.
Dougal (it means “little dark stranger” in Irish) is a Cunucu breed and he comes from Aruba. On the island these dogs are often left to fend for themselves and several rescues have been established. We saw the profile of our little man on the Sgt. Pepper’s Friends site. We instantly fell in love.
We submitted an application and kept everything crossed. After some back and forth we finally got the final word…Dougal was flying over to live with us! My husband and I were giddy with excitement, but we decided to keep the final word from our kids. It would be a lovely surprise.
And so it was, on that fateful and chilly night, we set off for Logan Airport in Boston. We had fibbed to our kids and said that we were picking up a friend of a friend. They were a little baffled, bit they took it in stride.
My husband ran in to arrivals to fetch Dougal from the very kind people who had accompanied him to us. He was tiny, nervous and shivering. It had been a very busy day for an eleven-week old pup!
As we waited in the car the kids had no idea what awaited them ...they were completely “gobsmacked” when they saw Dougal. I had tears in my eyes as they held him.
That first night was pretty magical as we got to know him…and he got to know us! The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. Dougal is slowly, but surely gaining a little more confidence every day. He now barks at the Fedex guy. We think he thinks he is protecting us…and it couldn’t be any cuter.
We are just getting started though! There is so much to do and lots of training. I plan on trying to record it all. I’m a first time doggo Mom and I’m eager to memorialize it.
I really hope you’ll join me in our Dougal escapades.
There are going to be a lot of learning moments…and a lot of fun...’til next time.
