Four Paws and Trails

26/05/2025

🏞️TIME WITH MY OWN… and Miss B!🫶🏻

14/05/2025

⚠️ Heatstroke in Dogs: Know the Signs & Act Fast! ⚠️

I’m not going to keep going on about heat and your dogs…. I know people will still take their dogs when they shouldn’t!! 😠
I just want everyone to know the signs of heatstroke so you’re aware and can take quick action!!

☀️ Hot weather can be dangerous for our furry friends, no matter their age, abilities, skull structure or size!
Dogs don’t sweat like humans; they only sweat from their paw pad area. (Tarmac will be hot! Paws will be hot and burned. They can overheat quickly within minutes of being outside. Here’s what to watch for and how to keep your companion safe:

🥵 Early Signs of Heatstroke:
• Excessive panting or drooling
• Restlessness or agitation
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Fast heart rate

Advanced Symptoms (Emergency!):
• Vomiting or diarrhoea (sometimes blood is present)
• Gasping for breath!
• Staggering, weakness, or collapse
• Seizures
• Unresponsiveness
• A dog's temperature above 40.5°C (104.9°F) indicates a serious problem 🌡️

What to Do:
1. Move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately.
2. Offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water. 💧
3. Wet their paws with cool water 💦
4. Call your vet or emergency clinic ASAP. On transport, please place them in the coolest area with a wet towel on them. NOT IN FRONT OF THE AIRCON! 🏥

😎Let’s keep our companions cool and safe this summer! Share this to spread awareness.

11/05/2025

🌟EXCITING NEWS🌟

🌟 FOCUS Workshop & Paw-spective Experience 🌟
Are you ready to take your bond with your dog to the next level?
Whether you're building trust, fine-tuning skills, or just looking for a deeper connection, this is your moment. 💛🐾

Join us for a unique experience that blends behaviour insights with calm, enriching Free Work. Watch your dog explore, learn, and thrive through sensory play, and take home a personalised video and feedback to keep the learning alive.

✨ Past client of Four Paws Training Academy or Canine Vibe?
You're invited to our Skills For Life Club.... designed just for you!
Keep growing with us as we explore real-life skills, positive training, and lasting connections.

Let’s continue the journey together — with heart, purpose, and paws in sync. 🐶💫

01/05/2025

⭐️👏🏻 WELL DONE! 👏🏻⭐️

A massive well done to all the amazing dog caregivers who chose to walk their companions early this morning, late this evening, or not at all today!

You’ve been the best advocate for your dog by being heat-aware.
Your care and consideration haven’t gone unnoticed — thank you for putting your dog’s wellbeing first!

Tomorrow, I won’t be saying a word about the heat (classic British weather — it’s cooling down!).
I even found myself enjoying a little stand in the rain this evening!

Stay kind, stay aware ☀️🫶🏻💡🫵🏻

01/05/2025

PLEASE DO READ…

Heatstroke! As always with this topic advice changes! As vets we hear differing advice and scientific reviews. I will update some of my teaching materials to explain this.

I still feel not rushing the cooling method is appropriate as a pet owner and/or professional - wetting the ears, and abdomen, putting ice packs (wrapped in a thin cloth) on the groin, armpits, spine and abdomen, moving into a shaded area, offering cool water and using a cold wet towel on the body but NOT allowing that towel to dry out. Also using cool water on the feet as it is another place dogs loose heat as well as panting. Then getting vet treatment ASAP!

Some advice now suggests a rapid cooling method using cold water all over the body to quickly cool the dog. This will lead to vasoconstriction with a potential risk of shock, something your vet can do if they feel it is appropriate and deal with any side effects of that. They may well tell you to do that if you call them and let them know you are on your way. But often you are not aware that heatstroke is the problem.

Your job is not to treat or sit and wait, it is to start the cooling process and get to your vet immediately. Their advice maybe to pour very cold water on your dog (follow that advice), but starting the above process will make a difference.

As always prevention is better so avoid over exertion warmer days...

30/04/2025

🥵☀️

21/04/2025

😊TIME WITH MY OWN! 🐕‍🦺

…. And Miss S!

Secure field time at Burbage Secure Dog Walking Field. Then a cuppa at Acorns Coffee Shop with Mr D!

🤔 For all the people that know me to well…
Yes, I’m sitting outside drinking my coffee, watching people and their companies. I’m NOT educating people about there dogs. There has been a few looks from Mr D to say DONT! This is a very rare situation! I’m very proud of myself!! 😆

20/04/2025

I’ll just leave this here….

Chocolate poisoning is particularly common at this time of year, especially with the large amounts of Easter eggs that may be around your home.

It’s essential to take proactive steps to ensure your dog’s safety around chocolate:

1️⃣ Keep all chocolate out of reach: Make sure that all chocolate products are securely stored in places where your dog cannot access them.
2️⃣ Avoid involving your dog in Easter egg hunts. Keep your dog away from the hunt area and thoroughly check that all chocolate eggs have been found.
3️⃣ Resist the temptation to share chocolate with your dog: Despite their pleading eyes, refrain from feeding your dog any chocolate, as it can be harmful to their health.
4️⃣ Consider homemade dog treats: Treat your dog to homemade treats using safe ingredients.

Dogs with chocolate poisoning may initially be sick, have stomach pain or an upset stomach. If enough chocolate is eaten then the effects can be severe or even fatal.

Additionally, be mindful of chocolate foil wrappers, as they can cause obstructions if ingested. Signs of obstruction may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, constipation, or difficulty passing stool.

⚠️If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention promptly to ensure your dog’s well-being⚠️

19/04/2025

🏞️DO YOU KNOW OF ANYWHERE?🤔

18/04/2025

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