Dr Lew Faulkner (unofficial fan page)

06/23/2025

♥️♥️

Yesterday, we welcomed two incredibly deserving Muscovy ducks to Hope Haven. 🦆💛 These gentle birds are known for their quiet quacks, wagging tails, and calm, affectionate nature—and we’re so lucky to have a safe home to offer them.

But Muscovies are also the most commonly used breed in the foie gras industry, a practice we’re passionately against. At Hope Haven, we believe no animal should suffer for a luxury dish. That’s why we’ve proudly worked with to help pass a ban on foie gras within Pittsburgh city limits.

These two ducks are not just adorable—they’re ambassadors for change. 🕊️💪

06/23/2025

When the temperature rises during the onset of summer, it serves as a good time to review a few heat safety recommendations to keep your feline friends safe and comfortable.

The following are some guidelines for addressing this important issue. As always, your veterinarian is your best source of guidance if you have any questions or concerns about these recommendations or the well-being of your cat.

• Help to maintain hydration by assuring that fresh water is available at all times. Providing a running water source like a fountain may encourage some cats to drink more. Make sure that water is always available both indoors and outdoors for those cats that are allowed outside.
• Provide shaded areas for cats that are allowed outside. These may take the form of tress, umbrellas, sun sails, and/or indoor places to which a cat has access.
• Provide ice cubes for your cat to play with and cool down while doing so.
• Use cooling mats (available for purchase online and through other outlets). You can also make a cool space for cats to hang out in by wrapping ice packs in blankets.
• Keep cats indoors (if possible) in air-conditioned areas when extreme heat is forecast.
• Check sheds, garages, greenhouses, barns, and other outbuildings to make sure there are no places in which cats can become trapped.
• Use pet-safe sunscreen on the ear tips and nose of cats with light colored fur to help prevent skin cancer.

Know the signs of heat stroke, which can become life-threatening very quickly. These include:
• Weakness/collapse
• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you notice any of these, immediately place your cat in a cool area with a draft, gently wet her fur with cool (not very cold) water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Taking these easy steps and knowing what to watch out for can help assure that your cat is comfortable and safe during times of extreme heat.

Click the link below to learn more.
https://hubs.la/Q03sj0Zn0

06/23/2025

06/23/2025

Warmer weather brings dangerous conditions for our pets, please take all precautions!

- Every year there are horrible stories of dogs that die in hot cars. Even a temperature of 70 degrees can turn lethal for our pet in a vehicle. Keep them home! Keep them cool!
- Take care when you walk your pet. Hot asphalt can burn feet. If you cannot hold your hand to it comfortably, their paws will burn.
- Limit exposing your pet to exercise in warm weather. Dogs only sweat by panting and through their paws. They can over heat and suffer from heat exhaustion. Some breeds are especially susceptible to heat exhaustion.

06/22/2025

🌡☀ IT'S HOT OUT‼!☀ 🌡

Extreme heat can be downright dangerous for our beloved pets.
As we experience a stretch of excessive heat, don't forget about keeping your furry friends cool.

During warm weather, remember to play it safe and don’t leave your dog or cat in the car, even on a seemingly cooler day of 68 degrees. Here are some scary examples of how quickly your car can heat up inside, making it very dangerous for pets left inside.

🌡 On a 68 degree day, in 10 minutes your car can jump up 13 degrees to 81 degrees, and in 60 minutes your car can reach 115 degrees.

🌡 On an 82 degree day, in 10 minutes your car can reach 95 degrees and within 60 minutes your car can reach 129 degrees.

🌡 On a 90 degree day, in 10 minutes your car can reach 102 degrees and within 60 minutes your car can reach 136 degrees.

🌡 On a 97 degree day, in 10 minutes your car can reach 109 degrees and within 60 minutes your car can reach 144 degrees.

👉For more information on hot weather pet safety check out https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips
👉Data is from the American Meteorological Society. All degrees listed are Fahrenheit. Article and graphic from PetsBest.com (WCAS is not affiliated with PetsBest.com).

Dangerous high temps for the next few days, take good care of your pets and stay safe! ☀️

06/22/2025

Warmer weather brings dangerous conditions for our pets, please take all precautions!

How Hot is Too Hot?: The Dangers of Leaving Pets in Hot Cars

As the temperatures rise during the summer months, it's crucial to remember that leaving pets in hot cars can have deadly consequences. Even on a mild day, the interior of a car can quickly reach dangerous temperatures, putting pets at risk of heatstroke and death.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. **Heatstroke**: Pets, just like humans, can suffer from heatstroke when exposed to high temperatures for even short periods. Unlike humans, pets have limited ability to cool themselves down, making them more susceptible to overheating.

2. **Rapid Temperature Increase**: The temperature inside a parked car can soar rapidly, even with the windows cracked open. On a hot day, the interior temperature can reach levels that are life-threatening to pets within minutes.

3. **No Exceptions**: It's never safe to leave a pet in a parked car, even for a short period. Running a quick errand or thinking you'll be back soon is not worth the risk to your furry companion's life.

4. **Prevention**: If you must travel with your pet in the car, ensure they have access to fresh water, adequate ventilation, and never leave them unattended. Plan your trips accordingly to avoid leaving your pet in the car.

5. **Act Quickly**: If you see a pet left unattended in a hot car, take action immediately. Contact local authorities or animal control for assistance. Time is of the essence when it comes to saving a pet from heat-related emergencies.

Remember, our pets rely on us to keep them safe and healthy. Let's all do our part to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars and ensure their well-being during the hot summer months.

06/22/2025

The hot temps are returning and remember to keep your pet safe!

06/22/2025

06/22/2025

🎤🎼🗣"Summer's here and the time is right for...warm weather pet safety tips" Those are the lyrics to the song, right? Even days that don’t seem that hot to you can still pose risks to your pet. Being prepared can help keep your pet safe: https://bit.ly/3ZE7P3d

06/21/2025

After conducting MRI scans on dogs' brains, scientists discovered that dogs exhibit strong emotional connections with their owners, similar to how humans feel about their family members. The brain activity observed in response to their owner's scent and presence showed that dogs process these cues in areas linked to love and attachment. This research supports what many dog owners already believe—dogs don't just see us as caretakers, but as beloved members of their social family.

06/21/2025

We are facing a week of dangerous high temperatures! Be safe and take extra care of your pets!

There’s a lot to love about summer. Longer days and warmer temperatures mean it’s a great time to get outside – especially with our pets. Most owners – and their pets – look forward to summer. But the season does come with certain hazards for pets. Pet owners should be aware of these incre...