Dogventures

08/05/2025

THE LEASH ( August 2025 )
I started writing this issue with the sole intention of focusing on how to identify, treat and prevent heatstroke in dogs.
However, while researching the topic I discovered it might just be a pretty good idea to start with our end of the leash — people.
We are, after all, our dogs’ caretakers.
If we have the knowledge to make more informed decisions about our own health and wellbeing, then we are better able to take care of those around us— including our dogs.
And heatstroke is no joke. It is a serious, life-threatening condition — in humans and dogs. So please read this — it’s short and sweet and to the point.
Pass it on. Share it with anyone you’d like. You may save a life.
SUMMER SERIES 002 — HEATSTROKE (part i)
Heatstroke is a condition caused by our body overheating. This usually happens because of exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for too long. There are a few stages of heat injury, and heatstroke is the most serious. It can happen if body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke is most common in the summer months.
Heatstroke needs emergency care. If it's not treated, heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. This damage gets worse the longer treatment is delayed, which increases the risk of serious complications or death.
Heatstroke Symptoms
+ High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104
degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher is the main
sign of heatstroke.
+ Change in mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
+ Change in sweating pattern. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, skin feels hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, sweating may be profuse.
+ Nausea and vomiting. Someone with heatstroke may feel sick
to their stomach or vomit.
+ Flushed skin. Skin may turn red as body temperature increases.
+ Rapid breathing. Breathing may become rapid and shallow.
+ Racing heart rate. Pulse may significantly increase because
heat stress places an extreme burden on the heart to help cool
the body.
+ Headache. Heatstroke may cause the head to throb.
When to See a Doctor
If you think a person may be experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate medical help. Call 911 or your local emergency services number. Take immediate action to cool the person with heatstroke while waiting for emergency treatment.
+ Get the person into shade or indoors.
+ Remove excess clothing.
+ Cool the person with whatever means available — put in a cool
tub of water or a cool shower, spray with a garden hose,
sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, or
place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck,
armpits and groin.
Vulnerable Populations
+ Young children
+ Older adults
+ People with chronic diseases
+ Individuals who are pregnant
+ Unhoused individuals
+ Outdoor workers
To read the full article, visit me on Substack:

SUMMER SERIES 002 : Heatstroke (part i - people)

06/24/2025

THE LEASH (our newsletter) | June 2025

What I thought I'd write about today (summer-y stuff) seems insignificant compared to what’s going on in the world. Writing about dogs and summer felt like I was burying my head in the sand and not acknowledging the chaos and suffering that’s happening. And that just doesn’t feel right.

What I think the world needs now (myself included) is to be reminded that we humans have more in common than not.

I’m betting we all know someone who is affected by what is making the news headlines—both domestically and internationally.

When I stumbled upon this quote from the late Anthony Bourdain, I thought it was not only timeless, but timely. I have read it countless times over the past few weeks.

You’ve probably read it too at some point or heard him speak these words on one of his travel shows — which we should all watch again, in no particular order. He really did bring the world together one meal at a time.

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“Before I set out to travel this world, 12 years ago, I used to believe that the human race as a whole was basically a few steps above wolves.

That given the slightest change in circumstances, we would all, sooner or later, tear each other to shreds. That we were, at root, self-interested, cowardly, envious and potentially dangerous in groups. I have since come to believe – after many meals with many different people in many, many different places – that though there is no shortage of people who would do us harm, we are essentially good.

That the world is, in fact, filled with mostly good and decent people who are simply doing the best they can. Everybody, it turns out, is proud of their food (when they have it). They enjoy sharing it with others (if they can). They love their children. They like a good joke. Sitting at the table has allowed me a privileged perspective and access that others, looking principally for “the story,” do not, I believe, always get...

I am not a journalist. I am not a foreign correspondent. I am, at best, an essayist and enthusiast. An amateur. I hope to show you what people are like at the table, at home, in their businesses, at play. And when and if, later, you read about or see the places I’ve been on the news, you’ll have a better idea of who, exactly, lives there…

People, wherever they live, are not statistics. They are not abstractions. Bad things happen to good people all the time. When they do, hopefully, you’ll have a better idea who, and what, on a human scale, is involved.

I’m not saying that sitting down with people and sharing a plate is the answer to world peace. Not by a long shot. But it can’t hurt.“

— Anthony Bourdain ( 1956-2018 ) —

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https://theleash.substack.com/p/what-the-world-needs-now