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Irvine, California – In a heartwrenching incident that unfolded in Orange County, California, a pit bull puppy’s life was hanging in the balance after apparently overdosing on fentanyl. However, thanks to the swift actions of Irvine Police officers, this innocent eight-week-old pup was given a second chance at life. The Orange County Patch reported the harrowing incident, shedding light on the dangers of drug exposure for both humans and animals.

The Disturbing Discovery:
On September 6, authorities stumbled upon the puppy inside a car parked in a Walmart parking lot. The poor creature appeared lethargic, prompting immediate concern. Upon further investigation, officers discovered drug paraphernalia and narcotics, including an open container of fentanyl, within the vehicle. Consequently, the 29-year-old man from San Juan Capistrano and the 27-year-old woman from Santa Ana, who were inside the car, were arrested on suspicion of narcotics possession.

The Life-Saving Intervention:
Recognizing the potential danger the puppy faced, the officers quickly sprang into action. Suspecting that the dog had ingested fentanyl, they administered Narcan, a medication commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses. Their timely intervention proved successful, as the puppy gradually regained consciousness and began her road to recovery.

A Story of Resilience:
Despite the trauma she endured, this courageous pit bull puppy showed remarkable resilience. With proper care and attention, she made a full recovery, much to the relief and joy of everyone involved. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible drug use to safeguard the well-being of both humans and animals.

The tale of the pit bull puppy’s overdose and subsequent revival highlights the compassionate nature of law enforcement officers and their commitment to protecting all lives, even those of our furry friends. It also serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the devastating consequences of drug exposure and the need for increased awareness and responsible drug use. Ultimately, this heartwarming story reminds us of the resilience and strength that can be found in the most vulnerable beings, inspiring us to cherish and protect them.

Read the news article: https://patch.com/california/lakeforest-ca/puppy-overdoses-fentanyl-revived-narcan-oc-report

https://stmdailynews.com/category/stories-this-moment/

(Family Features) Enjoying the great outdoors is a common pastime for many when temperatures warm, and that includes those with furry companions. However, warmer weather also comes with a variety of hazards to those four-legged friends.

To help keep your pets safe and enjoy all the season has to offer, consider these tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America and cared for more than 4 million pets last year.

Heat
Leaving pets in the yard for extended periods without access to shade or water on hot days, vigorous exercise or leaving them in vehicles even with windows rolled down can lead to heat stroke, a term commonly used for hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature. Pets suffering from heat stroke (temperature higher than 106 F) can have elevated breathing rates, dry or sticky gums, abnormal gum color, bruising in the gums, may appear lethargic or disoriented and can have seizures. Safe, controlled reduction of body temperature is an immediate priority. Cool water may be poured over the head, stomach, armpits and feet, or cool cloths may be applied to these areas and continually replaced.

Allergy-Causing Pests
Allergies are common in both dogs and cats, and warmer weather brings out fleas and ticks that can cause allergic reactions. Bites may cause intense itching, leading pets to scratch or chew on themselves, potentially causing hair loss. An effective, year-round flea and tick preventative regimen is key to keeping dogs and cats pest free and limiting allergic reactions. In cases of severe itching, antihistamines or corticosteroids (steroids) may be prescribed to provide immediate relief.

Human Food
Cookouts may mean barbecue chicken, ribs, steak, corn on the cob and fresh fruit like watermelon. Be wary of bones, which are not digestible and can pose a choking hazard, cause intestinal blockage or break into shards and cause irritations or infections. Similarly, corn cobs are not digestible and can get stuck in the stomach or intestinal tract, causing an obstruction. Watermelon rind and seeds can also block the GI tract, so be sure to remove the rind and seeds.

Party Decorations
Warm weather means festivals and parties. However, these outdoor gatherings often include items that are dangerous to pets:

• Glow sticks contain an oily liquid called dibutyl phthalate (DBP). While non-toxic in small amounts, DBP can cause gagging, drooling and irritation of the eyes, mouth and skin if pets bite glow sticks. If your pet chews a glow stick, offer water or a treat to tame the bitter taste. Turn off the lights and wash any glowing areas.

• Citronella candles work well as a deterrent for flying insects but open flames can burn whiskers and noses. The fumes may also cause breathing issues when inhaled and consuming the wax can cause GI and nervous system issues.
• Popped or non-inflated balloons can pose choking risks. String for anchoring them can also cause intestinal issues if swallowed and pets could become entangled in the string, posing tripping and strangulation risks.

Swimming Pools
While cats naturally shy away from water, both dogs and cats can fall into swimming pools accidentally. Dogs can sometimes struggle with getting out of the water even if they’re capable swimmers, so be sure to teach them to navigate the swim-out area and keep an eye on pets in the water – even good swimmers can tire of treading water and drown.

Find more tips to safely enjoy the warmer months with your furry friends at VCAHospitals.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
VCA Animal Hospitals

 

(Family Features) Cat lovers know that cats are cool – sometimes too cool. They can be hard to impress, and snuggles might have to be on their terms. However, there are ways to keep that cool in check so cat parents can bond with their four-legged friends.

For example, their favorite food can make picky felines lose it over an irresistible meal, throwing all chill out the window. That’s the story behind “Catch a Cat Burglar,” a “true” crime limited podcast series about a kitty culprit doing whatever it takes to get its paws on some TEMPTATIONS Adult Dry Cat Food.

As the “meowstery” goes, a delivery truck carrying the food was ambushed, and all the tasty goods were stolen. All that remained was one bag, ominously ripped open by what appears to have been a claw. Hosting the podcast is “Crime Junkie” co-host Brit Prawat. She’s sorting through the evidence, suspects and, of course, a few twists to figure out the “meowstermind” behind the heist.

Cat lovers and true crime fans can listen to the first episode and submit their guesses for whodunit for a chance to win a whole “kitten” caboodle of TEMPTATIONS food, treats and swag and a trip to POP Cats Seattle, a fun-packed festival of cat, pop and art. “Catch a Cat Burglar,” the sweepstakes entry form, official rules and eligibility restrictions can be found at TemptationsTreats.com/Cat-Burglar.

Check out these tips for keeping your little cat burglar’s cool in check – so they don’t take matters into their own paws.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Encourage Playtime to Provoke a “No Chill” Kitty
Few cats can resist the instinct to feverishly swat at a feather on a stick. Encourage their inner kitten to come out at playtime and break out a favorite toy – especially something on a string or one that moves – to watch their coolness fly away quicker than their paws trying to capture their playtime prey.

Keep Mealtime Irresistible
Some cats might ignore their owners most of the time, but once their favorite food comes out, all chill is gone. The maker of America’s No. 1 cat treat brand (based on 2022 consolidated sales data) have expanded its offerings to mealtime with TEMPTATIONS Adult Dry Cat Food, bringing the same irresistibility cats love to their food bowls. The food includes delicious crunchy and creamy pockets mixed in the dry kibble that cats will come running for, breaking down that cool cat exterior.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Let Their Instincts Take Them Down a Peg
Put a bird feeder outside their favorite window seat. Your little lion will think it’s a mighty hunter, but really, it’s just a silly kitty swatting at a window – not very cool.

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Curiosity Kills the Cool
Turn on the faucet and watch your cool cat turn into a confused cat. They’ll probably spend the next few minutes trying to figure out where the water came from – and how to drink from it – and forget that they’re supposed to be the coolest one in the room.

SOURCE:
Temptations