Latest news with #CollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
NBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog — here's how to keep them cool, according to vets
We're not the only ones who need to be careful when it's hot, sunny and humid outside — dogs can experience heatstroke, dehydration and sunburn too. As their owners, it's our job to pay attention to signs that pups are overheating, or, better yet, keep them from overheating in the first place. To help pet parents (myself included) learn how to keep dogs cool in the heat, I talked to veterinarians about the best products to do so and safety tips to keep in mind. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best cooling products for dogs The type of cooling product you may want to use for your dog depends on the situation — for example, booties or paw balm is useful when walking on hot pavement, while water bottles keep pups hydrated. The items I recommend below address a variety of needs and meet expert shopping guidance. They include highly rated items (at least a 4.0-star average rating from hundreds of reviews) and those NBC Select pet parents use themselves. Experts also explain the purpose behind each product and when you may want to use it. Keep in mind that while many of the products below can help keep dogs cool, they won't succeed in lowering your pet's temperature if they're already overheated, says Dr. Leni K. Kaplan, a senior lecturer and clinician at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. If your pet is overheated and showing signs of heatstroke, call your vet immediately. Dogs release heat through their paws, a process you can encourage by dipping their feet in water, which is a great conductor of heat, says Kaplan. The moisture on a dog's paws absorbs heat and conducts it away from their body into the air through evaporation. As this process plays out, your dog will begin cooling off. If you have the space, you can fill a mini pool with cool water and let your dog stand or splash around in it. This pool folds in on itself, making it compact and easy to store when not in use. It comes with two caps: a standard cap that prevents water from leaking out and a cap to use if you're connecting a hose to the pool. The pool is made with slip-resistant material on the bottom interior surface. Instead of putting your dog in a pool to get their paws wet, you can use a hose or put them in the bathtub or shower, so long as the water isn't hot, says Kaplan. The AquaPaw tool straps to your hand and lets you brush and water down your pet simultaneously, also making it ideal for at-home grooming. While you have the tool in your hand, you can easily access the on/off button on the side with your pointer finger, as well as the spray settings button to change the flow from low to high. It comes with adapters to fit shower and hose spigots, as well as an 8-foot flexible hose. Best fan When your dog is inside, they should ideally be in a climate-controlled environment so their body temperature doesn't rise, says Dr. Zay Satchu, the co-founder and chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet. A mini fan can provide relief from the heat in addition to or supplemental to air conditioning. Fanning an overheated dog also encourages evaporation, aiding in the cooling process, says Dr. Douglas Kratt, a veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital in Wisconsin and the past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. You can attach this fan to your dog's crate by wrapping its flexible legs around the walls, or use the legs to prop the fan up by a dog bed. The fan's rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours and you can choose from three different wind speeds, according to the brand. Outdoor dog beds prevent pups from lying on hot surfaces indoors and outdoors. Experts say the best options are those raised above the ground so air can circulate underneath and keep dogs cool. NBC commerce insights manager Donna Pilikyan used this elevated outdoor bed with her pup Ozzy, who spent many years of his life in Florida's warm climate. Pilikyan says the bed, which is raised 8 inches off the ground, let Ozzy comfortably relax outside and prevented him from getting too hot. The bed's surface is covered in a breathable fabric that you can wipe clean or hose off. It's also lightweight, so you can move it around as needed. Cooling mats give dogs a cold surface to rest on indoors or outdoors, says Sara Bonomo, a certified dog trainer and the owner of All 4 Paws. But keep in mind that these mats are a short-term solution — they only stay cold for a limited time and tend to warm up if you're using them in a hot environment, says Satchu. When dogs lay on this cooling mat, the gel inside it activates, making it cool to the touch for up to three hours, according to the brand. For an even more intense cooling sensation, you can chill the mat in the refrigerator before your dog uses it. You can place the mat on furniture, floors and outdoor surfaces, as well as put it in beds or crates. The mat is also foldable, making it easy to store and travel with. It reactivates for its next use after about 15 to 20 minutes of nonuse. To clean the mat, wipe it down with a damp cloth. This blanket is made with fabric that absorbs pets' body heat and feels cool to the touch, according to the brand. I put it in my dog Mabel's travel carrier and lay it down in her stroller on hot days, giving her a soft, comfortable, temperature-regulated place to sit, especially when we're outside. I also put it on the grass at the park and bring it in the car. The blanket is machine-washable and quite durable — Mabel occasionally digs at it, but it's never ripped or frayed. The best hydrating products for dogs Best water bowl Ensuring your dog has access to fresh water at all times is important regardless of the weather, but it becomes even more crucial when it's hot out — dogs tend to drink more during high temperatures to stay hydrated, so be sure to refill their bowl often, says Kaplan. Owala's Pet Bowl is made from stainless steel, an insulating material that keeps water cool over time, according to the brand. The bowl comes in two sizes (24 and 48 ounces) and it has high sides to prevent your pup from splashing water on your floors. There's also a thick silicone ring on its base that keeps it from slipping or moving while dogs drink. When I first brought her home, Mabel had no interest in drinking out of a standard bowl. My vet recommended trying a water fountain instead, which she absolutely loves. Petlibro's water fountain has a 2.1-gallon capacity, and between Mabel and my two cats drinking out of it, I refill it every few days by pouring water directly into the serving tray. It comes with a filtration system to purify water — you need to replace the disposable filter every two weeks. The fountain has a splash shield near the spout to prevent my floors from getting wet while my pets drink, and it operates almost completely silently. The fountain plugs into an outlet, but it also has a 16-hour battery reserve to keep it running in case there's a power outage, according to the brand. Best water bottle If you're traveling with your dog or taking them outdoors in hot weather, Bonomo recommends bringing a collapsible bowl or water bottle to keep them hydrated. PupFlask's dishwasher-safe dog water bottle comes in two sizes (27 and 40 ounces) and it's composed of two parts: a stainless steel bottle that stores water and a silicone lid that folds into a drinking bowl. Once you form the bowl, you can dispense water into it by pressing the unlock button on the top of the bottle and tilting it — to stop the water flow, just press the button again to lock it. The water bottle fits in most cup holders, according to the brand, and there's a strap on its side you can hold, put around your wrist or attach a carabiner clip to. In addition to drinking water, licking ice cubes and other frozen treats can keep dogs hydrated, plus it gives them an engaging indoor activity to do if it's too hot for outdoor play or walks. Mabel adores the Woof Pupsicle, and it's been a godsend for me to keep her occupied, especially as a teething puppy. You can unscrew the top of the Pupsicle and drop an ice cube or frozen treat inside, which your dog can then lick and gnaw at. The spherical-shaped rubber toy rolls around while dogs use it so they have to work for their frozen treat, keeping them entertained for 15 to 30 minutes, in my experience. The Pupsicle is available in small, large and extra large sizes. The best sun protection products for dogs Best dog booties Booties protect dogs' paws from hot pavement, and Ruffwear sells one of Bonomo's favorite pairs. The booties are made from mesh, a ventilated fabric that allows air to circulate throughout and prevents paws from getting hot. Their thick rubber outsole has grippy treads for traction, and the booties' wide opening makes it easy to put them on and take them off. There's also a hook-and-loop cinch closure that secures the booties on dogs' paws while they're walking. Best paw balm Paw balm can also help protect your dog's paws from hot pavement if they won't wear booties, says Satchu. When applied, the balm acts as a barrier between the ground and dogs' paws, preventing them from getting too hot or burned. Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax is made with natural waxes and oils like vitamin E and beeswax, ingredients that create an invisible protective barrier on paw pads and keep them soft so they don't dry out, according to the brand. The wax, which you can also put on your dog's snout, ears and elbows, can heal cracked, damaged skin, too. Its breathable formula allows perspiration to escape when it's on skin, and you only need to use a little to cover targeted areas. Musher's recommends applying the quick-drying, lick-safe wax two to three times a week where needed. Best dog sunscreen Many pet owners don't realize that their dogs can get sunburned, experts say. All dogs are susceptible, but some are more at risk than others, like hairless dog breeds and dogs with white or thin coats, says Kratt. Dogs' faces, especially their noses and ears, are particularly sensitive to the sun, says Bonomo. Sunscreen can help protect your pup from UV rays, so long as you use an option that's specifically made for dogs — some ingredients in sunscreen for humans are toxic to dogs if ingested, like zinc oxide, which is often in mineral sunscreen, according to the American Kennel Club. Epi-Pet's dog sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects pups from UVA and UVB rays. Its sprayable formula is non-greasy and water-resistant, according to the brand. The sunscreen is equivalent to a SPF 30 to 40 sunscreen people wear and it's made with ingredients like vitamin E to moisturize dogs' skin. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) measures a product's ability to block sunlight, and UPF clothing, hats and goggles can act as an alternative to dog sunscreen if you find it challenging to apply, experts say. This lightweight, microfiber UPF dog shirt, which covers the back and stomach, is available in sizes XS to XL and has UPF 50+ protection. The vest also acts as a cooling towel — once you wet it, ring out the excess water and give it a shake to let air circulate throughout, the material becomes cool to the touch, according to the brand. How to keep dogs cool: The top do's and don'ts, according to vets Regardless of whether you live in a warm climate year-round or temperatures are rising in your area due to seasonality, your goal as a dog owner is to prevent your pet from overheating in the first place instead of working to cool them down afterward, says Kaplan. Here are a few key ways to keep your dog cool: Limit how much time your dog spends outside in the heat. If temperatures are moderately warm, keep outdoor activity to a minimum and try to only spend time outside during the coolest parts of the day (the early morning and late night), says Satchu. When your pet is outdoors, keep them in the shade as much as possible. In extreme temperatures, like those you may experience during a heat wave, only take your dog outside for about five to 10 minutes, or just enough time to relieve themselves, says Satchu. Never leave dogs in hot cars — doing so results in numerous pet deaths every year, says Kratt. Temperatures inside cars can quickly rise to life-threatening levels, even if you crack the windows open or park in the shade, he says. Instead, leave your dog at home while running errands when it's hot out. Frequently asked questions How do dogs cool off? Like humans, dogs' main way of dissipating heat is through evaporation. But unlike humans, dogs can't sweat through their skin, so they mainly rely on panting. Dogs inhale air as they pant, which makes the moisture from their tongues, nasal passages and the lining of their lungs evaporate. This process allows their bodies to cool down, according to the American Kennel Club. Dogs also dissipate heat through their paws, which have sweat glands on them, although they sweat very little compared to humans. What temperature is unsafe for dogs? There's no exact temperature that tells you if it's too hot outside for your dog. But as a rule of thumb, if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet, says Kratt. Bonomo says you should start taking precautions with your dog once temperatures are in the mid-70s. Once you factor in humidity, 70-degree temperatures, which may be relatively comfortable for us, can feel much warmer for dogs since their average body temperatures are naturally a few degrees higher than humans, experts told me. What types of dogs are at higher risk for heatstroke? How dogs are impacted by warm temperatures varies based on their physical characteristics, age, weight, medical conditions and activity level. Generally, however, dogs with dark fur and brachycephalic dogs (those who have flat or pushed-in faces, like bulldogs and pugs), have extra trouble with managing heat, says Bonomo. Puppies and senior dogs are also more susceptible to heatstroke than adolescent and adult dogs, says Satchu. There are two common misconceptions experts often hear when it comes to dogs and heat. Don't assume that only large dogs can overheat, says Kaplan. Dogs are intolerant of heat no matter their size. Dog breeds with long hair are just as prone to heat-related issues as breeds with short coats. 'Long hair can actually help keep a dog cool by acting as an insulator, similar to how insulation in your home keeps the AC inside,' says Satchu. Kratt doesn't recommend shaving dogs with long or double coats in the summer, as it could increase their chance of overheating and sunburn. What's the ideal indoor temperature for dogs? During the summer months, the ideal indoor temperature for most dogs is 75 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, although, cooler temperatures are also safe for them, says Kratt. Dogs typically start showing signs of overheating between 81 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the American Kennel Club. Thus, 85 degrees Fahrenheit is the absolute maximum indoor temperature dogs should be exposed to if necessary — it should not be their norm, and it's only safe if they have access to plenty of fresh water, can lay on cool surfaces like tile floors and are not exposed to direct sunlight, says Kratt. If you have further questions about the ideal indoor temperature for your dog, consult your vet. They can give you a more exact recommendation based on your pet's age, physical characteristics and medical conditions. What are signs that a dog is overheating? Heat begins to impact dogs' health when they reach critically high body temperatures, at which point they can become dehydrated and their body can begin to have multiple organ failure, says Satchu. If this isn't rapidly treated, pets may suffer permanent organ damage or potentially die from complications, she says. That's why it's important to check on your dog when they spend time outside and keep an eye out for telltale signs they're overheating, including: Anxiousness or relentlessness Excessive panting and drooling Rapid breathing Vomiting or diarrhea Abnormal gum and tongue color Unsteadiness, disorientation and collapse If you're concerned that your dog is severely overheating or experiencing heatstroke, take them inside immediately and bring them to a veterinarian, says Kratt. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Douglas Kratt is a veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital in Wisconsin and the past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Leni K. Kaplan is a senior lecturer and clinician at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Sara Bonomo is a certified dog trainer and the owner of All 4 Paws, which offers private training, dog walks and hikes in Westchester, New York. Dr. Zay Satchu is the co-founder and chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet, an urgent care and full-service veterinary clinic with locations around the northeast. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a reporter at NBC Select who has covered pet products for over five years, including flea and tick treatments, cat food and dog training treats. For this article, I spoke to four experts about how to keep dogs cool in hot weather and the best products to help pet owners do so.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is eating more than three meals a day bad for health?
The article explores the debate between eating three versus multiple smaller meals daily. While three meals align with cultural norms and may prevent late-night eating linked to health issues, some studies suggest that more frequent, smaller meals can improve blood sugar control, especially for those with diabetes. Ultimately, the ideal meal frequency depends on individual needs and lifestyle. How many meals do you have in a day? 3, 4, or 6? Yes, some dietary plans include splitting meals into six smaller meals throughout the day. Is this approach beneficial, or could it harm your health? Let's take a look at whether eating more than three meals a day is beneficial or harmful for health. Three meals a day Traditionally, most people follow the three-meals-a-day structure, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This structure also aligns with cultural norms and circadian rhythms. Three meals a day is a rather balanced approach to energy intake, allowing the body time to digest and rest between meals. But is this the healthiest way to eat? Eating three meals a day could be beneficial in some way, as it would take away the chance of consuming food late at night. Late-night meals are linked with cardio-metabolic disease, including diabetes and heart disease. Three meals a day may also give a 12-hour window without food. Studies also suggest that giving our bodies at least 12 hours a day without food allows our digestive system to rest. For many, sticking to three meals simplifies the meal planning and aligns with daily schedules, and reduces the risk of mindless snacking. This meal pattern also has its shortcomings. 'What we've been taught for many decades is that we should eat three meals a day plus snacking in between. Unfortunately, this appears to be one of the causes of obesity,' Krzysztof Czaja, an associate professor of biomedical sciences in UGA's College of Veterinary Medicine, said in a statement. The case of eating more than three meals a day Some dietary plans, particularly in fitness and weight-loss communities, promote eating five to six smaller meals daily. It is said to boost metabolism, stabilize blood sugar, and curb hunger. A 2017 study found that six meals per day is better than three for blood sugar control, especially in obese people with impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes) or full-blown type 2 diabetes. 'Our 24-week weight maintenance study showed that using a six-meal pattern instead of a three-meal pattern, while containing the same overall calories, improved blood sugar control and reduced hunger in obese people with prediabetes or full-blown diabetes. These results suggest that increased frequency of meals, consumed at regular times, may be a useful tool for doctors treating subjects with obesity and diabetes or prediabetes, especially those who are reluctant or unsuccessful dieters," the researchers said. A 2023 review found that a specific type of restricted eating may reduce the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and improve your overall health. Known as time-restricted eating, this type of fasting means having regular but fewer meals, cutting out late-night snacks, and not eating for 12 to 14 hours (often overnight). How important is your meal timing? Which is best? It is important to understand that the ideal number of meals really depends on lifestyle, health goals, and individual physiology. There's no one-size-fits-all. Listening to your body matters. Whether it's three or six meals, focus on nutrient quality, portion control, and hunger cues. Eating mindfully and planning according to your lifestyle matters. Focus on whole foods, maintaining consistent eating schedules, and avoiding excessive calorie intake.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Pawsome' news, pet lovers: Utah State's weeks away from launching state's 1st 4-year ‘animal doc' program
The opening of Utah's first-of-its-kind veterinary program is — in equine parlance — officially 'in the home stretch.' In August, Utah State University will welcome its inaugural cohort to the state's first four-year veterinary degree program. The Logan-based school's doctor of veterinary medicine program arrives at a moment when licensed vets are in high demand in Utah's rural ranching communities — and across the state where more and more people own cats, dogs and other so-called pocket pets. Forty-two future veterinarians are expected to report for the first day of instruction — including 27 Utahns. More than 300 applied for USU's maiden DVM program class. 'It's a very exciting time for not only those of us here at Utah State University in the College of Veterinary Medicine — but it's an important time for the state of Utah with the full four-year DVM degree program,' Dirk Vanderwall, dean of USU's College of Veterinary Medicine, told the Deseret News. The benefits of Utah having a fully accredited veterinary medicine program stretch beyond offering expanded educational options for would-be veterinarians, the dean added. All corners and segments of animal-loving Utah will be better served. 'There's a need for small animal veterinarians. There's a need for mixed-animal practice veterinarians. And there is a critical need for more ag/rural food supply veterinarians,' said Vanderwall. 'Our goal and our mission is to meet all of those needs.' Since 2012, the school has enjoyed a '2+2' partnership with Washington State University where USU students completed two years of foundational study in Logan before completing their final two years in Pullman, Washington. That regional partnership, which is expected to sunset in 2028 when the USU/WSU program's final cohort graduates, 'has given us a great foundation of experience in delivering the first two years of the veterinary medicine degree curriculum — and now to build upon as we launch our full four-year program,' said Vanderwall. The dean added USU has designed 'a completely new veterinary curriculum' that is 'systems-based and highly-integrated.' When asked why a state with a historically rich ranching and livestock sector has not produced fully trained animal docs in the past, Vanderwall gives a simple answer: money. More than a century ago, trustees of Agricultural College of Utah — as USU was then known — first envisioned a veterinary school headquartered in Cache Valley, according to USU. Then in the late 1970s, Utah State conducted a study that determined that establishing an in-state veterinary medical training program was not yet feasible 'from a financial and economic standpoint' — but that it would be in the future. Decades later, USU began its '2+2' partnership with Washington State University. Then, in 2022, the Utah Legislature approved funding of what would become the state's first four-year DVM degree program based at USU. Lawmakers, observed Vanderwall, recognized the success of the USU/Washington State partnership in training animal doctors who are now providing professional services in almost every Utah county. 'The '2+2' program has helped to produce and establish more veterinarians for the state of Utah — and that will be further expanded with the full four-year program at Utah State University, helping to fill the need for more veterinarians.' The curriculum at USU's doctor of veterinary medicine degree program will depart a bit from a traditional course-based syllabus. 'It will be a systems-based integrated curriculum. When we are, say, teaching the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, our students will also be learning physiology,' said Vanderwall. 'We're connecting the structure and the function — all taught together in the same course, rather than in distinctly separate courses.' Expect AI to become an integral part of the USU's veterinary medicine education, the dean promised. Additionally, USU's future DVM students will have opportunities to work at community-level private practices — including in rural areas of Utah where veterinary care for food animals is in critical demand. Day-to-day clinical cases in the community will expose USU students to what they will encounter in private practice after they graduate, said Vanderwall. Additionally, USU's veterinary medicine students will be professionally networking in the local veterinary medicine community. 'It will be a great opportunity for essentially a working interview for practices that may be looking to hire an associate veterinarian.' Establishing a four-year program at a public institution is in harmony with state lawmakers' ongoing push to bring higher education in tighter alignment with industry needs. To prepare for its inaugural class, USU's College of Veterinary Medicine has hired several new faculty and staff members, with more expected to be employed in the near future. Additionally, USU is building a state-funded Veterinary Medical Education building on campus that will be home to the DVM program labs, classrooms, offices and study spaces. The new building, which is expected to be completed next summer, will allow the school to welcome scores of additional students into the veterinary medicine program — while offering flexible instruction. 'It's being designed for a lot of hands-on clinical training such as clinical communication,' said Vanderwall. 'We will have mock examination rooms in the new building where students will be interacting with simulated clients who play the role of the pet owner, interacting with our students in a mock exam room.' Immediately adjacent will be observation rooms for faculty and fellow students to evaluate and learn together. For a growing number of Utahns, enjoying access to well-trained veterinarians is essential. In recent years, Vanderwall has witnessed 'a huge increase' in pet ownership — a trend accelerated by the pandemic. Those increased connections and dependencies between humans and companion animals are elemental to today's society. 'All of that ties into why there is a tremendous need for more veterinarians across the entirety of the veterinary profession — including small animal/companion animal practice, mixed-animal practice and ag-rural food supply veterinary practice,' said Vanderwall.
Indianapolis Star
23-06-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
Heat waves pose a risk not only to Hoosiers, but their pets. How to keep your pets safe
It's going to be hot in Indianapolis next week, and the severe heat not only poses health risks to Hoosiers, but also family pets. To understand how to keep animals safe and comfortable, IndyStar previously spoke with Dr. Aimee Brooks, an emergency critical care specialist at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine, for advice. Pets, just like humans, can experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke when exposed to high temperatures, and time is the biggest factor in both severity and seeking help, Dr. Brooks said. Cats are good about regulating themselves in the heat and generally more tolerant, Dr. Brooks said, it's uncommon to see them with heat-related illnesses. But dog owners need to be more vigilant. Pets need to acclimate to heat, and during a heat wave is not the time to do it, Dr. Brooks said, as the process can take weeks or months. Dogs that are outside during times of high heat should have access to shade and all the water they want, and if they are not acclimated to the heat, they should not be outside for long periods of time. 'I would try to avoid vigorous exercise in the heat of the day,' Dr. Brooks said. 'If you're going to take them for walks, mornings and evenings are better ― not only because of the environmental heat, but the pavement gets really hot, and they can actually get burns on their feet from blacktop.' Some dog breeds with short faces (like French bulldogs) are really prone to heat stroke since they can't pant, and that's how they cool off, Dr. Brooks said. Animals that are obese, have heart disease or respiratory issues are also more prone to heat-related illnesses, so owners should take more care. If a pet is outside in the heat for too long, there are ways to tell if they are suffering from heat-related illnesses. Dogs will pant more heavily when they first start to overheat. The first signs of heat exhaustion to look out for are when dogs seek out shade and lie down to try and cool off. Some dogs might start drooling a lot, Dr. Brooks said. Story continues after photo gallery. If these symptoms continue, or the dog is unable to cool off, the illness can progress to heat stroke. 'That usually happens when their body gets above 105 degrees Fahrenheit or so,' Dr. Brooks said. 'Then you might see vomiting, diarrhea or collapse.' The dog's mental state can also be affected from heat stroke. These symptoms show up as a decreased level of consciousness and could lead to unresponsiveness. A dog's gums will initially get very red and, as they progress into shock, become a pale purple. The longer a pet is exposed to the heat, the worse the outcome could be. If a pet is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, Dr. Brooks said the best thing to do is cool them off with cool water from a sink or hose. 'One thing people do need to be aware of about the hose is that if the hose has been sitting out in the sun with water in it, the first water that comes out of the hose is really hot,' Dr. Brooks said. 'I've actually seen animals with burns from the water.' Once the dog is wet to the skin, bring them into a shady area or air-conditioned space. If an owner is able, check the dog's temperature to make sure it's not above 105. Dr. Brooks also points out that overcooling can also cause issues, so don't cool them off so much that their temperature drops below 103. If symptoms get beyond heavy panting (or don't stop within 30 minutes to an hour) and into gastrointestinal issues, Dr. Brooks said it's time to take them to a veterinarian. It's best to take the pet to the closest veterinarian so they can be cooled and rehydrated as soon as possible. 'Time matters when it comes to getting them cooled off and resuscitated,' Dr. Brooks said. Nearly every vet is equipped to administer fluids and cool a dog off and can refer a pet to a more capable hospital if the symptoms are more severe. It is never safe to leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, it is especially important on warm or hot summer days. Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles, according to the American Veterinarian Medical Association. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise almost 20° F in just 10 minutes, and almost 30° F in 20 minutes. Story continues after photo gallery. The longer a pet, child or person is inside a car turned off in the heat, the higher it goes. At one hour, your vehicle's inside temperature can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Even on a 70-degree day, that's 110 degrees inside a car. For more summer safety tips from the ASPCA visit Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@ Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman. Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk
Gulf Today
18-06-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Sultan reviews expansion plans for University of Al Dhaid projects
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and President of University of Al Dhaid, praised the efforts of the university's Board of Trustees for their achievements in the previous period. Sheikh Sultan noted that many institutions begin agricultural science and food security projects but face challenges such as the lack of facilities that support academic studies. As a result, students receive only theoretical education and have to pursue practical experience abroad. This came during Sheikh Sultan's chairing of University of Al Dhaid Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday morning at the university's headquarters. He added that University of Al Dhaid provides all the necessary resources to equip students both theoretically and practically. This is achieved through specialised colleges and programmes, including the College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as facilities that support the educational process, such as laboratories, farms, and animal pens. The President of University of Al Dhaid affirmed that these steps have significantly contributed to the production of organic products free from artificial substances and chemicals in the markets. Examples include Mleiha dairy, GHERAS products, and Sabaa Sanabel wheat, among others. Sharjah Ruler expressed pride that these products are from the United Arab Emirates, specifically from the Emirate of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan revealed that he began collecting seeds in 1973, categorising the seeds he gathered, which included those from extinct plants in the deserts of the country. Sheikh Sultan takes a tour of the Sharjah Products Exhibition held at the university. WAM He established a seed bank to preserve plant species and their genetic diversity for the future, which contains approximately 5 million seeds. He noted that such seeds are also stored in reserve in the UK. The Ruler of Sharjah approved the relocation of the seed bank to be part of University of Al Dhaid facilities, aiming to enhance scientific research, laboratory capabilities, and improve the skills of agriculture students through practical training. The meeting of University of Al Dhaid Board of Trustees began with the approval of the establishment of two new colleges within the academic framework: the College of Computing and Intelligent Systems, and the College of Environmental Sciences. This expansion aligns with the demand for modern specialisations that meet labor market needs and support sustainable development and artificial intelligence initiatives. Additionally, the board approved the launch of a dual degree programme in Sustainable Agriculture in collaboration with the Royal Agricultural College in the UK, which will help prepare qualified personnel in food security and modern agriculture. The board approved the results of reports from the financial, academic, internal audit, compliance, and resource development committees, reflecting their activities over the past period, along with monitoring the progress of the educational, research, and administrative processes. The board discussed various administrative and educational topics related to the university and reviewed several periodic reports concerning the university's performance. Dr Aisha Abu Shlaibi, Chancellor of the University of Al Dhaid, presented the executive summary of activities and achievements for the academic year 2024-2025, along with updates on ongoing work and the educational process, highlighting key results achieved to fulfill the university's goals and aspirations. During the Board of Trustees meeting, the President of University of Al Dhaid, visited the student lounges for both male and female students, where he met with a group of female students. Sheikh Sultan is briefed about the Sharjah Products Exhibition at the University of Al Dhaid on Wednesday. WAM Sheikh Sultan learned about the features of the lounges, designed to provide a conducive study environment, each accommodating 100 individuals, and equipped with a café offering snacks and beverages. Sheikh Sultan also reviewed the expansion plans for university projects currently underway, including veterinary laboratories, sports fields, and gymnasiums, as well as the experimental farm and shelter plans that serve students in agricultural and animal specialties. Additionally, he explored the service facilities that benefit students during their time at the university The President of University of Al Dhaid also visited the Sharjah Products Exhibition held at the university, which features products from Jabal Al-Deem, including Taeif roses, Muhammadi roses, honey, olives and their derivatives, apples, thyme, and rosemary. Sheikh Sultan viewed the latest offerings from the Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Production EST (Ektifa)," including " GHERAS " products, such as vegetables, fruits, jams, and natural sauces used in cooking, as well as FILI poultry and Saba Sanabel baked goods like Arabic bread and pasta, along with Mleiha milk and laban. After the meeting, Sheikh Sultan hosted a lunch for the members of University of Al Dhaid Board of Trustees, featuring delicacies from Sharjah, such as veal from Mleiha cattle farm, cheeses from a goat farm, poultry from Fili farm, fruits and vegetables from the greenhouses in Al Dhaid, and bread and wheat porridge made from local wheat farms. The meeting of University of Al Dhaid Board of Trustees, held at the university's headquarters, was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr Eng. Khalifa Al Tunaiji, Chairman of Department of Agriculture and Livestock (SDAL); Hanaa Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority; Engineer Ali Saeed Bin Shaheen Al-Suwaidi, Chairman of the Department of Public Works ; Dr Muhadditha Al-Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority; Dr Mohammed Abdullah Bin Hwaiden Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Al Dhaid; Sultan Mohammed Bin Hwaiden Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Al Madam. Also present at the meeting were Dr Aisha Abu Shlaibi, Chancellor of the University of Al Dhaid; Dr Peter McCaffrey, Director of the Royal Agricultural College in the UK; Dr Warwick Bailey, Professor of Equine Medicine at the University of Washington; Dr Salem Zayed Khalifa Al-Tuniji, Head of the Arabic Language and Emirati Studies Department at Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah; Dr Saeed Musbah Al-Kaabi, Former Chairman of the Sharjah Education Council; Dr Khalifa Musbah Al Ketbi, Director of the Engineering Department at Al Madam Municipality; Dr Saeed Harb Dhahi Al-Mansoori, Head of Human Resources Planning at Sharjah Police; Dr Ahmed Saeed Al Khasouni Al Ketbi, Officer in the Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior; Dr Khalfan Khamis Khalfan Al-Shamsi, Assistant Dean for Scientific Research at Abu Dhabi Police College; and Dr Musbah Saeed Al-Ketbi, Member of the Board of Trustees for the Sharjah Volunteer Award. WAM
