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We worry about toxic chemicals affecting our children, our homes and ourselves, but how about our furry friends?

A study by the Environmental Working Group , called “The Pets for the Environment” project, looked at 43 different chemicals and their impact on pets. According to the EWG website, 

“The Pets for the Environment project was launched in early 2008 when Eddie the dog joined forces with the scientists at Environmental Working Group. Nonstick chemicals from a frying pan had killed Eddie's friend Feathers, so Eddie wanted to know what toxic chemicals he and his feline pal Cleo were also exposed to.The study found that dogs and cats had comparable levels to humans in some chemicals, and even higher levels than humans in others.”

The three groups of toxic chemicals with extremely high concentrations were fire retardants, stain and grease resistant chemicals (i.e. teflon), and phthalates (from plastic). These chemicals have been shown to cause high rates of several kinds of cancer in dogs.

So how can you keep your pet safe?

The EWG recommends the following simple steps to reduce your pooches exposure to these dangerous chemicals:

-Choose pet food without the chemical preservatives BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin, vary cats’ diets to limit their exposure to mercury in seafood, and choose organic or free-range ingredients rather than “by-products.”  

-Use a reverse osmosis, faucet-mounted, or pitcher filter to remove contaminants before filling your pet’s water bowl. 

-Replace older foam pet bedding, and replace or reupholster furniture with exposed or crumbling foam where flame retardants are found. 

-Vacuum often with a HEPA-filter vacuum, and take off your shoes at the door to minimize your pets’ exposure to toxic chemicals in house dust. 

-If you suspect your deck was made with arsenic-treated wood, treat it with a sealant every six months and don’t let pets play or sleep underneath it. Wash with mild soap and water, but never power wash! 

-Don’t get optional stain-proof treatments on couches, carpets and car upholstery— they’re loaded with toxic perfluorochemicals. 

 -Avoid nonstick pans. An overheated nonstick pan can kill pet birds, and it gives off chemicals that may be bad for other pets and people too. Try cast iron instead. 

-Care for your lawn without using insecticides, which may cause nervous system damage in pets that walk on the treated lawn, eat the grass, or breathe in the chemicals. 

-Use kitty litter made of plant sources like wheat or recycled newspaper. Clay-based kitty litter is strip-mined, causing extreme environmental damage during extraction. 

-Get biodegradable, compostable doo-bags for when you go on walks with your 

Protecting your pet from fleas is an important part in keeping your them healthy and happy.  Fleas are the most common external parasite found on dogs and cats. (source: petsandparasites.org) and Spring is a prime time for them to reap havoc on you, your pet and your home. 

Dog allergies are one of the most common conditions affecting dogs. The constant itching and scratching, paw licking and chewing, skin rashes or chronic ear infections can make life very unpleasant. Dogs allergies become noticeable when your dog’s immune system reacts to substances (called allergens or antigens) to which she has been exposed. Generally, allergies show up in three ways:

1. The skin – your dog will itch and scratch either in one area or all over, or you will see skin sores or lesions.
2. The respiratory system - your dog may cough, sneeze, and/or wheeze, sometimes with an associated nasal or eye discharge.
3. The digestive system - your dog vomits or has diarrhea.

There are several types of dog allergies. The two most prominent ones are environmental allergies (pollens, dust mites, fleas, etc.), and food allergies. Dog allergies can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the symptoms you may see can be a result of allergies or of another illness. It is best to get your pet examined by your Veterinarian first, before trying any home or alternative treatments. If you know or suspect your dog has an allergy, you do have options. There are conventional ways to treat allergies that your Veterinarian and help you with, but there are also many alternative methods that help relieve your pooches symptoms. Here are a few of the solutions you can try at home: Diet: Have you looked at what is in your dogs food lately? Just as you might have foods that you are sensitive or allergic too, your dog can too! Feeding your dog a good quality food cannot only help with allergies but also improve their health and longevity. When problem shooting food allergies the first step is to stop all traditional treats (i.e. – milk bones) and table scraps. If your dog is still reacting she may be allergic to her regular food. At this point, try the elimination diet. This means changing your dog’s food to an entirely different type which she has never eaten before. Although there are many great foods on the market, at Green Dog Wash we sell and recommend Natural Balance. Talk to us about your dogs needs and we can help find the right food for you Whatever food you choose, it must be fed for 12 weeks. If after 12 weeks your pet it still scratching, then she probably doesn’t have a food allergy. Environmental allergies: dogs can react in a way that is very similar way that we as humans do. One way to help deal with an allergy to pollen and/or house dust mites is to purchase an air purifier for your home. Bathing is very important to keep pollens and other airborne allergens from bothering you dog. An oatmeal based shampoo (such as our Shampooch line) bath with cool water – this can ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet twice weekly. Also, Calendula ointment (herbal medication) has been successfully used to relieve the itch. Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.

Green Dog Wash has dog hair, and lots of it.  Hair collected in the tub strainers, hair on the floor after a Fur-minator treatment, hair on the counters after a forced air dry, and hair all over the groomers stations after a grooming session.  We have taken going Green a step further.  We recycle all the dog hair that has accumulated around the shop. 

We have joined The Matter of Trust (www.matteroftrust.org).  The Matter of Trust uses recycled hair from salons and groomers and weaves them into hair-mats.  The hair-mats are then used to to contain and control petroleum spills.  The process is simple for us, but takes a few extra steps on on our part, first we collect the hair in recycled garbage bags, we then package the hair in re-cycled shipping boxes (we re-use boxes that supplies were sent to us in), and then we ship to California.  Matter of Trust take it from there- they weave the hair and then distribute the hair-mats to organizations that will clean-up petroleum spills around the globe.

Green Dog Wash is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and pawprint every day.  We use recycled paper in the office and bathrooms, recycled garbage bags, we have separate garbage/recycle bins for materials (even though the City doesn't have a pick-up service for business), LED lighting when and where possible, all the paint used is NO VOC from Benjamin Moore, the self-service wash area has a rubber floor made of recycled material, even the collars, leashes, and toys we retail are made from products like bamboo, hemp, and organic cotton.  The filler used in the Eco-Naps is recycled plastic soda bottles!  The ShamPooch we use is all natural and even the plastic bottles are HDPE 2 with environmentally friendly corn-based labels!  Now, we recycle all the fur to help make hair-mats. 

Helpful Hints for Cleaning Your Canine


blog from Jessee Tustin, Green Dog Wash's Self-Service Attendant 

We love our dogs when they’re dirty, but even more when they are clean and healthy. Many people take their pooches to full service groomers who do the dirty work for them; others take on the task themselves which can make an awful mess! That is why Green Dog Wash’s Self-Service Bathing is not only convenient, but also facilitates a clean and comfortable environment where you can enjoy this otherwise strenuous activity.

We have been seeing a lot of people at Green Dog Wash who bring their dogs to use our Self-Service tubs, but they don’t know where to start when washing. So we compiled some helpful hints to assist with washing your best friend, so that it is enjoyable for human and dog alike.

• The ideal time to bathe your dog is after a walk or an adventure to the dog park/beach. You can also bathe them whenever you feel like it, because our natural ShamPooch soap won’t irritate their skin. However, you will want to make sure that they aren’t too exhausted (you would be mad too if someone wanted to wash you during nap time).

• Keep your pooch on their leash and lead them up the doggy ramp that goes into our stainless steel tubs.  Our tubs are made specifically for dog washing: the height ensures you will not strain your back, the drain is made to collect the dog's hair, and there is a harness to keep your pup in place- and we use a overhead hose and real system to keep the hose out of your way.

• A good place to start is by using eye and ear wipes to collect residue in these area.  You cna even brush your dog's teeth with the disposable, chicken or mint flavored toothbrush!
• Check the water and make sure it is the correct temperature. Remember that dogs have a different body temperature than humans, so what may feel good to you is often too hot. At GDW our water is always the right temperature for your furry friend.
• Once you have your dog in the bath, begin by getting their hide wet from the neck down, focusing on going from body to legs. 
• When your dog is sufficiently wet begin lathering in the soap. ShamPooch, our specially made natural soap comes in four different scents:  Lavender and Aloe, Eucalyptus Peppermint and Cedarwood, Tea Tree and Aloe and Unscented. All selections come in liquid soap form or in an easy lathering soap bar. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
• Next, gently wet your pups head. At GDW our water pressure is calibrated so that it is never too harsh of a flow. Then carefully apply the soap and rinse.
• Everybody knows your doggy wants to shake, so let them shake away! Can’t do that at home, but shakes are welcomed at GDW.
• You can completely towel dry them or use a dryer. At GDW we have forced cool-air blowers. If you are using a blower for the first time, gradually ease your dog into the process by just semi-drying them the first time and gradually dry longer each time. It is easier to introduce them to the dryer bit by bit (as with most things), and of course use praise and rewards!

My last word of advice: Do not scold them! Bath time can be incredibly frustrating or pleasing.  All it takes is losing your patience one time to make your baby associate bathing with trouble. Keep it cool, and your dog will catch onto your vibe. Remember this can be a great bonding experience if you go into it as positively as you can. 

Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine has named

Eco Nap Pet Beds as the winner of their Greenie Award

“Millions of pet owners are realizing that a more proactive approach to pet health has a lot to offer," including preventing disease and optimizing health and wellness, says veterinarian Carol Osborne, founder of the American Pet Institute in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and author of Dr. Carol’s Naturally Healthy Dogs (Marshall Editions) and Dr. Carol’s Naturally Healthy Cats (Marshall Editions).

Many everyday pet problems – such as skin infections and arthritis – can be eased naturally. LifeScript asked animal experts for some common holistic health solutions, click to find out more.

While the Internet currently provides access to social networking, symptom searches and information on illnesses, there was something missing. That something is WebVet, an interactive and comprehensive “whole-pet” platform that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of pets. WebVet redefines how pet owners approach the care of their animals by bringing together, in one trusted place, everything from medical information and advancements, to original lifestyle and human interest stories, to breaking news and general wellness information.

WebVet does not diagnose, suggest treatment or editorialize but rather provides news, information and fact-based education to pet owners. WebVet strongly encourages all pet owners to consult with their veterinarians on the best course of action for their individual pet.