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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.