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Without a doubt, both you and your pup have felt the hot weather that has creeped up over the last month. Keeping cool while you are out having fun in the sun is important for both of you. Just as people can experience heat-related illness and injury, so can our four-legged friends. Keep fido safe with these tips!

Sunburn

Most people don't think about their pets getting sunburned but they certainly can. White and lightly colored pets can suffer sunburn just as we can if they experience too much exposure to the sun. Long-term sun exposure can lead to skin damage and in some cases skin cancers. Limit the amount of time your fair-haired pets stay in direct sunlight. Even basking in a sunny window counts as time in the sun. If any type of discoloration or sore appears, consult your veterinarian for a check-up. Areas that are commonly affected are the ears, eyelids and nose.

Heat Injury

Heat injury occurs when a dog's body temperature exceeds his ability to cool himself. Unlike people, your dog's normal body temperature ranges between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. When body temperature elevates above 106 F, normal cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed. This results in a serious condition requiring medical treatment and can be life threathening.

 Certain breeds are more prone to heat injury than others. Large double-coated breeds like the chow chow are particularly susceptible. Dogs bred for life in cold climates such as malamutes, huskies, American Eskimos and Newfoundlands often have little tolerance for heat and humidity. Dogs with shorter faces such as bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers have less ability to cope with a heat load due to their short and narrow respiratory systems.

Heat stress can happen quite rapidly, sometimes only in a few minutes, especially in dogs that live primarily indoors. Even pets that live or spend a lot of time outside can succumb to the heat if their cooling mechanisms are exceeded by weather extremes.

Preventing Heat Stroke

If your dog has a heavy coat it might be a good idea to give him a cool summer cut. Green Dog Wash Groomers Leslie and Tiffany can give your pooch a great, tight summer cut that will help him stay cool.  Do not let a groomer shave down to the skin as this eliminates the natural protection of the hair coat and predisposes your pet to sunburn and other injury.

In the heat of midday, keep your dog indoors in either air conditioning or in a well-ventilated area with circulating fans.

If you have a pet that enjoys water, keeping a small pool of water outside provides a fun and cooling environment. Be sure there is just enough water to play in, the water depth should not come over your dog's head. If a pool is not available, a spray from a hose will help. 

Limit Exercise Time

Even if your dog accompanies you everyday on a walk or jog, certain weather extremes may call for some changes. Limit vigorous exercise to early morning and after sunset or eliminate long walks/jogs until the weather cools. Also remember that dogs can burn the pads of their feet on hot pavement.

Don't forget that any dog left outside in summer weather needs shade, shelter, food and fresh water. Never leave your dog in a car. Your car can reach 120 F in minutes, even on a cool day and exceed your dog's cooling capacity. In the event of a heat emergency, cool your dog with tepid water; do not use cold water. A fan will help to cool and circulate air. Call your veterinarian immediately, even if your pet seems to have recovered.

Be aware that the outside temperature may actually be warmer than what the thermometer reads. The heat index, a measure of the temperature and relative humidity, makes it more difficult for a body to cool down by perspiration. A temperature of 85 F can actually feel closer to 100 F (or higher) depending on the index.

Legal Disclaimer

If your pet is showing any signs of distress or you suspect your pet is seriously ill, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN immediately.

Article compiled with resources from http://www.petplace.com

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.

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.