You probably already know that dog’s don’t sweat in the same way humans do, the main way they regulate their temperature is by panting and this system works quite effectively until the thermometer starts to climb into the 90s. When high temperatures are combined with high humidity it can be doubly dangerous as this reduces the level of evaporation that keeps your dog cool. The combination of heat and humidity is referred to as the heat index; a temperature of 90 degrees coupled with 70 percent humidity creates a heat index of 105 degrees, a very uncomfortable situation for both you and your dog.

Bathing your dog is a great summertime cool off

Your dog’s body temperature is higher than yours (usually between 100 and 102.5 degrees) but when body temperature climbs above 106 the normal cooling mechanisms become overwhelmed. Like humans, dogs  can suffer from heat stroke, heat exhaustion and cramps all of which can be life threatening if not treated immediately.

High risk groups
• Puppies
• Older dogs (7 years and older for large breeds 14 years and older for smaller breeds)
• Overweight dogs
• Brachycephalic (flat faced) dogs such as bulldogs or pugs
• Large double-coated breeds like the chow chow
• Dogs bred for cold climates such as malamutes, huskies, American Eskimos and Newfoundlands

Sunburn
Most people think that because their dog is covered in fur sunburn is not an issue, this is not true, Dogs do not burn as easily as humans do which is a good thing however this means that if your dog does have a sunburn it is no small thing and you should take him to the vet immediately. You will know when your dog is starting to burn by the redness of the skin however the burn does not always appear red and may in fact turn the skin lighter. You can prevent sunburn by limiting your dog’s exposure to the sun, especially during the heat of the day but an even better way is by spraying with Flea the Scene an all natural insect spray which contains a natural sunscreen.

An ounce of prevention:

• Keep your dog inside in a cool, well ventilated area
• Exercise early in the morning or later at night when it’s cool
• Never leave your dog in the car ! Hundreds of dogs die every year in this country because there owners were only going to be gone for a moment
• If your dog is walking on hot concrete help heal cracked paws (and noses) with bowWow Butter balm a shea butter based balm that will soothe and protect.
• Make sure you provide plenty of water, an ice cube will not only help your dog keep cool but can be a source of amusement for you; just put one on a wooden floor in front of your dog and enjoy the fun
• Baby pools are a great way to help your dog cool off

With a little forthought and planning summer can be the best time to own a dog, just remember no matter how hot it may be outside your best friend always wears a fur coat.

There are many places you can buy a dog, from pet stores to breeders. However, don’t rule out getting your next dog from an animal shelter.

 Dogs end up in animal shelters for many reasons. Sometimes they have escaped from their yard and become lost. Other times they have been given up by a loving family who can no longer keep them. Whatever the reason, these dogs still have a lot of love to give, and can make wonderful companions at  more affordable prices then buying a dog from a breeder.

Choosing Your Shelter Dog

When you choose a shelter dog, you must follow the same steps as you would if you’re buying a dog from anywhere else. You need to work out exactly what you want in a dog – should he be large or small, do you prefer a long or a short coat, do you prefer an active dog or one that is more laid back?  It’s important that you have the time and money to properly feed, groom and exercise your dog, so give some serious thought to these questions.

An advantage to buying a dog from a shelter is that often the staff will know the dogs quite well, and will be able to guide you in your decision. If you have boisterous young children, they can steer you away from dogs that have a nervous disposition, and if you are an active person, they’ll help you choose a great running buddy.

Bringing Your New Dog Home

Keep in mind that your new dog may take some time to settle into your family. You can expect him to perhaps have toileting accidents and be a little anxious until he becomes familiar with his surrounding.

Here are some steps to helping your shelter dog relax in his new home.

.       Dogs that are adopted from shelters often have dull coats associated with too many processed foods and not enough exercise.  Place a few drops of Healthy Skin Shiny Coat in your dog’s mouth to help detoxify his body after his stay in the shelter. It helps him eliminate waste products which will improve his coat condition, and it will boost his immune system which may become stressed with all the changes in his life.

 

.       As much as you’d like to celebrate his arrival, don’t have a welcoming party for him. He may become quite overwhelmed by lots of new people. Allow him to get to know you for a few days, then introduce him to your family or friends one or two at a time.

 

.       Use Sleepytime Tonic regularly in those first few weeks to ease any anxiety and help him adapt to his new lifestyle. It contains all natural herbs and Bach Flower Remedies which will calm his nerves and encourage a good night’s sleep.

 

If you choose to add a shelter dog to your family, you can be proud because you’re taking a dog out of the shelter environment and potentially saving his life. In return you’ll have a loyal loving companion who will really appreciate his new forever home.

 

 

Ahhh, Valentine’s Day. ‘Tis the season for lovers everywhere to stroll hand in hand through the park, exchange gifts, and celebrate their relationship with the one they love. If your dog is the love of your life, you can certainly share the day with him. Even if you have a partner, three is definitely not a crowd when that third person has four legs and a wagging tail.

 

What if you’d like to find that special someone to share your life? Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to look for them, and it’s important that they too are a dog lover. These days, many relationships begin online, and subscribing to dog friendly dating sites such as www.doglover.biz  means your new partner is likely to love your dog as much as you do.

 

While your dog will always enjoy walking hand in leash with you, he’ll also appreciate a little gift as a token of your affection, especially if it is liver flavoured.

 

You may have to think a little outside the box. Fido isn’t likely to appreciate the traditional Valentine’s Day bunch of flowers. Their perfume will probably leave him cold, and if he nibbles on them, he may end up spending the day at the veterinary clinic. If eaten, many plants can give our dogs a sore belly, with vomiting and diarrhea.   

 

 

Sweets For The Sweet

 

I love chocolate, and in my opinion, it’s one of the five basic food groups! Anyone who gives me chocolate on Valentine’s Day has a good chance of winning my heart. Although my dogs would be delighted to share my treats, chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death in dogs. As little as 100g of milk chocolate will make a 7kg dog unwell. This gives me the perfect excuse to eat all my Valentine’s chocolates myself.

 

If your dog does steal your chocolates, contact your vet straight away, as early treatment will result in a happy outcome for both of you.

 

You can still share something yummy with your dog. Consider giving him treats made with carob, which is quite safe for him. Alternatively, put on an apron and whip up some homemade dog biscuits.

 

Smelling Nice

 

Another popular gift at this time of year is cologne. Although your dog probably prefers rolling in the fragrance of dead fish or old compost, this doesn’t win him any friends when it comes to getting up close and personal. The solution – Fur Breeze. This all-natural dog fragrance doesn’t just mask that doggy smell, it actually eliminates lingering odors from his coat and bedding.

 

Choose either citrus vanilla or rosemary peppermint fragrances, and you won’t need to hold your nose when your dog wants a Valentine’s Day hug.

 

You also want to make sure that both you and your Valentine have fresh smelling breath. Nothing is worse than that road kill flavored slobber your pup so eagerly shares with you! Pick up a bottle of Dog Smog Remedy- it’s a breath freshener for dogs that also helps with the other end– gaseous emissions!

 

Time, Toys and Tuxedos.

 

Perhaps you’d prefer to choose a gift for your dog that lasts a bit longer. If your dog is active and enjoys a game, he’ll love a gift of a new ball or toy. Make sure you buy a toy that lasts; it can be so disappointing when a gift breaks the first time he plays with it.

 

Any relationship is improved by spending quality time together. Giving your dog a massage or a thorough brushing is as much a gesture of affection as anything you can buy or make, and is a great option for when the budget is tight. Your dog will appreciate the extra attention, and you’ll both feel warm and loving afterwards.

 

Have you seen the latest dog fashions you can buy for your dogs?  Booties, hoodies, and even formal wear – your dog will turn heads wherever he goes, and you’ll be proud to be seen with such a well-dressed companion.

 

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to show those you love just how much they mean to you. Don’t forget to include your four legged best friend in your celebrations. After all, their love is unconditional.

I’ve been in the pet industry a long time and thought I’d heard it all… but wait… there’s more!

The other day, the Bark itectural Digest came across my desk! This group of architects designs and builds functional doghouses for their four-legged friends. The project was conceived to give  architects a chance to display their creative skills and to help raise funds for charity.

I’ve seen a lot of dog houses, but nothing like these… here are my faves. But you can check them all out here .

Design based on 3-D mechanical puzzle created in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Erno Rubik.  Doghouse design by Page Sutherland Page

This design won Best In Show. By Newberry Campa Architects. Built for a large dog looking for a stylish home to retreat from his active lifestyle.

A modular and prefab style house designed for indoor use and to be placed nar furniture to allow a small dog to have access to the rooftop. By Modular Dog/Dunamis Media

Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable winter, especially if you live north of the Mason-Dixon line. The sleet and snow don’t have to get you down. With the right products and the right attitude the season can be an enjoyable one. Here are a few ideas that can make both you and your best friend more comfortable during the shorter days.

Great fitting, warm and totally waterproof, the Cloak & Dawggie new Sport Parka will keep your pet warm and dry! Available in 4 fabulous colors in 10 sizes covering dogs from teacup to very large!

Bubbles n’ Beads is the perfect cold weather product because it cleans and conditions in one go so your dog spends less time being wet (always welcome when there’s a nip in the air). It’s unique microbeads contain both vitamins and conditioners so even though you’re spending less time washing him you’re not skimping on conditioning.

After the wash it’s important to dry well , it’s easier to dry a squirrily dog with a Soggy dog Towel from FarFetched. Soggy Dog’s specially designed pockets help you get a grip on your wet, wriggly friend. Great after a muddy romp or a post-bath pat-down, Soggy Dog minimizes bath time for dogs of all sizes, short-hair or long

Of course if it’s really chilly and you want to skip a few bath times try DryDog Instant Clean , an all natural bath replacement spray. It not only helps to clean your best friend without water but also contains ordenone, an ingredient that traps and removes the bad smells that seem to flourish between groomings. TIP: Keep a rag and bottle at the door to use on after-walk muddy paws

Don’t let your little guy get a chill after bathing just slip him into a great Ruff Ruff and Meow sweat shirt . Hundreds of styles to chose from all in warm fleece and sized to fit perfectly

At some point you’re gonna have to leave the house and salty frozen sidewalks can be a dogs worst enemy. Not only do his paw pads (and nose) get cold but they’re dried out by the salt. It’s always a good idea to rinse and wipe his paws (and nose if he’s been sniffing around) when you come back in from a walk. A great product to use before and after walks is bowWow Butter Balm . Apply a little before you go out (it forms a barrier between the skin and the environment) and a little more after you come in (it will prevent irritation and heal dry skin). Note you should never use Petroleum jelly or Petroleum based products on your dogs pads; petroleum jelly contains petrolatum, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. bowWow Butter balm is all natural shea butter and is perfectly safe

Those winter nights can be cold! Give your dog a heated bed so he’ll stay nice and toasty. The All Season Snuggle Sleeper  uses the award winning Cool Bed III insert for summer cooling and the safe plush heated pillow insert for winter warmth.

If you want to be proactive in keeping your best friend healthy this year Eyemunity is the perfect product. It contains Epicor an all natural immune booster that will not only improve your dog’s overal health but also help prevent tearstains.

I know, shoes for dogs seem lame, but … if you live in an area that snows, you might think otherwise. We recommend the fleece lined variety (think ugg boots for pooches). They feature a waterproof exterior fabric, a fleece lining, self-tightening 3M reflective Velcro straps, treated leather soles and cuffs which come up the leg.

The weather outside may be frightful but with a little forethought and preparation your winter can be… delightful.