How To Cool Down a Hot Dog

Summer is the time to enjoy beaches, picnics and outdoor sports with your pooch but the heat wave may also bring hazards to your dog. Dogs are even more susceptible to heat because they cannot cool themselves as effectively as humans; sweating only from their paws and panting to reduce their body temperature. Why not try out these canine cooling tips:

1. Always have cool water available to drink and do not assume that water-filled creeks will be available along a forest dog walk or downtown stores will have canine water dishes. Always carry a water bottle and at least a collapsible bowl that you may fill up at local water fountains, public washrooms or cafes. If your hands are full, have your dog wear his own lightweight backpack so that he may carry his own water bottle!

2. Keep a water bowl filled in your car as you never know when you’ll get delayed in summer road construction. Unique “spill-less” designs are great for car and boat travel.

3. Make dog-friendly frozen treats flavored with frozen, diluted chicken or beef broth or canine electrolyte replacements. Use popsicle, ice cube tray or larger plastic bowl as molds (remove the plastic before giving to your dog). You may also soak rope toys in the liquid and freeze, fill up any hollow dog toys such as Kongs (plus the bottom hole with a piece of carrot) or use “Fill-N-Freeze” bones that allow the melted liquid to ooze out little holes the longer your dog chews. Or make a frozen slushy by crushing ice and adding the diluted broth.

4. Offer canine electrolyte replacements to help prevent dehydration, heat stress and physical exertion. Electrolyte replacements can also be used to prevent dehydration from any stressful situation that increases drooling or heavy panting such as car travel and holidays. Electrolyte replacements are used to replenish fluids, minerals and glucose at optimal absorption rates (think Gatorade for k9s!).

5. Take your dog swimming, hose him down, mist with water or provide hours of fun with kid’s wading pool for your dog to chill out in. Always supervise your dog and use a canine life jacket for safe water fun.

6. Provide a cool sleeping area. If you crate your dog, put the crate in the coldest part of the house (eg. bathroom or basement), clip on a crate fan to circulate the air and remove the blankets (which retain body heat) and use a cushioned water-filled mat specifically designed for canine cooling.

7. Limit sun exposure as dogs can not only overheat easily but can get sunburn and skin cancer, especially those with short, white hair and pink skin. The tips of the ears, the nose, inside legs and abdomen are the areas most at risk. Human sunscreen may cause drooling, diarrhea or increased thirst if ingested and it is best to use a sunscreen that is approved safe for dogs. If your dog does experience sunburn, seen as red skin and hair loss, flush the area with cool water to reduce skin temperature, relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

8. Keep long hair well groomed to allow maximum air to flow through the hair. Special grooming tools are also available to get rid of your dog’s thick, insulating undercoats. Your groomer may shave the coat but not down to the skin as the hair provides some sun protection.

9. NEVER leave your dog in the car on a warm, sunny day as temperatures can sore to over a 100 F within a few minutes regardless if the windows are open an inch or two or the car is parked in the shade.

10. Know the signs of heat stroke which are heavy panting, profuse sweating from paw pads, thick saliva, dry mouth, gums redder than normal, high body temperatures (above 105F), weakness and more serious signs that include nausea, diarrhea, breathing problems, muscle tremors, seizures and collapse. If heat stroke is suspected, immediately lower body temperature by spraying with tepid to cool water (NOT COLD WATER as constricts blood vessels and impedes the cooling process), covering with towels soaked in cool water and placing the dog in front of a fan. Follow up with a veterinarian is essential as there may be internal organ damage.

All specialized canine cooling products are available at DOGSAFE and upcoming canine first aid course dates include August 8th or 9th in North Vancouver. For more information on the DOGSAFE Canine First Aid courses, check on the web http://www.dogsafe.ca/, call 604-813-9221 or stop by #2 – 151 Riverside Drive West in North Vancouver.

© 2009 DOGSAFE Canine First Aid. www.dogsafe.ca. Reprint permission granted with full copyright intact.

Water Safety Tips for Dogs

As the summer sun continues to shine, many dog owners will be taking their four legged companions to the ocean, a lake, a river or a backyard pool for a refreshing dip. Nothing beats the soaring temperatures like getting wet and having fun doing it, but canine water safety should be the utmost priority. However, remember that dogs can drown due to fatigue, quick currents, boating accidents, no access to exits and taking in water while swimming with objects in their mouths. As a 10 year old, I saved our Chow from drowning in a backyard hot tub and about 4 years ago, saved our demo dog, Monty, from nearly drowning when he suddenly jumped off a dock and surfaced in an absolute panic. It is easy to become complacent and think it will never happen, but I know first hand that dogs can drown.

It is National Drowning Prevention Week July 19 – July 27 and I urge all families with dogs to remember these canine water safety tips:

1. Teach your dog to swim. Some breeds are top heavy like bulldogs and boxers and are not natural swimmers. Dogs with low body fat, such as Dobermans, are less buoyant and may find swimming more difficult. Never throw your dog into the water or force them by pulling in with a leash. Gradually coax them into the water with toys or treats or use another dog as the model teacher. There is no greater fun than actually swimming beside your dog, so jump into the water with them and help them float. If your dog can already swim, provide lots of practice to build their confidence since shock and panic can easily lead to near-drowning situations. If your dog just doesn’t get the hang of swimming but does likes the water, provide a kiddie pool, sprinkler or beach access (check the bylaws first) so they can play in the shallow surf.

2. Keep unsupervised backyard pools and ponds safe with fences high enough so dogs cannot jump them. Secure the gates with a dog-proof lock as simple latches are no match for determined dogs. Keep patio furniture and objects away from the fence so your dog cannot use them as step stools. Consider using a safety alarm in the pool or on your dog’s collar which will sound when the water surface has been disturbed. Soft pool covers are not an effective deterrent. Dog may attempt to run across them and get tangled once their weight sinks the cover or small dogs may drown in any accumulated water on the surface of the cover. Use a hard cover for outdoor hot tubs and spas.

3. Monitor swimming activity and impose rest breaks to avoid fatigue. Exercising in water is hard work and dogs can easily become exhausted before they reach the edge of a large pool or the other end of that small lake. Do not allow your dog to endlessly swim after birds and do not throw a ball too far out for a safe retrieve.

4. Teach your dog how to exit a water source. You can teach your dog how to use a swimming pool ladder but a better choice is a specialized dog exit ramp that attaches to the edge and floats in the pool (available at Dogsafe). In a panic, learned skills can suddenly disappear and the floating ramp does not require any special skills to use. If your dog enjoys jumping off docks, show them how to swim to shore. Watch steep banks on rivers and lakes. These vertical drops make excellent launching pads but do not provide your dog a way to get back out.

5. Use extreme caution in unfamiliar water. Rivers can have dangerously fast rapids that can quickly defeat your dog. The ocean may have rip tides and seaweed to get tangled in. Lakes may have sunken trees and other hidden hazards. Respect posted warnings and water rules. At the very least, always test the speed of water flow by throwing in a stick; hang on to your dog during the test throw! It is not worth the risk, when in doubt, choose another water destination.

6. Use a canine life jacket for kayaking, canoeing or boating. Canine life jackets can assist dogs who have a hard time swimming and also prevent drowning due to fatigue. Choose a well-fitting jacket with bright colors to aid visibility and a handle for lifting dogs from the water (available at Dogsafe).

7. Avoid all water sources that contain blue-green algae “blooms”. Blue-green algae can be found in freshwater ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. When certain nutritional and environmental conditions exist, the blue-green algae rapidly grows and results in toxic blooms. These blooms may look like scum or foam and accumulate on the water’s surface. Dogs may ingest the toxins by drinking the water or absorb the toxins by swimming in it. Toxins can cause skin irritations, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, shock, respiratory arrest, seizures and even death.

8. Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming to rid the coat of chlorine, chemicals and salt water. Chemicals and the salts may irritate the skin and dull the coat. Dry out your dog’s ears to prevent infections.

9. Be prepared for near-drowning accidents with an emergency plan and the equipment necessary to respond. Always have a list of emergency phone numbers, including 24 hour veterinary clinics, in your cell phone or by your home phone. Enroll in a canine first aid course to learn canine CPR, how to respond to a near-drowning, how to restrain a frightened dog and transport an unconscious dog. Knowing the skills and having a plan will prevent panic and allow you to respond immediately in an emergency.

The next DOGSAFE Canine First Aid course is August 8 or 9th in North Vancouver, BC. For more information on DOGSAFE Canine First Aid, check on the web http://www.dogsafe.ca/ , email info@dogsafe.ca, call 604-813-9221 or drop by out education and retail facility located at #2 - 151 Riverside Drive West in North Vancouver, BC.

Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

Summer is the time to enjoy beaches, picnics and outdoor sports but summer may also bring hazards to your dog. Dogs are more susceptible to heat because they cannot cool themselves as effectively as humans; sweating only from their paws and panting to reduce their body temperature. We urge everyone with dogs to remember these summer sun safety tips:

1. NEVER leave your dog in the car on a warm, sunny day as temperatures can sore to over a 100 F within a few minutes regardless if the windows are open an inch or two or the car is parked in the shade. Older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and those with heart or respiratory problems generally have a harder time regulating heat. Breeds with short muzzles such as bulldogs and pugs cannot pant efficiently and should be kept cool.

2. Know the signs of heat stroke which are heavy panting, profuse sweating from paw pads, thick saliva, dry mouth, gums redder than normal, high body temperatures (above 105F), weakness and more serious signs that include nausea, diarrhea, breathing problems, muscle tremors, seizures and collapse. If heat stroke is suspected, immediately lower body temperature by spraying with tepid to cool water (NOT COLD WATER as constricts blood vessels and impedes the cooling process), covering with towels soaked in tepid to cool water and placing the dog in front of a fan. Follow up with a veterinarian is essential as there may be internal organ damage.

3. Limit sun exposure as dogs can get sunburn and skin cancer, especially those with short, white hair and pink skin. The tips of the ears, the nose, inside legs and abdomen are the areas most at risk. Human sunscreen may cause drooling, diarrhea or increased thirst if ingested and it is best to use a sunscreen that is approved safe for pets (available at DOGSAFE). If your dog does experience sunburn, seen as red skin and hair loss, flush the area with cool water to reduce skin temperature, relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

4. Avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day when the sun is the strongest and walk the dog in the early morning or late evening. Be aware of your dog’s physical activity level and do not demand too much; even walking in beach sand is more strenuous than walking on grass. Various cooling jackets will be available soon at DOGSAFE.

5. Always have cool water available to drink and to cool off in. Carry a water bottle and collapsible bowl in your own bag or better yet, have your dog wear his own backpack (available at DOGSAFE) so that he may carry his own water bottle! For a special treat, give your dog a “pupsicle” or ice cubes made from frozen, diluted chicken broth. Take your dog swimming, hose him down, mist with water or provide hours of fun with a kids wading pool for your dog to chill out in.

6. Be aware of hot, black asphalt and beach sand. Your dog’s paw pads provide some protection but not enough to combat the high temperatures that these surfaces can reach on a hot day. If pads become burned, immediately flush the area with cool water to reduce skin temperature, relieve pain and reduce any inflammation and follow up with your veterinarian.

7. Keep long hair well groomed to allow maximum air to flow through the hair. Your groomer may shave the coat but not down to the skin as the hair provides some sun protection. We have an awesome grooming tool from Oster that really reduces the undercoat.

Remember these tips so that you may share the summer fun with your dog in a safe way.
Upcoming DOGSAFE course dates include July 11 and August 8 in North Vancouver. For more information on the DOGSAFE Canine First Aid courses, check on the web www.dogsafe.ca.

DOGSAFE's Famous Graduate

I can't even begin to express the thrill I had this past weekend. It all started when our Nanaimo DOGSAFE Host, Robyn Andexser, was recently at my house and raving about the "best dog book she had ever read". When anybody describes a book like that, I just KNOW they are talking about Merle's Door. Yes, it is THAT good. And yes, Robyn had just finished reading it. Merle's Door is the most educational, funniest and heart-warming story about the human-dog bond that I have ever read. If you have not already read the book, check out the website http://www.tedkerasote.com/ and run to Chapters/Indigo right now. In fact, buy two and give one to your favorite dog person.

Okay, so after Robyn and I reminisced about Merle, Robyn told me she had emailed the author, Ted Kerasote (who lives in Wyoming), about how much the book meant to her. Hmmmm... I have never emailed an author in my life. The book had such an impact on me too that I figured, why not tell him as well?

I promptly emailed Ted and was pleasantly surprised when I received a personal reply about a week later. Not only did he thank me for writing, but explained that he would be in Vancouver in four weeks and requested an interview about DOGSAFE for his upcoming book. Are you kidding me? I get to meet Ted Kerasote? As in, Merle's Door's Ted? As in, Merle and Ted? Merle's guy?? THE Merle??? After I picked up my jaw off the floor, I immediately replied, "YES, it would be an honour."

On Friday, February 27th, I met Ted for the interview at a local North Vancouver pub. I was secretly hoping that he would be as genuine and warm as he came across in the book and happy to report, yes, he is wonderful! We spoke about DOGSAFE and how canine first aid and safety could prolong dogs lives (extending dogs lives is the topic of his new book due out in 2011). I must admit, I was a bit star-struck ... THIS is the actual person who wrote Merle's Door!

Ted, Robyn and I went for dinner that evening and Robyn and I remained in awe when Ted relayed more stories about Merle, the whole writing and publishing process of the book and his research so far on his new book. We were spellbound for hours. Did you know people from all over the world come to his property in Wyoming and leave gifts on Merle's grave? Did you know that he still receives numerous emails about Merle and he replies to every one? Did you know that the first cover for the book was one of Merle laying in the snow and gazing off into the distance? -- they changed it so Merle would be looking right at the reader (worked for me!). Did you know that when choosing a publisher, Ted chose the one who didnt want to delete all the "conversations" between him and Merle? Why? "because that's what dog people do, they talk to their dogs", Ted told us. We couldn't agree more! Ted is a talented author who wrote a book simply because he just loved his dog so much.

The next morning, Ted joined us in our DOGSAFE Canine First Aid course all day. Ted was so humble and was simply "a student". He asked great questions and shared some fascinating insights. Ted told me he really enjoyed the course and I could not have been more proud. And yes, I did make him write the test in order to receive his DOGSAFE certificate!

Ted Kerasote -- our most famous DOGSAFE graduate!

© 2009 DOGSAFE Canine First Aid. Reprinted with permission.

Join Ted in the ranks of a DOGSAFE course graduate ... next courses are March 28 & 30 and April 26 & 28th in North Vancouver, BC, March 7 & 8 in Victoria, BC and April 5 in Nanaimo, BC. Check out http://www.dogsafe.ca/ for more info, email info@dogsafe.ca or call 604-813-9221.

How to Save Big Bucks on Vet Costs

No doubt about it, sharing your life with a pet is expensive. Food, supplies and veterinary costs can add up to an average of $560 per year, according to Statistics Canada (2005). A pet survey conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association showed 19% of pet owners spent more than $1000 annually.
Veterinarians are an indispensable part of your dog’s health routine and I would not skip the preventative annual check-up. But if you are knowledgeable in canine first aid, you will know that you do not have to go to the clinic for every minor paw wound or if your 100 pound retriever eats a couple of Smarties. Consider these cost-saving tips:

1. Feed your dog high quality food. While the costs are higher up front, you’ll be investing in your dog’s health and saving on vet costs in the long term. Also, know what foods are toxic to dogs, such as grapes and raisins, and avoid emergency veterinary costs.

2. Keep your dog fit and lean. An overweight dog increases your food costs as well as increases the dog’s risk of diabetes, heart and respiratory problems, arthritis and other health problems. Provide adequate exercise for healthy cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In the event your dog does become ill or injured, a healthy body will generally shorten recovery time, further reducing hospital costs and possible follow up visits.

3. Conduct weekly head-to-tail assessments so you know what is normal for your dog. Smell your dog’s ears, paws, skin, breath and yes, their feces and urine. Listen to your dog’s breathing and vocalizations such as whining, yelping or wheezing. Feel for lumps, ticks and foreign objects stuck in the coat, in the ears or between the toes. Feel for warmer or cooler than normal areas that may signal inflammation or lack of circulation. Look into your dog’s eyes, ears, nose and mouth and observe his gait to see whether he favors any particular body part. Any small changes your dog’s normal state may signal an illness or injury allowing you to take immediate action when it may be less costly to address.

4. Learn canine first aid. While first aid skills do not replace follow up veterinary care, you will learn how to assess your dog to determine whether you need immediate emergency veterinary care (very costly) or whether you can monitor your dog until regular vet during business hours. You will also learn how to take care of common injuries, like paw wounds, and save yourself a vet visit. Learning proper techniques for stabilization and transportation would reduce the risk of further injuries requiring more veterinary treatment and therefore higher fees.

5. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your dog’s teeth. Brush daily to prevent plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis (inflamed gums) and infections. Dental disease can even lead to liver, kidney and heart damage, all of which would be extremely costly to treat.

6. Spay and neuter to prevent some cancers, not to mention the significant veterinary costs required to raise a litter of puppies.

7. Consider vet insurance to dramatically reduce veterinary costs. Shop around and read the fine print as premiums, limits and exemptions can vary greatly. If you cannot find suitable coverage for your dog, be prepared for unexpected veterinary bills by opening up a separate bank account and save a set amount from each paycheque. If you started to save just $25 when your dog was a puppy, you’d have $3000 by the time your dog is five years of age.

8. Schedule annual veterinary check-ups, especially as your dog ages. A thorough physical exam, including routine blood tests, may detect illnesses early and reduce treatment costs.

9. Get a second opinion if your vet recommends costly treatments as there may be an alternative treatment. If the second veterinarian gives the same treatment recommendation, while costs of the veterinary services will vary widely, do not skimp in this area if your original veterinary clinic has offered exceptional service and is the most comfortable place for you and your dog. You cannot put a price on peace of mind.

10. Shop online for prescription medications and preventative medications such as flea and tick products. Name brand medicines are going to be the same no matter where they are purchased so you might as well save some money or see if your vet will match prices.

Upcoming DOGSAFE Canine First Aid course dates include February 28 in North Vancouver, March 7 in Victoria and April 5 in Nanaimo. For more information on DOGSAFE Canine First Aid, check on the web www.dogsafe.ca , email info@dogsafe.ca or call 604-813-9221.

Valentine Safety Tips for Dogs

Valentine’s Day is a time for cupid, chocolates, roses and candlelight dinners with your sweetheart. The heart-filled celebration may also bring hazards to our canine companions. Remember to keep your dogs safe by following these Valentine safety tips:

1. Keep Valentine chocolates out of your dog’s reach as chocolate contains theobromine, which if ingested
may cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, hyperactivity, tremors or even death. The darker the chocolate the higher the concentration of theobromine and higher the risk; a ¼ ounce of baker’s chocolate or 20 ounces of milk chocolate can cause serious problems for a 10 pound dog. White chocolate does not contain theobromine but still contains a lot of sugar and fat which may cause stomach upset if ingested.

2. Unsweetened Valentine candies may contain xylitol which may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in vomiting, weakness, depression, loss of coordination and seizures if ingested by dogs. If candy wrappers are also ingested, intestinal blockages may occur.

3. Roses are not toxic themselves, but the thorns may cause cuts and scrapes to a dogs’ nose, paws and mouth if your dog gets too close and best to keep out of your dog’s reach.

4. Do not allow your dog to accidentally drink wine and other alcoholic drinks during your intimate dinner as this may cause weakness, vomiting and if ingested in abundance, even coma and death.

5. Lingerie gifts including lacy underwear, under wire bras and robes with ribbons can be enticing for your dog if found around the house and may cause intestinal blockages if chewed and swallowed; keep out of your dog’s reach.

6. Keep liquid scented potpourri out of your dog’s reach as may be potentially toxic if ingested and can cause skin & eye irritation.

7. Candles create romantic settings but may cause intestinal blockages if ingested and burn the dog’s nose, hair and paws if they get too close while exploring – and watch that wagging tail so it doesn’t knock over a burning candle and put everybody at risk.

© 2009 DOGSAFE Canine First Aid. Reprinted with permission.

Upcoming DOGSAFE course dates include February 28 in North Vancouver, March 7 in Victoria and April 5 in Nanaimo. For more information on the DOGSAFE Canine First Aid courses, check on the web http://www.dogsafe.ca/.