Sweating is something we all do but rarely think much about.
But do dogs sweat too?
First, lets talk about sweating in humans. It is generally obvious when we sweat. We have perspiration under our arms, foreheads, down our backs, and others sweat everywhere.
Sweating can be annoying.
Why do we sweat? We sweat to dissipate heat. It is our body's mechanism for cooling us down when our bodies are too hot.
Dogs don't have skin like we do and they can't perspire.
After all, you don't see dogs with soaking wet underarms. And because they have different cooling mechanisms that can be easily overwhelmed, they can often suffer from heat illness, such as heat stroke.
Causes of heat related illness are when dogs are left out in the sun, given too much exercise or are shut in a closed car.
We thought this was an interesting topic so we wrote an article about it called "How Do Dogs Sweat". Take a minute and learn a little trivia and to understand your dog a little better. This information can save your dog's life.
To protect your dog and to keep him cool, always ensure he has shade and plenty of fresh clean water.
Is Your Dog Afraid of Loud Noises Like Fireworks? 5 Tips to Keep Him Calm
Hi Readers,
Is your dog afraid of fireworks? Many dogs are. The loud noise of fireworks can send these dogs into a state of panic. Some dogs have even had seizures during fireworks.
4th of July is right around the corner, so it seemed like the right time to talk about this problem. Many cities and municipalities will be having their fireworks displays and neighborhood parties will also be shooting off loud "boomers", so if your dog is frightened by the noise, this could help.
At this time of year, many dog owners complain about their dog's reaction to fireworks. The combination of loud noises and bright lights can scare dogs, even those that don't normally have a history of noise phobias.
Lots of dogs have phobias, and the most common dog phobia is fear of noises.
Let me tell you about my friend's family dog, Ginger. She was adopted from the pound as an adult dog, so I have no idea what breed she is. Ginger is absolutely terrified of thunder, gunshots and fireworks. When she hears these noises, she totally panics. I was at their house one night when it started to thunder. Ginger went from being one of the most laid back dog I've ever met to a total manic mess. She was trying to dig her way into the kitchen cupboards, pacing and whining. The noise terrified her, and she was absolutely miserable.
Here is a picture of Ginger having a happy roll in the grass after a nice nap.
Ginger's phobia is not uncommon. Many of our dog lovers have asked about what they can do when their pets become anxious or nervous. It's a real problem, especially now with the upcoming 4th of July holiday.
Some dogs will exhibit signs of fear that can include pacing, panting, trembling, salivating, trying to escape and/or barking. Many dogs will actually injure themselves when trying to escape. (I've even seen dogs that were hit by a car when they tried to flee from noises.)
What can you do to help keep your dog calm during the fireworks this weekend?
Here are some suggestions:
1. Consider not taking your dog to the fireworks display. Make sure that your dog will be calm at home, or stay home with your dog during the fireworks. Keep your dog confined in a comfortable location if possible.
2. Don't try too hard to reassure your dog during a fearful event with petting, soothing words, or extra attention. This can sometimes exacerbate the problem by reinforcing your dog's fearful response.
3. Some dogs are very sensitive to people's moods and may be influenced by the way that you react to the noise. It is best to act happy and upbeat or to redirect your dog's attention to some absorbing activity.
4. If you must leave your dog at home alone during the fireworks, consider what would make your dog most comfortable. Bring your dog indoors. Would he feel safest in a crate? Try turning on the radio, television, fan or air conditioner as "white noise". Make sure you provide a comfortable hiding place or "safe place" for your dog in case he is scared during the fireworks.
5. Pet anxiety studies have shown that music can have a calming effect on a stressed out pet. I recommend the Music My Pet CD. This musical CD was created for the specific purpose of calming pets. The classical music tracks were arranged to have a smooth soothing dynamic from beginning to end. And the music is performed using only those instruments that have been proven to have a calming effect on pets (like the harp, flute and piano). Try playing the CD before the fireworks begin to get your dog into a relaxed state, and continue playing it throughout the fireworks.
So, the best way to deal with this issue is to be prepared. Before the fireworks begin, anticipate your dog's reaction to these loud noises. Whenever possible try to avoid exposing your dog to fireworks. If this is not possible, do everything that you can to make your dog feel more comfortable and secure. Talk to your dog in a light, cheerful tone that sends a comforting message that the noise is no big deal. Encourage your dog to find a quiet restful place to wait out the noise.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July!
Until next time,
Dr. Jon
P.S. I really believe in the science behind the Music My Pet CD. This soothing music has helped so many pets through stressful situations, and it could help your pet, too. Would you like to hear a track from this amazing CD? Just click on the CD image below or go to: www.petproductadvisor.com/musicmypet
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Yard safety Tip
There are several possible hazards in your yard that can cause injury or create problems for your dog.
Some of the possible hazards include:
Sharp nails or wires on fencing
Loose fence boards or areas where pets can sneak out, around or under
Trash tossed or blown into the yard that may be chewed on or ingested
Improperly stored toxins such as rodenticide, slug bait, fertilizer or antifreeze
Many dog owners have asked me about their pets' love of plastic water bottles. Why do they love to chew on empty water bottles? It's the crunching sound. It can give people goose bumps but dogs just love it!
Whether they are given the empty bottle as a toy or they fish it out of the recycling bin, puppies and adult dogs alike seem to love these crinkly, crunchy "toys". Filled with water or kibble, pre-crunched or just as they are, plastic bottles are a big hit.
Here's the good news. Water bottles are readily available, inexpensive, and easy to replace (no trips to the pet store required!), making them a necessity for many dog owners. I've known several dogs whose owners tried giving their dogs bones, stuffed toys and balls only to have their pets come back time and time again to play with the water bottle.
Now, here's the bad news. Water bottles aren't always safe for dogs to play with - but they can be. All you have to do is take a few precautions.
Before giving a water bottle to your dog, always remove the cap and label as well as the small plastic ring which secures the cap. A pair of small scissors can be used to snip off the latter if you cannot easily remove it on your own. As with any dog toy, it is important to supervise play and regularly inspect water bottles for damage to avoid the ingestion of plastic or damage from sharp edges. When the plastic breaks down, the sharp edges can cut your dog's mouth.
Several dog toy companies have taken note of the growing water bottle craze and incorporated water bottles into their products. One of the most versatile water bottle toys is the Crunchy Monkey , a fuzzy fleece monkey with bungee-type legs and a plastic water bottle inside. Combining the fun of a stuffed toy, squeakers and bungee legs with the satisfying crunch of a water bottle, the Crunchy Monkey has everything dogs love. The Tuffut Technology™ liner is great for rough chewers that have a track record of destroying plush toys and ensures that your dog is safe from stray plastic pieces. Best of all, Crunchy Monkey's bottle is replaceable. When the "crunch" is gone, just put another one in and playtime can begin all over again.
Crunchy Monkeys come in pink and blue and are a great safe play option for a bottle-loving dog.
One more thing - You should replace bottles when they show signs of wear or weakness.
Until next time,
Dr. Jon
P.S. Crunchy Monkey is like 2 toys in 1. The water bottle makes it a great chew toy and the bungee legs have a spring-back action that makes them great for tugging. You can pick up an adorable Crunchy Monkey toy for your dog in your choice of pink or blue at PetProductAdvisor.com - and it's priced under $20. To learn more, click on the image below or go to: http://petproductadvisor.com/crunchy-monkey.aspx
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Antifreeze and Dogs
Antifreeze is a common poison. It has a sweet taste and pets will consume it readily. A little more than 3 tablespoons could be lethal for a 22 pound (10 kg) dog.
Spring Is Here - What Plants Are Poisonous to Dogs?
Hi Readers,
Today is the first day of spring - a day that we welcome whole-heartedly after a long cold winter. With spring comes warmer weather and a ton of plants with the potential to be toxic to pets. Some plant toxins can be very serious and others are fairly mild.
We all love plants, but we want to keep our dogs safe. So what's a plant-loving dog owner to do? Learn which plants are toxic and plant your garden with that knowledge in mind.
Even if your dog doesn't go outside that much or doesn't really bother your plants, it is best to avoid toxic plants that have the potential to affect your dog and others.
I'd recommend that you print this list and keep it handy.
Until next time,
Dr. Jon
P.S. When you are cleaning up your yard for spring, one tool that can really help is a doggy Pooper Scooper. It is very handy. We tested several and really liked this model by DogIt. It is plastic so all you have to do is hose it off, making it easy to clean. The two tools snap together making it convenient to hang outside or in the garage. It makes yard cleanup much easier. Check out this special offer. Go to: http://www.petproductadvisor.com/store/mc/dog-it-scoop-rake.aspx
P.P.S. Another VERY cool product for keeping your yard clean is the Doggie Doo Drain. This unique device attaches to your outdoor sewer input and allows you to flush your dog's feces. It is probably the neatest invention I've seen in years. In fact, I bought a couple and gave one to a friend who has a vet hospital. They leave it outside to help with daily cleanups.
Pets have become part of our families and it only seems natural to include them in our family photos. Here are some tips to help you have the perfect pet and family photo.
First - start planning early.
Think about what everyone (including your dog) will wear? As part of your planning, consider what everyone will be wearing including your dog.
Consider your photo location. Most dogs can be happy having photos taken anywhere. However, some dogs can be nervous and prefer the comfort of your own home.
