The only way for a dog to lower its body temperature is through panting.  When your dog’s body temperature increasing your dog must pant faster. When exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time, your dog’s body may not be able to keep up with the cooling required to prevent heat stroke.

Just providing your dog with cool water may not be enough.  Do you know the signs of heat stroke? Would you know what to do if your dog is showing signs of distress? Please read this article by Marcia King.

Stay cool!

• Please make sure that you don’t leave your dog out in the sun for extended periods of time.
• If your backyard doesn’t contain a shady spot consider adding some type of shade.
• Keep your dog’s water bowl full of cool, clean water at all times.
• Protect your dogs sensitive paw pads from hot pavement or overheated patios and decks.
• Cover fair dogs with sunscreen on their noses and ears.
• Dogs that drink sea water can become very ill. Rinse your dog off thoroughly after swimming in the surf.
• Beach sand can be as hot as pavement. If your feet are burning so are your dogs paws!
• And please, please never leave your dog in the car unattended on a hot day. Even for a few minutes, even if you have left the air conditioning on and the car running. No matter how many times we say it many dogs loose their lives every summer because of this foolishness!
• And the best tip of all…take your dog out for some summer fun. Dogs love summer too!

Does the crash of thunder turn your dog into a jumble of nerves? Getting another dog might help.By measuring stress hormones and documenting behavior exhibited in response to thunderstorms, researchers found that a frightened dog is comforted more by the presence of another dog than by his owner. There is a trade off, however, so consider carefully. Another dog does tap your time and resources, and finding a good fit with your current pet takes consideration.

I wonder if this will work of if you will just have 2 dogs panicking during a thunder storm! Any thoughts?

Don’t have one? Pick up a waterproof plastic box, and stock it with these essentials:
1. Vital Stats — Write down your dog’s name, breed, and date of birth; any medical conditions and allergies he has; and any medications he’s taking (including doses). If he’s been micro-chipped, jot down the number. Also include your home address and phone number; your vet’s name and phone number; and your emergency vet clinic’s phone number. Include this information in your kit. It is a good idea to put it in a zip lock bag.

I have our dog Guinness’ information in this handy book. Not only is it good in an emergency kit. It helps when he has to be boarded or if we travel. These booklets are airline approved.

2. Important Records — Make photocopies of important health records, including vaccinations, and seal them in a plastic bag inside your kit.

3. Basic Supplies — Fill the rest of your kit with alcohol wipes, gauze, cotton balls, nonstick bandages, hydrogen peroxide, scissors, adhesive tape, cotton swabs, tweezers, an eyedropper, hand sanitizer or soap, a digital thermometer, a pair of latex gloves, and a tube of both topical first-aid cream and antibiotic ointment.

A wide range of first aid kits are available at Brown Dog Treasures. There are specialized kits for small dogs, large dogs, active dogs, field kits for hunting dogs as well as a feline kit for our beloved kitties!

Also, look into taking a pet first-aid class. After all, learning how to handle accidents is the best way to help your dog stay safe.

Here are some resources:

• American Red Cross of Greater NY
• Long Island Rescue Services
• Austin Pets First Aid
• Canine First Aid
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Canine First Aid Training

Have you ever heard of the “applehead” Chihuahua’s? The applehead chihuahua is another “breed type” based on a diseased characteristic. Want to find out more? Read her post…

Back in January the BBC aired an expose on the cruelty that can be involved in breeding that “best in breed” show dog. I must say I am startled at the accusations.

For instance did you know that 1/3 of all  Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (a truly beautiful breed that I have always admired) suffers  from a condition called Syringomyelia? This is a condition caused by the brain being too large for the skull cavity. Apparently these dogs are bred to have a certain size head to qualify for competition!

Did you know that the ridge on the back of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is actuallya mild form of spina bifida? Puppies that are not born with this ridge (in other words healthy puppies) are “culled”.  When I read the word “culled” I was shocked. As a gardener I know culling to mean thinning out seedlings by pulling and discarding them so that the stronger seedlings can grow. I shudder to think what that means to these breeders.

I have long enjoyed watching dog shows and admiring the different breeds, but after hearing about some of these breeding practices, I am not so sure that I will participate anymore.

If you want to read more about the BBC special and the resulting changes that will take place within the British Kennel Club here is the link to the full article.

Here are some highlights of the proposed changes in breed standards:

Bulldog- less of a jowl, no upturn on the nose and the front legs would no longer be wider than the rear legs. (The upturned nose is thought to case severe breathing problems and the wide front legs cause mobility problems and painful conditions as the dog ages.)

Shar Pei- will loose many thick folds of skin on the head, chest and legs. (The folds of skin cause severe skin reactions and fungal infection.)

Pekingese- longer muzzles. (I was revealed that the 2003 Champion Pekingese had to be sat on an ice pillow during the photo shoot. The muzzle is so flattened that the dog is unable to breathe well enough to control its body temperature properly. Despite this fact the dog has sired 18 litters, after all this is champion show stock!)

As an owner of an AKC registered dog, I am really disturbed. I would like to hear from other dog owners and responsible breeders to hear what they have to say.

1. 1. Never let your dog off leash in snow or ice, especially during a snow storm. While it might seem like a fun thing to do, keep in mind that dogs can loose their scent quite easily in the cold and snow. If they wander a bit too far, they may not be able to find their way back.

2. Make sure to thoroughly wash your dogs paws, legs and underbelly after coming in from the snow or sleet. Salt, de-icing chemicals and antifreeze is often mixed in with the snow and slush. Your dog may then lick his paws and become sickened or worse. Not to mention bringing those chemical into your home is not a good thing for you either!

3. Check your dog’s paw pads for ice balls. These can become embedded and are quite painful until they melt.

4. Never shave your dog down in winter! Infact I can never understand why people would shave thier dog in any weather!

5. Never let your dog out after a bath unless he is completely dry. I wait several hours before letting my dog out after a bath. I also try to avoid bathing at all on the coldest of days.

6. If you own a short-haired breed please consider getting him a coat or sweater. Many breeds are sensitive to the cold and winter outerwear is a must!

7. NEVER leave your dog alone in the car during winter. Although many people are aware of the dangers of dogs overheating in a locked vehicle during the summer months, they fail to realize that an unheated car quickly becomes a refrigerator in winter.

8. Please keep in mind that puppies and senior dogs are often more at risk than others dogs during the cold weather. Puppies, just like babies may be unable to regulate their body temperatures as well as a mature dog. Most senior dogs like senior humans suffer from osteoarthritis and the cold weather can really increase discomfort.

9. If you and your dog are very active in cold weather and enjoy outside activities make sure to increase your dog’s protein intake during the winter months. Extra protein intake is essential for keeping your dog’s coat thick and healthy, His best protection from the cold.

10. Make sure your dog has a warm place to sleep, off the cold floors and away from drafts. A cozy dog bed or soft blanket would be best.

Cats often do not like their usual routine disrupted in any way. That includes holiday guests and their children! If your cat is not one to socialize, don’t force it upon them on the holiday. Many kitties are quite happy sitting out the holiday in a quiet room.

Another danger for cats during the holidays is accidentally being let out by company or overnight guests. Make sure your guest’s know the rules and do not leave doors open.

And just like with dogs, rich holiday food can be harmful to your cat. Stick to the usual fare and perhaps add a little extra of something that you know your cat likes and tolerates well. Make sure your guests know that they should not feed your cat table scraps. Be particularly careful with chocolate.

For both cats and dogs—DO NOT give them turkey bones! These splinter and can cause severe damage to your pet. As dogs and cats have often been known to raid the garbage be particularly careful with the disposal of the turkey carcass.

Visit the Brown Dog Treasures Cat Department!

If you are anything like me I know you will want to include your dog in your Thanksgiving Day celebration. This includes Thanksgiving dinner. Since our boy Guinness has ground, lean turkey meat added to his kibble every day along with veggies, treating him to cut up Thanksgiving turkey with a little gravy seemed like a nice thing to do for him. Wrong! We noticed that each year after being “treated” to a special Thanksgiving dinner Guinness didn’t feel too well. The following year we cut out the gravy and stuck to white meat. The next day Guinness became quite ill. Vomiting, diarrhea, loose stool, couldn’t even hold down water. We rushed him to the Vet in a snow storm. He was x-rayed and given IV therapy for dehydration. Diagnosis? Pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is a serious and painful inflammation of the pancreas. Cause?  Most likely turkey skin. Even the white meat of the turkey can cause upset, since most Thanksgiving turkey have been marinated or basted with oils or butters.

If you want to make your dog’s meal a bit special on Thanksgiving why not prepare this Turkey loaf the day before for his special meal.

Turkey Loaf for Dogs

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cooked mixed vegetables
• 1 T. garlic powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup barley
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 small can of low-fat, low sodium gravy or beef broth

Preparation -
Grease a 9″ loaf pan; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, vegetables, garlic powder, egg, barley and oats. Mix the ingredients together well and place the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press the mixture to flatten and level, then use a table knife to cut a few shallow slits on top. Pour the gravy over the loaf and bake in a preheated oven at 350° for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until nicely browned on top. Cool, and then cut the loaf into about six slices. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. To feed – Break the slices into bite-size pieces.

You can serve this with cooked veggies. Just set some of your regular Thanksgiving vegetable and potatoes aside for your dog BEFORE adding cream, butter or any other high fat ingredients. Sweet potatoes are great plain boiled or baked.

Not all dogs enjoy the excitement that comes along with the holiday. Many dogs are frightened at the sight of human in costume.

1.  Keep a firm grip on your dog with a well constructed leash. Check your dog’s leash for signs of wear and tear that may have occurred over the summer months.

2.  Make sure your dog’s ID tags are current. Some dogs tend to bolt and run when the front door is opened for Trick or Treaters.

3.  If you are not Trick or Treating with your dog, keep him indoors during the hours when Trick or Treaters are parading the streets. There have been reports of taunting and theft of pets during this time of year. Keep your pet safe and out of harm’s way.

4.  Keep your dog out of the candy bowl! Note: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is — and the smaller the lethal dose.

5.  Explain to everyone in the house, especially children, the dangers of sharing their candy with the dog.

6.  Supervise your pet at all times when wearing Halloween costumes. These costumes are cute and meant to be fun, but they are not dog toys. Parts of a costume can be chewed off by your dog and cause choking hazards.

7.  Keep candles, jack ‘o lanterns and other Halloween decoration out of reach of your dog.

8.  Symptoms of chocolate poisoning: excessive drooling, excessive urination, pupil dilation, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors or seizures. Get emergency medical help immediately.

9.  Keep a First Aid Kit available at all times. Print out this Animal CPR Brochure and keep on hand with your first aid kit.

Read past issues of the Brown Dog Treasures Monthly Newsletters.