Tag: sunburn

Dogs are not immune to getting sunburn, in fact can just as easily become a burnt hot dog. Just like humans dogs are at high risk of suffering from skin damage and skin cancer caused by over exposure to the sun's UV rays. To much sun can leave a dog sunburned and miserable. So before your dog hits the beach, nap in their sunny spot, frolic along hiking trails and enjoy the great outdoors it is important to know the facts about sunburn. Most importantly don't forget to lather Fido with doggy sunscreen. Here are few things all pet owners must know about recognizing, preventing and treating sunburn.

Which dogs are susceptible to sunburn?

• Any dog that consistently spends time in the sun during the hottest parts of the day;
• Dogs that have white or light colored hair;
• Dogs that have very short hair, or no hair at all; and
• Dogs that have suffered a loss of fur through allergies, hot spots or medical treatment.

What are the signs of sunburn?

• Red skin; and/or
• Hair loss; and/or
• Sores;

What areas of the body are prone to sunburn?

Those parts where there is little hair covering and/or where the skin pigmentation is low; specifically:

• Nose;
• Ends of the ears;
• Around the mouth;
• Eyelids
• Your dog's underside - belly, groin and inside the legs; these areas are particularly at risk where your dog is on a reflective surface, such as walking on a concrete path.

What's the best way to prevent dog sunburn?

• Keep your dog inside in a cool room, or if he's outside, in adequate shelter during the hottest parts of the day;
• Use a sunscreen on those parts of his body susceptible to sunburn. Use a pet sunscreen because those produced for human use contain ingredients that are toxic to your dog. Remember to regularly reapply the sunscreen as it will wear, or be licked, off relatively quickly;
• You can buy bodysuits for your dog that protect them from UV rays - if your dog is continually out in the sun, this may be the best option, and your vet should be able to provide you with more information on these products; and
• If you regularly have your dog clipped in the summer, think about leaving his coat a bit longer so the hair offers some protection. Talk to your dog's groomer about clipping your dog - some dog breed's hair is designed to insulate the dog from the sun's heat and if you clip it off, you may be doing more harm than good to your dog.

How do you soothe a sunburned dog?

• Use aloe vera, nature's ointment. The juice from the aloe vera plant will help reduce infection and scarring and speed the healing process. If you have a plant available, break off the tip of a leaf and squeeze out some gel. Apply it directly to the affected area. If a fresh plant is unavailable, a cream with aloe vera works well.

• Speed healing with vitamin E. Puncture a Vitamin E capsule and squeeze out the oil, applying to the affected area to reduce scarring and speed healing.

• Replace lost moisture on the skin. Applying a moisturizer can restore the moisture balance to the skin. Those products which contain coconut or jojoba oil are best. Apply three times per day.

• Use witch hazel, it has a cooling property as it evaporates from the skin but doesn't sting. Apply with a cotton ball three to four times per day.

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Summer vacation is just around the corner! One of the ways we love to enjoy the dog days of summer with our pugs is to spend a day or weekend at the beach. Nothing barks doggy paradise then sunny blue skies, sandy shores, cool waters, sea shells and waves rolling in. Almost all dogs love the beach and some fun in the sun. The beach is the perfect place for dogs to frolic, dig, swim, surf, roll, romp, play and get dirty. Here are few beach pet safety tips so you can enjoy time in the sun with your furry beach buddy. Surfs pups!

1. Check to make sure that dog's are allowed at the beach you will be attending

2. Be law abiding pet owner citizens and make sure you read & understand the beach rules. If a leash is mandatory make sure you leash up and follow the rules.

3. The beach is for obedient and friendly dogs who can be on their best behavior. We recommend obedience classes and training for all dogs, especially if your dog is going to be accompanying on your travels and to public places.

4. Have your dog spayed or neutered, in the event that your dog runs away or becomes lost. Never bring a female dog in heat to the beach or public places, this could cause quite a stir among male dogs.

5. Hydration is key! Bring lots of water for the both of you and a bowl to quench your dog's thirst in the heat. Collapsible bowls and oblong bowls that clip to a water bottle are available and may be more convenient.

6. Bring dog treats as away to praise & reward your dog for good behavior and to re-charge. Treats are a great way to gain your dogs attention.

7. It is always proper "petiquette" to pick up your dog's #2 business. Not only is it the right thing to do but at many beaches is a law, those that do not abide may have to pay a hefty fine. Make to pack some biodegradable doggy pickup bags in your beach bag.

8.  Dog's aren't one to lay in the sun and tan. With bringing your dog to beach their is a higher risk of your dog getting a deadly heatstroke since shade is limited & non-existence. So to ease your mind bring an umbrella so your dog is not in direct sunlight. The umbrella will also help prevent sunburn.

9. Pack your dogs sunscreen because dogs can get sunburn too! You can purchase dog specific sunscreen at your local pet store. Apply sunscreen to your pet. Be sure to use sunscreen on lighter coats and sensitive spots such as the pet's nose and tips of his ears.

10. Make sure to pack your dogs favorite ball or frisbee for a fun game of fetch in the sand.

11. If your dog is not a great swimmer make sure to bring a doggy life jacket.

12. Bring enough towels to dry off  your beachy wet dog and one to lay under your wet sandy dog in the car once your fun day in the sun is done.

13. Make sure your dog has a secure collar with proper id tags and is up-to-date on vaccinations.

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Surfs Up!

The one thing dog’s love about the summer is the beach. Building ditches in the sand, knocking over sand castles, chasing seagulls, rolling in the sand and surfing the waves is what makes the beach so great for your dog. Here are some tips to make going to the beach fun and safe for the entire pack.

1. Follow the Rules: Check with your local beach to see if dogs are allowed. Some beaches with allow your beach buddy to tag along but he or she must be on leash at all times. So find out beforehand so there are no surprises & your beach trip is not spoiled.

2. Pack your dogs beach bag: Its important that when you pack for the beach to bring doggie sunscreen, life jackets, googles & basic necessities. Just, like you dogs can get sun burned.

3. You’re the pack leader: Since some areas of the beach will allow your dog to be off-leash its important that you have control over your pack. Dogs love to run & chase anything in site and have a keen sense of smell, so the beach will be full of intrigued and may cause your dog to wander off in a fast sprint. So be prepared to call your dog back in a stern voice. Trust me no one ones there sun bathing & surfing to be interrupted by a lost dog on the run. Make sure your dog is wearing his or her tags.

4. Flea Protection: Remember that the beach is home to sand fleas and dogs love to dig & roll. So safe guard your dog from those tail biters. Remember that wet flea collars won't do the trick.

5. Hydrate Your Dog: Make sure you bring along your dogs portable dog bowl & some fresh, clean water. Never, let your dog drink salt water it could make them very sick.

6. Take Breaks & Give Your Dog a Loving Timeout: With so much excitement of the beach your dog may forget to take a break & rest. As your pets guardian its important that you keep a watchful eye on whether or not your dog is become dehydrated or over-exhausted. The scotching sun rays, strenuous exercise runs in the sand, hot temperatures & lack of water can do a number on your dogs body. If your dog is feeling the effects of the sun & heat wave make sure to signal & call your dog to come rest in a shady spot.

6. Be Respect of Others Visiting the Beach: Dogs are social butterflies at heart and love to visit people. Especially if there nose sense something tasty in the air, perhaps someone is having a picnic. But some visitors may not appreciate a visit from your dog. Remember in a perfect world you and your dog would have your own private beach oasis, but in reality its a public place. So make sure you keep an eye on your dog so he or she does not disturb other beach goers.

7. Beware of... (you fill in the blank): Although the beach can be a relaxing & fun place, there are some dangers that lurk amidst the sands and the waves. Sea lice, jellyfish, undercurrents & ripe tides not only pose as threat to you but your dog. Keep in mind dogs are very curious and love to roam. So make sure to ask a lifeguard on duty if the area is safe. However, if there is no lifeguard to  be found make sure to look for warning signs posted on the beach like  "No Swim/Surf Zone".

8. Castaway's Found: Dogs are scavengers at heart and love a good beach scavenger hunt. Just remember that litter, dead fish, fishing lines, plant life may find themselves castaways washed up on the beach and in your dogs mouth. Many of these items are not safe for your dog and should not be his or her substitute chew toy. So, monitor your dogs exploration adventures, where a bout's and beach finds. Remember "No Litterbugs Allowed", so do your part to protect water life & dogs by throwing your litter safely in the trash can. Did you know if you litter you could be fined a hefty fine.

9. Pick up Your Dogs #2 Business: Help keep the beaches and water clean & tidy by picking up after your dog. No one likes to swim with your dogs floaters or step barefoot in your dogs sandy poop.

10. Give Your Dog a Bath: Prior to packing & loading the car after a long afternoon at the beach if you have fresh water on hand give your dog a good rinse to get off salt & excess sand. Its important that when you arrive home to give your dog a bath & spa treatment immediately. Chemicals from the sea water can be harmful & do damage to your dogs luscious locks & fur. Also, don't forget clean behind and inside those sandy & salty ears and tend to those achy, sandy paws which took a beaten all day.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews , bully sticks & more. Great snacks for any four legged beach goer!