How to Tell if Your Dog is Overheating (And What You Can Do About It)

Heat is the biggest risk your dog faces in the summer. Overheating can come on quickly and the results can be devastating, including organ failure, stroke, heart attack, permanent neurological damage, and even the loss of your pet. Understanding the risk factors, signs, symptoms, and how to prevent heat stroke could very well save your pup’s life. Here’s what you need to know about overheating in dogs.

What Does Overheating Look Like?

Overheating, dehydration and heatstroke are fairly easy to spot if you know what to look for. All of the following signs/symptoms are associated with overheating in dogs:

• Excessive panting
• Excessive, unusually thick drooling
• Dark, dry or pale gums
• Faster than normal heart rate
• Fever above 105° F
• Noisy, labored breathing
• Disorientation
• Difficulty walking/standing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures or convulsions
• Sunken or glassy eyes

 

What Dogs are at Risk of Overheating?

Any canine in a hot space can overheat, but some dogs are more at risk than others. Lack of shade, lack of water, too much exercise in hot or humid conditions, and lack of ventilation also raise the likelihood that your pup will overheat or become dehydrated. The following types of dogs are more vulnerable to overheating:

• Dogs with extremely thick or long coats (but do not shave them, doing so can cause sunburn)
• Obese dogs
• Dogs kept primarily outside
• Senior dogs
• Puppies
• Dogs with medical issues, such as breathing problems or heart conditions
• Dogs with short noses: such as shih tzus, pugs, boxers, bulldogs, french bulldogs, boston terriers, pekingese

 

How to Prevent Overheating

Overheating is scary, but the good news is that it’s quite easy to prevent. Here’s how to help your pup avoid dehydration and overheating this summer:

• Avoid walking, hiking or other exercise with your dog during the hottest times of the day. Go with early morning or evening instead.
• Ensure your dog has plenty of ventilation, including indoors and when traveling in a car (never leave your dog in a car unattended).
• Provide your dog with plenty of shade, rest breaks, and water when outside (offer water at least once every hour). Additionally, bring water on every walk, hike or any other outdoor activity you share with your pooch.
• Keep the inside of your home cool, too.
• Lastly, closely monitor your pet for the signs and symptoms of overheating mentioned above.

 

What to Do if Your Dog is Overheated

First thing’s first: at the first sign of dehydration or overheating, move your dog to cooler space immediately. Then, follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Cool down your dog using cool—not cold—water. A bathtub, shower, garden hose, wet washcloth, pool or natural body of water all work. If using a hose or cloth, place special focus on the head and neck area, and under the armpits.
2. Offer your dog cool—but again, not cold—water to drink. Let them drink as much as they like. Giving them water that’s too cold can lead to shock and vomiting, which will only make their dehydration and overheating worse.
3. Lastly, get your dog to a vet ASAP. Even if you feel your pet is now O.K., overheating and heat stroke can cause hidden complications, such as organ damage, blood clots and swelling of the brain. If you feel your dog’s condition is serious (especially if they’re unresponsive), call the vet ahead of time to let them know you’re bringing in an animal that needs emergency medical attention.

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

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5 Swimming Safety Tips for Dogs

Swimming is easily one of the best things about summer. Swimming with your dog, however, might be the best thing about summer! After all, what’s more fun than cooling off while sharing some mutual exercise and relaxation with your pup? But if you fail to take the proper precautions, swimming with your canine can turn un-fun very quickly. Whether cruising the beach, jumping in the pool, or exploring outdoor areas with rivers and lakes, here’s 5 swimming tips to keep your dog safe this summer.

 

Don’t Assume All Dogs Can Swim

Contrary to popular opinion, not all dogs know how to swim. Actually, not all dogs can learn how to swim either. Athletic breeds like retrievers and labs tend to pick it up fast, but denser breeds and those with flat faces like bulldogs and pugs simply aren’t suited for the water (though you’ll occasionally spot an exception). In fact, according to one popular American Bulldog Guide, drowning is the leading cause of death among both Bulldogs and American Bulldogs—which only shows how closely we need to monitor our pups when they’re playing around water.

Similarly, micro breeds like chihuahuas can tire easily, leaving them vulnerable to drowning, especially in natural bodies of waters with waves. If your pup fits either of the above categories, outfit them with a dog-specific life vest or consider skipping the water activities altogether in favor of a safer option like kiddie a pool or sprinklers.

 

Ask Your Vet About Prevention

Adventure dogs—especially those that frequent rivers, ponds, lakes and oceans—are more susceptible to various illnesses and diseases. If your next outing involves natural bodies of water, visit a vet beforehand. Serious illnesses like Lyme disease and waterborne bacteria like Leptospira can sometimes be prevented with vaccinations. We suggest checking with your vet to ensure you’ve taken all possible precautions before your next water-filled outdoor excursion.

 

Never Let them Drink the Water

Drinking salt water can lead to what’s commonly called “beach diarrhea,” a serious condition that can dehydrate or even kill your pup. Pool water contains chemicals, and drinking water from rivers, ponds and lakes exposes your dog to countless waterborne parasites and illnesses—like giardia for instance. Under no circumstance is it a good idea to let your pup drink from unfamiliar water sources, so keep a close eye anytime they approach the water’s edge. Because accidents happen, monitor your pet in the days after water activities, looking for any signs of disease or infection—such as lethargy, diarrhea, fever, or loss of appetite. If you spot anything suspicious, visit your vet immediately. Thoroughly bathing your pet after swimming can help reduce their chance of suffering a waterborne health complication.

 

Beware Blue-Green Algae

Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, is a bacteria that forms in both fresh and saltwater. Thriving in warm conditions, this bacteria can be extremely toxic to humans and pets alike. Sadly, for our canines ingestion is often fatal. When exploring outdoor spaces with natural bodies of water, always be on the lookout for blue-green algae, which typically floats on the water’s surface (If you don’t know what it looks like, click here). If you come across water covered in what looks like blue-green algae—even if you’re unsure and cannot confirm either way—it’s best to find another spot to play.

 

Learn Doggy CPR

Even if you do everything correct as a pet parent, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s crucial that every dog owner learn canine CPR. While brief CPR guides can be found online, we suggest taking a course in person from your vet or a local animal organization for a more thorough education.

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

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10 Essential Summer Safety Tips for Dog

Summer’s here and with it comes one of the best times of year to explore the outdoors with your pup! Swimming, hiking, road-tripping, camping—there’s no end to the thrilling activities you can share with your animal buddy. But summer also presents some unique challenges and health concerns, principally intense sunshine and extreme heat. To keep the fun flowing and emergency vet visits at bay, here are ten Essential Summer Safety Tips for Dogs.

 

Keep them Cool

This is the most obvious but also most important rule of the summer. Here’s some quick tips to make sure your pooch stays cool during the summer months:

• Before walking, hiking, visiting the dog park and other outdoor activities, consider the temperature and humidity. As a guide, if the humidity and temperature add up to more than 150, it’s too hot for your pup. (For example, if it’s 95°F and the humidity is 60, which adds up to 155, it’s best to wait till it’s cooler)
• Always bring along water and take plenty of breaks when exploring the outdoors
• Ensure there’s a shady space and plenty of water when your pup’s in the backyard
• Keep your house cool, too (whether through A/C or fans)
• If your doggo exhibits signs of exhaustion—weakness, excessive drooling, heavy panting, glazed eyes, vomiting—end physical activity immediately and consult a vet ASAP.

Watch out for Heat Stroke

Typical canine temperature is between 100°-103. Heat stroke, which can permanently damage organs and even kill your pet, takes hold around 105°F. So, if worse comes to worse and your pup succumbs to heatstroke, you’ll need to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms quickly. Your dog’s life could depend on it. Here’s what to look out for:

• Bright red gums, or gums that appear dry
• Thick or excessive drooling
• Diarrhea
• Loss of balance
• Heavy panting
• Rapid heart rate
• Dark stool
• Lack of urine

If you witness these symptoms, transport your pup to a cooler space as soon as possible and and wipe them down with a cool, damp cloth. Have them drink cool—but not cold—water to avoid vomiting, which will only worsen dehydration and overheating. As soon as your pup is stable, visit a vet ASAP.

 

Keep the Bugs Away

Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes can ruin otherwise enjoyable summer days. In addition to causing serious skin irritation, these pests can transmit life-threatening illnesses and parasites to your pet (like heartworms from mosquito bites, for example). To protect your pet from these bugs, and to prevent pesticide exposure to you and your family, use a non-toxic, pet-safe bug repellent on your dog when outside this summer.

 

Do Not Shave Your Dog

While shedding some hair can help humans stay cool, our dogs are a bit different. In fact, a dense coat can actually help keep your pooch cool, protecting them from the sun’s harmful rays. Shaving your dog’s fur makes them more vulnerable to a litany of heat-related complications, including heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration. For this reason, avoid shaving your dog during the summer season, or at any time for that matter.

 

Practice Good Hygiene

From swimming to hiking, our pups tend to get much grimier in the summer season. Apart from the unpleasant odor of a dirty dog, poor hygiene can allow bacteria to build up on your pooch’s skin, causing irritation and in some cases illness. A filthy coat can also make your dog more susceptible to biting, disease-carrying pests. As a guide, bathe your pup monthly throughout the summer, more often if they’re adventurers or outdoor dogs (but not too often, over bathing can dry out your doggy’s skin). To avoid skin issues or exposure to harmful chemicals, always use a pet-safe shampoo sourced from natural ingredients.

 

Never, Ever, Ever Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car

We’ve all heard this before, we all know it, and yet it still keeps happening. Even in temperatures as low as 80°F, your pup can suffer a stroke or perish in a hot car in just a few minutes—that’s all it takes! Under no circumstance, ever, ever leave your pooch in a warm or hot vehicle. No excuses.

 

Avoid Sunburns

Did you know skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in dogs? And just like in humans, sunburns can develop fast without notice, resulting in serious pain for days, even weeks. Especially if your dog has a short coat or is light-furred, apply pet-safe sunscreen every 3-5 hours when you and your pup go outside. Pay special attention to the ears, stomach area, and other spaces with little to no fur. We strongly suggest using only non-toxic, chemical-free sunscreen options.

 

Protect Your Dog’s Paws

Ever burn your feet on hot concrete? Yeah, it’s no fun, and the painful blisters can persist for weeks. Ouch! Well, your pup is not immune to this condition either. To protect their paw pads from cooking in the summer heat, avoid asphalt, concrete and other hot surfaces (including the metal beds of pickup trucks!). To test whether a surface will harm your doggo’s paws, place the back of your hand on the surface for approximately 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog. Dog booties are another option for guarding your pooch’s feet during the summer months.

 

Avoid Unfamiliar Grassy Spaces

Avoiding unfamiliar grassy lots can greatly reduce both your dog’s and your family’s exposure to chemical-based pesticides. Many outdoor spaces—such as public parks, local dog parks, and neighboring yards—are regularly treated with these harmful toxins. Unless you’re familiar with the space and how it’s maintained, it’s best to find another place for your dog to play. The risk is simply too great.

 

Closely Monitor Water Activities

From bacteria and parasites in natural bodies of water, to chemicals and drowning hazards in pools, water activities can be risky for pets and pet owners. We’re not saying avoid the water outright—swimming with dogs and visiting the lake are some of our favorite things about summer—but you need to watch your pup closely when in or around water. Monitor your dog to ensure they don’t drink unfamiliar water, including that of creeks and chlorine-saturated pool water. Also, be sure to rinse off your pup’s fur after they’ve been for a swim to remove chlorine, natural water contaminants, and to check for parasites like leeches.

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

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6 Reasons We Love Lemongrass Essential Oil

After falling in love with lemongrass essential oil, we recently added it to one of our most popular formulas. In addition to classic Tickshield—our extra strength personal insecticide and repellent—we now carry an all new Tickshield with refreshing lemongrass! We sell pure lemongrass essential oil now, too! But why do we like it so much and why is lemongrass essential oil so great? We’re glad you asked

Here are 6 reasons we love Lemongrass Essential Oil.

A Note on Essential Oils: Cedarcide has not verified the following claims. We suggest consulting a doctor before using essential oils.

 

It Smells Amaaaaaaaaaazing

Its refreshing, clean and complex aroma is a big reason lemongrass is one of our favorite essential oils! Citral, also known as lemonal, is what gives Lemongrass its sweet, delightfully citrus scent. There’s just something about its unique earthy smell that’s both relaxing and also kind of a pick-me-up.

 

It’s Super Great for Aromatherapy

Lemongrass’ awesome scent does more than make the air smell fresh, it has several real world benefits too! When used in a diffuser for aromatherapy, lemongrass essential oil is said to boost mood and relieve feelings of nervousness and anxiety. In addition to these uplifting and relaxing qualities, some users find diffusing lemongrass essential oil helps with headaches, body aches, and mental exhaustion as well.

 

It’s a Natural Bug Repellent

Lemongrass essential oil contains organic compounds called aldehydes which are a natural bug deterrent. Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and many other biting insects are repelled by Lemongrass’ natural repellency. Whether applying to your skin, clothing, your dog’s bandana, or diffusing on the porch to keep mosquitoes at bay, Lemongrass is an effective alternative to chemical-based pest control products.

 

It’s Said to Provide Topical Pain Relief

Lemongrass essential oil is prized for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and muscle relaxing qualities. When mixed with a carrier oil or massaged directly into the skin, lemongrass essential oil is said to provide topical relief for everything from minor skin irritations to muscle pain and fatigue. Pretty cool, huh?

 

 

It’s an Awesome Additive in Natural DIY Solutions

Natural air fresheners, all-purpose cleaners, scalp & skin care—lemongrass is an excellent additive for countless DIY essential oil mixtures and solutions. Consult an essential oil book or online resource for tips and recipes on incorporating lemongrass essential oil into your natural lifestyle.

 

It Has Soooo Many Other Uses

Lemongrass has played an important role in the daily lives of people both ancient and modern. This tropical grass has historical uses in everything from cooking and health care to cleaning and mental stimulation. The following are all ways in which lemongrass has been traditionally used throughout the world.

 

• Headache relief
• Digestive issues
• Immune system health
• Infection fighter
• Fever reducer
• Antifungal
• Sedative
• Antioxidant
• Detoxifier  
• Muscle relaxer
• Insomnia relief

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

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