News from Dog Beach Dog Wash

Dog Beach Dog Wash News

Because your dogs deserve the best

July 2012

Upcoming Events

Morning After Mess

Thurs., July 5, 2012, 9 to 11 a.m. -- Morning After Mess, sponsored by Surfrider Foundation, at the Ocean Beach Pier (plus Belmont Park, Pacific Beach Drive, and South Harbor Jetty in Oceanside). Bags & gloves will be provided, but you're encouraged to bring your own reusable bucket and gloves. Volunteers under age 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign for them.

http://sandiego.surfrider.org/

Sat., July 14, 2012, 9 to 11 a.m. -- Dog Beach Cleanup, with Friends of Dog Beach, at the pawprint entry to Dog Beach. Bags & gloves, plus toys & treats will be provided for you and your friendly dogs

Sat., July 21, 2012, 9 a.m. -- Bark for Life San Diego with the American Cancer Society (ACS), at the Ocean Air Recreation Center, 4770 Fairport Way, San Diego, in Carmel Valley. A noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the ACS's fight against cancer.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=36322

Hounds for Hope

Sat., July 28, 2012, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- Hounds for Hope, at Dusty Rhodes Park, Sunset Cliffs Blvd. between West Pt. Loma Blvd. & Nimitz. The 2nd Annual Canine Cancer Awareness & Wellness Festival is designed to promote healthy care for our furry friends. Sponsored by Labrador Harbor, with proceeds to benefit Labs in Need.

http://www.labradorharbor.org/events.html

Hotel for Dogs

Fri., August 3, 2012, Dusk -- Free showing of Nickelodeon's 2009 comedy, "Hotel for Dogs," at Dusty Rhodes Park (Sunset Cliffs Blvd. between West Pt. Loma Blvd. & Nimitz). Sponsored by the Dusty Rhodes Recreation Council. Donations to benefit the Dusty Rhodes Dog Park.

Dog Days of Summer

Sat., August 11, 2012, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. -- 7th Annual Dog Days of Summer Canine Festival & Contest, presented by Cardiff 101 Main Street, in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, with adoptions, contests, vendors, live music, silent auction and more.

http://www.cardiffdogdaysofsummer.com/

Sat., August 25, 2012, 6-11 p.m. -- The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA's 26th Annual Fur Ball - "Polynesian Pawradise" (black tie optional) at 5500 Gaines St., San Diego 92110, with sumptuous dinner, silent & live auctions, and activities for dogs and people, to benefit the Humane Society's programs and services.

http://www.sdhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=evn_FurBall

Helen Woodward Surf Dogs Sun., Sept. 9, 2012, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. -- 7th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, presented by the Helen Woodward Animal Center, at Del Mar Dog Beach.

http://surfdog.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1016899

Greetings!

Summer Fun With Your Dogs

Summer in San Diego can be the best time of the year. We don't have the excessive heat of the humid east coast, but the sun can be unrelenting and dangerous to our dogs, especially in mid-afternoon.

Dogs have a higher body temperature than humans (100 to 102° F) and the only sweat glands they have are on their noses and pads of their feet. The primary way dogs control their temperature is through panting and breathing. The lining of their mouths and lungs are moist, and as they breath the moisture evaporates and has a cooling effect.

Dogs and cats can quickly dehydrate, so always make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. Take a portable bowl and water bottle with you when you go on long walks. Provide shade for them if you're outdoors for any length of time. And consider sunscreen for your dogs, especially if they have short hair and are white in color.

Here are some other tips for keeping your dogs healthy and safe on summer days:

* Exercise your dogs in the morning or evening when it's cooler. Avoid walking on hot pavement mid-day which can burn the pads of their feet.

* Play in the sprinkler with your dogs, or hose them down with cool water if you're outside and it's over 90° F.

* NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle on a hot day even with the windows open. It can turn into a furnace very quickly, and can cause a fatal case of heat stroke. It's also illegal in San Diego.

* Protect your pets from the anxiety of loud fireworks on July 4th, and every evening at 9:50 p.m. if you live near Sea World. Keep them indoors in a protected room with the windows closed, and distract them with the sounds of a radio or TV, and toys and treats.

Keep their ID tags and microchip information current, and attach a leash if they are likely to bolt out of an open door or window. A leash can make a saving handle to reel them back in. If your dogs show signs of extreme stress at fireworks, consider giving them calming treats or Rescue Remedy for Pets which is alcohol-free and contains Bach Flower Remedies.

* Make sure your dog knows how to swim before going to a pool, river or ocean. Introduce them to the water gradually, and make sure they know how to exit a pool. Stay nearby, and be prepared to go in to rescue them if they need your assistance.

* If you take your dogs boating, surfing or kayaking, make sure they wear their own flotation device. Even dogs that know how to swim can become exhausted or injured, and a life preserver can keep them above water until you come to their aid.

Signs of Heat Stroke

The following signs may indicate heat stroke in a dog:

Increased rectal temperature (over 104° requires action; over 106° is a dire emergency)
Excessive panting
Drooling, difficulty breathing
Dark red gums
Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
Thick saliva
Dizziness or disorientation

What to do if You Suspect Heat Stroke

If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.

First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body -- especially the foot pads and around the head.
DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
Call or visit your vet or emergency animal hospital right away -- even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).

Recruit others to help you -- ask someone to call the vet while others help you cool your dog.

Despite the increase in traffic, the crowds at the beach, and the lack of parking, San Diego in summer is still a paradise. Many of our guests save all year just to spend a week's vacation here. Show them some love. And share the love with your pets. Keep them cool and well hydrated so they can enjoy all the sights, scents, and activities that San Diego has to offer.

Enjoy Your Summer in San Diego!

Jane & Mindy (with Chipper, Juno & Zydeco)

"If you don't own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life."

-- Roger Caras