Dr Mark and VetShop on TV - Pampered Pooches

We've all been really excited about seeing Dr Mark on television recently!  We've always known that Dr Mark has a way of explaining pet care concepts to kids, and this is backed up by the fact that recently he has been picked up by kids TV Show Totally Wild (Channel 10) to do a number of segements on pet care for boys and girls.

A couple of months ago he did a segement on "Pampered Pooches" and just how too much spoiling can lead our canine friends to picking up some bad habits. Check out the episode here:



Last week he filmed another segment for kids about First Aid for Pets. As soon as it goes to air, we'll let everyone know!

What's the (Dog) Wash?

We've just received an exclusive briefing about an exciting new dog
wash that will soon be launched to market by one of the big names in
animal health. Can't say too much just yet but this new dog shampoo is:

• soap free
• non-irritant formula
• Gentle pH-adjusted

And best of all it's formulated so as to maintain effectiveness of spot-on type flea treatments like Frontline Plus, Revolution, Advantix, Advocate, Advantage etc.

We can't say much more right now, but VetShopOnline.com  will be one of the first online pet health stores to stock this new dog washing product, so we will keep you posted.

The Power of the Dog

My wife and I heard the following fantastic poem by Rudyard Kipling
on the radio the other morning. We had never heard it before but we
wanted to share it as I am sure it will strike a cord with any dog
owner/lover. It's called "The Power of the Dog"

There is sorrow enough in the natural way

From men and women to fill our day;

And when we are certain of sorrow in store,

Why do we always arrange for more?

Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware

Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.



Buy a pup and your money will buy

Love unflinching that cannot lie--

Perfect passsion and worship fed

By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.

Nevertheless it is hardly fair

To risk your heart to a dog to tear.



When the fourteen years which Nature permits

Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,

And the vet's unspoken prescription runs

To lethal chambers or loaded guns,

Then you will find--it's your own affair--

But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.



When the body that lived at your single will,

With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)

When the spirit that answered your every mood

Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,

You will discover how much you care,

And will give your heart to a dog to tear.



We've sorrow enough in the natural way,

When it comes to burying Christian clay.

Our loves are not given, but only lent,

At compound interest of cent per cent.

Though it is not always the case, I believe,

That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,

A short-term loan is as bad as a long--

So why in--Heaven (before we are there)

Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?



Rudyard Kipling

Summer Tips for Your Pets

Summer is here and it's a great time to be outdoors - enjoying the sunshine and warmth, but it's also the time that our pets are most at risk of overheating and heat stroke.

Helping your pet to keep cool this summer is vital, but with these few simple tips it won't take any effort at all.

1. Have your pet clipped.
   Daily grooming to remove unwanted hair will make your pet more comfortable and will help it to shed excess heat. Grooming aids such as Slicker brushes and Zoom Grooms are designed to strip loose hair from your pet's coat and are very useful.
   
2. Provide adequate shade and water.
   Make sure your pets have adequate shade to rest in at this time of year and have plenty of fresh water in the shade so that it remains cool. Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.
   
3. Put ice in their water bowl
   Freeze a cup or two of water and place them in your pet's water bowl in the morning to keep their water cool.
   
4. Exercise in the shade.
   Walk your dog in the cooler times of day, either early morning or late evening. Stop regularly to give your dog a rest and a drink, or even better a cooling swim.
   
5. Walk on the grass.
   Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Avoid walking on hot roads and sidewalks and instead opt for a walk in a park or on the grass if possible.
   
6. Don't leave your pets in the car.
   Never leave your pet unattended in a hot car. Many say "I'm only going into the shop for a pint of milk - I'll be just a minute". The 'just a minute' extends very quickly if the shop is busy or if you happen to meet a talkative friend. On a 70F day, the car temperature can rise above 130F in only minutes. The highest temperatures are reached in dark-colored cars with large glass areas.
   
7. Apply sunscreen.
   Pets can get sunburned too! Your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
   
   
8. Prepare for the beach.
   Take care when taking your dog to the beach. Ensure that your pet can find shade or bring a beach umbrella or shade structure. Always remember to take fresh water along as drinking salt water can dehydrate your dog.
   
9. Take extra care for higher risk pets.
   Short nosed breeds of dogs, such as Bull Dogs, Pugs and the Pekingese, are very susceptible to heat stress, as are overweight or thick-coated pets. Dogs or cats with poor circulation, very old animals and dogs with any respiratory disease are also at higher risk, so extra care should be taken.

Heat stress is a major concern over summer but a little common sense is all that is required to help your pets keep their cool and stay healthy!

What do I do if my pet does get heat stroke?

Heat stroke causes incredibly severe damage. Affected animals first appear excited, but then appear to lose their balance. Seizures can occur and this can lead to them slipping into a coma. Multi-organ failure can then follow and the animal will be at grave risk.

If this happens, then emergency first aid is vital and you will need to get them to a vet quickly. While you are contacting your vet, try to cool your pet by placing it in a room temperature (not iced) water bath or by hosing it. Then place your wet animal in front of the fan and apply ice packs to its head.

Your veterinarian will need to give medication to control seizures and to prevent further damage to your pet's organs. They may also give it a water enema to reduce the body temperature. It is likely that your pet will be placed on an intravenous drip and your vet may also anesthetize your pet to prevent seizures.

As always, it is better to prepare your pets for the hotter weather and prevent them from getting heat stroke than to have to treat them for it later, however with early detection and professional treatment you can ensure that they will be back on their feet and are happy and healthy in no time.

So from everyone at VetShopOnline, we wish both you and your pets a fun and safe summer!