Things are going great with Dougie! We love having him in our family, and other dog is finally warming up to him. They play together well now, and get along quite well!

We just took them on a little hike around a lake here in Rockville on Sunday, and I’ve attached our family picture!

We really loved working with your rescue. Everyone is very concerned about the dogs, and everyone was quite upfront about any issues we might encounter. I appreciated the honesty, we were really able to make an informed decision, and be prepared for the all the energy that he brings!

Thanks so much for all of your help!

Jenny

Kody is my sunbather; he could lie out on the patio for hours. Here are a few tips as summer approaches.

1. I don’t think many of us Golden parents to this but: Don’t shave your long-coated dog for the summer.

When you shave your dog’s coat, it exposes his skin to sun damage. The hair coat acts as a protective barrier against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and shaved skin is much more vulnerable to sunburn. Instead, thin out your K9′s coat using a Furminator or an undercoat rake, so your pup carries a lighter load in the heat.

2.Dogs experiencing hair loss need special treatment

Dogs most at risk for sunburn include dogs who are experiencing hair loss due to health reasons, such as allergies or hormonal changes.

3.Protect serious sunbathers

Some dogs are serious sunbathers, and could happily fry themselves for hours. But don’t let them sizzle! Dogs who worship the sun while lying on their backs risk developing tumors on the inguinal area, that vulnerable stretch of skin where the belly and hind legs meet; this area is unprotected by hair even on furry breeds. When you notice your sun-worshipping pet panting, it’s time to bring him back indoors before he sustains a sunburn. Please take extra precaution if your dog’s snout is pink. Light-skinned dogs, like light-skinned people, are more prone to sun irritation.

4.How to help a sunburned dog

If your pet did sustain a sunburn, give him a soothing bath with cool water and a gentle, soap-free product such as TheraNeem Pet Shampoo. Before lathering up, add 5 drops of Neem Oil to the shampoo in your palm, then work the mixture through your dog’s fur, down to the skin. Wait a few minutes before rinsing with cool water. Non-toxic Neem works quickly and safely to heal heat as well as chemical burns.

5.Select the proper sunscreen

For an ounce of prevention, use sunscreen on your pet. “Select a sunscreen that’s safe for human babies,” Dr. Peikes advises. Two excellent brands are Aubrey Organics Green Tea Sunblock for Children with SPF 25 and Jason Kids’ Block with SPF 46. There’s also an all-natural balm designed to prevent and soothe doggie sunburn: The Natural Dog Snout Soother (SPF 10), which contains shea butter, kukui nut oil, and vitamin E.

6. Watch out for zinc oxide

Whatever sunscreen you select, make sure it contains no zinc oxide, which is toxic to pets. “Try the product out on one small area of your dog’s skin before spreading it further,” recommends Dr. Peikes. If you see no adverse reaction, go ahead and apply the sunscreen to your dog’s inguinal area and snout. These are the key areas; there’s no need to coat your entire dog with sunscreen.

7. Consider protective clothing in some situations

If your dog had to be shaved for a surgical procedure, protect that area from the sun using a T-shirt that you customize to fit him. If you anticipate spending hours out in the sun; say, while out sailing or hiking – investigate performance sun protective dog clothing.

Dog Fest Flyer

Here’s something to do with your pup over Memorial Day Weekend.

Pam L and some of our Charles County volunteers may staff a table at this event.

It’s a bit pricey at $9 admission fee.

Stop by and visit rescue volunteers and some of the available dogs this Saturday at the St Mary’s Animal Fair at the Fair Grounds in Leonardtown from 10 – 4.

It’s a fun event with a parade, silent auction, a variety of vendors and demonstrations. We’ll be on one of the buildings and Bree, Ariel, Sandy, Zach and others will be there at various times througout the day.

Smear a tablespoon or two of plain, lowfat, organic yogurt around your dog’s bowl (of canned pumpkin) before you add their food. Your dog will slow down and lick all the yogurt or pumpkin off the bowl.

Yogurt is also good to give your dog any time they are taking oral antibiotics. And canned pumpkin is great if your dog needs more fiber in their diet (loose stools indicate more fiber is needed.) Both have minimal calories and are good for your dog.