Community   tazlab's extended family

One of our primary goals at tazlab is to draw together folks that are of similar mind in one specific respect: We want to provide the best care we can for our closest friends. We started out a long time ago trying to live this ethic with our human friends, and it only makes sense that we would extend that behavior to our animal friends as well.

With that in mind, tazlab supports those that we consider our extended tazlab family. This extended family includes the incredible, cooperative, and adventurous retailers that we have connected with, as well as the many folks who have expressed support in a broad variety of ways even when they don't have a dog currently in their lives. Many of our friends and acquaintances have propelled us forward not only by continuing to spread the positive word, but in many cases by purchasing our "human" products such as our t-shirts and lights in a show of support (and, we'd like to think, because they just plain like our stuff).

In both small ways and large ways, we believe that each of us can make a difference in other lives, whether human, animal, or somewhere in between (that's for you, Stevie). A heartfelt thanks.

Hey, Where'd "Friends of Tasman" go?

By popular demand, we've moved the Friends of Tasman section to its very own set of pages. To visit Taz's new home, click here.

Articles

Heat: the spider bite of dog itchy. It may not be the heat.

A dog can be allergic to just one individual food ingredient or a combination of several. The challenge is to find out which ingredient(s) commonly found in pet foods are causing the problems. The ideal method for detection is through a vigorous and strict food trial. How to do this? It is a simple theory, but can be difficult in practice. The dog must be removed from all previously exposed food ingredients from the past and put on a very limited diet with an ingredient list that is totally novel for the dog being tested.

Once a test diet has been selected, it must be fed exclusively to the pet for a period of time prescribed by your veterinarian. This includes treats! The owner may have to be inventive if they want their pet to have treats during this time. We will discuss some of these ideas in next week’s Ask Dr. Wise column.

If the dog improves on this novel diet, terrific! If not, you may need to start with another new food. Once improvement has been seen and the dog has had time to detoxify itself from the earlier diets, it is time to introduce different foods to the dog to see if the problems re-occur. Each food ingredient (let’s start with egg, for example) should be re-introduced to the dog individually over time. If the owner has been following the novel food program to the letter and the dog shows a reaction if egg is added to the diet, then one can assume that eggs should be avoided in the future.

Once acceptable food ingredients have been determined, the pet owner can use this list to select a pet food for the dog. The owner must be willing to read ingredient labels on the back of the feed bags and cans. Contrary to popular belief, lamb and rice diets are not hypoallergenic. A dog can be allergic to lamb just as it can be allergic to beef or chicken. It is vital that the pet owner read the ingredient labels closely when selecting a pet food for their allergic dog. Many lamb and rice diets have corn, soy, or wheat in the ingredient list.

Pet food manufacturers have developed a number of diets, which can be helpful for dogs suffering from food allergies. Your veterinarian can help you to select from among the exotic and newly “designed” protein sources that are available in pet foods today.

Global warming and your dog

Recently I was having a discussion with several of the fantastic people that keep one of our vendors running and the conversation turned, away from Tazlab products for a minute and we started talking about the heat and dogs. Living as we do in the transformed desert of Southern California, we have recently been experiencing higher than normal temperatures for longer than expected periods of time. As uncomfortable as it is for us, those of us who are dog owners must continually be aware of the effect of our dogs fur coat, or in some cases of the Chinese Hairless on their lack of fur. For the hairless variety there is always the worry of sunburn. But no matter how often you spray your dog down with water or allow them to lounge in front of the AC, I can’t shake the feeling that our dog suffers in the heat.

This is when the discussion turned to the effect of shaving your dog’s coat. Many dog aficionados are, I am certain, cringing, at the thought. Personally I truly like the way my dog looks, large white mane etc. On one side there are the fears prompted by the old wives tales such as “their fur will never grow back the same” or “ the fur helps keep them cool.” Both of which, from my extensive research seem to have no validity.

So, is it possible for me to put aside my projected vanity, and shave my dog’s coat? Let’s be reasonable, I will only go down to about an inch or so, but I am assured that dogs that have been cut, with the heat, are much happier, play more and are generally more comfortable. This was the consensus from our discussion. I thanked them for their opinions and have yet to cut my dog’s coat. Maybe its vanity, or maybe I‘m just one of those people that wants to believe that there really is no global warming.

Have an opinion... send it to us http://www.bark@tazlab.com

It's Doggone Hot

As the latest heat wave washes over the country the concern for "cool" migrates with it. Tasman wants to share with you some of his more important tips on beating the heat in the dog days of August. Many new products have flooded the market here are our thoughts and refreshing recommendations.

• Access to cool fresh water of course tops the list - if the dog will be unattended consider a spill proof bowl.
• Access to air-conditioning on hot days.
• Natural shade is much cooler than artificial shade - think tree vs tent.
• A SMALL dog will generally suffer more than a LARGE dog (this has to do with the volume to surface area ratio effect). Short muzzled, thick coated and mix breeds are also more susceptible.
• Dogs are more sensitive to the heat than humans since they can only cool by panting and through the pads of their paws, not sweating. Keep him generally cool throughout the day, and cool just prior to exercise outings- preferably dawn and dusk.

Wet down the dog's belly and paws and /or keep the top cool with a cool coat (a terry cloth towel material with straps, etc to keep on the dog). Look for fabrics that have an anti-microbial treatment to avoid that odor and funk. Use a wet white t-shirt to reflect the sun. Also cooling beds, mats and vests are available from many companies. We especially like http://www.50degree.com

Avoid feeding a dog when he has just returned from a big run, play session or other very active events to reduce chances of Bloat. Bloat is a serious intestinal emergency that comes on very fast and is life threatening. If you suspect bloat seek medical assistance immediately. Each minute is crucial.

We all know never to leave a dog in the car when it is hot- even with the windows down. No matter how short your stop- think twice. A dog can suffer heat stroke in minutes and car temperatures can reach over 150 degrees.

Dogs suffer from sunburn much like their human counterparts. Use a hypo- allergenic sunscreen on the nose and exposed areas. If you have a hairless dog- well best of luck, I have several bald friends and even application is always a challenge. Dogs are also susceptible to burning their pads from hot asphalt, sand or other surfaces that hold and reflect heat. Ouch! This can cause peeling and blistering. There are many dog booties on the market to protect your pup’s footsies.

Heat exhaustion is usually a result of over-exercising in hot weather. Always bring cool water when walking, playing or hiking with your dog. Common signs of heat stroke:

• rapid panting
• twitching muscles
• hot skin
• dazed, confused behavior

Seek medical assistance if any of these occur. Cool the dog with cool (not cold) water using a hose, soaked towels, kiddy pool or bath. Do not pour cold water directly on the head if you suspect overheating.

If flying with your dog try and book non-stop flights in the morning or evening hours. Arrange to avoid travel during hot seasons.