Although summer is quickly winding down it is never too late for exploring the seasonal dangers faced by dogs and their owners and learning how to keep our dogs safe.  Today’s topics are seasonal allergies and some of the toxins found in products we use in our every-day lives.

Like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. Dogs may be allergic to pollens, ragweed, grass, trees, mold spores, dust mites and dander. Dogs may also be allergic to certain foods and medications. Allergies seem to be especially common in terriers, setters, retrievers and flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs.

Some of the symptoms to look for are scratching, licking, itchy or runny eyes, chewing of the tail, sneezing, coughing, hot spots and ear infections. More severe allergies may manifest themselves in symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

The most effective treatment for allergies in dogs (once the allergy is determined) is to remove the allergens from the environment as much as possible. Other things that can be done to minimize symptoms are cleaning your dog’s paws when coming in from outside to avoid tracking allergens into the house, regular flea and tick prevention treatments and cleaning and vacuuming pet bedding and living areas regularly. Bathing your dog more frequently can also help remove pollens and allergens from the fur.

In some cases your vet may prescribe allergy shots and in some instances Benadryl can help relieve certain symptoms. Some natural remedies have also been effective such as Omega 3 fatty acids, and coconut oil. When giving any human ingredient or medication to a dog though, be sure and check with your vet to be sure it is safe and for proper dosage instructions.

Many common foods and household products can pose serious threats to your dog as well. By now we may know that some of the foods we love such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs.

In the summer months there are many additional dangers in our environment. If you are doing any construction or renovation to your home, be aware that many construction materials and processed wood products contain formaldehyde. Be sure to supervise your dog if he is going to be in areas where he can find these materials and do not allow your dog to chew on any of these items.

In summer months, dogs may also be more prone to ingesting flea and tick products, so be mindful of that too. If you see a green puddle in a driveway or on pavement, do not let your dog drink it – likely it is antifreeze which can be fatal.

There are many natural alternatives to the products we use in the summer months that are just as effective and will not harm your pets.  If you use moth balls, substitute cedar. Corn gluten is a safe alternative to the weed and feed products we use to manage our lawns. If you use garden herbicides or insecticides check online or consult your lawn care professional for replacements that can safely be used around pets. Not only will you be keeping your pets safe but you will also be protecting the environment.

Keep your pets happy and healthy for the rest of the summer. There is still plenty of time to enjoy the nice weather so make the most of it. The colder weather will be here before you know it!!

This past Sunday I was invited to a fundraising event for Kane’s Krusade. The spokesdogs (or, as they are called, ambassa-bulls) for the organization, Kane and Tess were two of the hero pit bulls included in my book so, of course I could not wait to meet them. Kane’s Cookout is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. It was a great day to get out and support Kane’s Krusade and, as an added bonus meet celebrity dog guests such as Juno of Juno’s Place, Burt and friends of Burt’s Brigade, Cherry Garcia, a dog formerly owned by Michael Vick and now owned by a wonderful family with young children and Lilly the Hero Pit Bull who risked her own life and lost a limb to save the life of her owner. Lilly is also featured in my book so, as you may well imagine, I was thrilled when I heard she would be in attendance.

At the time founder Kim George submitted her story for my book, Kane’s Krusade was assisting twenty-three families and forty-seven dogs.  As of this writing, the numbers have grown to over fifty families and eighty-three dogs. These are dogs and owners who are falling through the cracks. Kane’s volunteers go right into their homes, bringing resources and information. They foster long-term relationships, affording recipients the opportunity to "pay it forward” in one of a number of ways by volunteering, providing testimonials, constructing dog houses or assisting other families.

Kane’s Krusade also offers medical treatment, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, microchipping, grooming and behavioral training. The volunteers work in the poorest neighborhoods of Western Massachusetts to lend a helping hand to the pet owners that no one else is reaching. In 2014 alone, it has provided over $9,000 in medical care, over 60 individual in home training sessions and held a free vaccine clinic for 70 pets. It distributes about 1,250 pounds of dog food to families each month.

Sunday’s event featured videos from families that Kane’s Krusade has helped and speeches from people who have received services. Many of the families were there with their dogs to celebrate the day. It was very moving to see and hear from the people this organization has helped.

I really cannot say enough positive things about this phenomenal group of volunteers and the incredible work they do. I would like to thank Kim George and all of the volunteers who make up Kane’s Krusade. I am humbled by your devotion and willingness to help those who need it most. I am proud to support you and all that you do! Thank you!!

The tips offered today are about protecting your dog from sunburn, burned paw pads, insect bites and parasites - all common problems during the summer months. 

Protect your dog by providing shade if you are going to be outside for extended periods of time and by using sunblock. There are products made especially for dogs and while human sunblock products are safe for your dog’s skin, these products may contain toxic chemicals which your dog may try to lick. It is best to check with your veterinarian before using any human products on dogs.

Mild sunburn can be treated by bathing your dog with cool water and applying cool compresses. To soothe sunburned skin, use natural products such as witch hazel, aloe vera, shea butter or by breaking open vitamin E capsules and applying to the skin.

If your dog’s skin is red or raw, if there is blistering or if your dog seems to be in pain, he should be taken to the vet immediately.

Burned paws from hot pavement is another common danger in the summer months. Avoid by walking your dog early in the morning or later in the evening and not during the hours when pavement would be hottest. Whenever possible, let your dog walk on the grass, rather than the sidewalk.

Some signs that your dog’s paws may be burned are redness, licking of the paws and limping or refusing to walk. If you notice any of these signs, first aid should be started as soon as possible. Bathe the paws in cool water and try to keep the affected areas clean. You can try bandaging or putting socks on but supervise your dog to be sure he does not try to eat them. If the burns are serious your dog should be taken to the vet.

Another common problem in the summer is insect bites. Mosquito bites are generally not dangerous but some mosquitoes carry the heartworm virus so heartworm prevention is especially important in the summer months. The same goes for flea and tick prevention. An infestation of fleas or certain tick bites can cause serious illnesses in your dog and in some cases can even be deadly. Even if you use flea and tick prevention products it is best to check your dog frequently for fleas and ticks and treat as necessary.

Other insect bites include ants, spiders, bees, wasps and hornets. These are most commonly found on the hairless areas of your dog, such as the belly or around the face and head. If you notice bites on your dog, be on the alert for redness, swelling and other symptoms and monitor them closely. If you notice a stinger left behind, remove with a credit card or similar object. Do not use tweezers as they may cause more venom to be released. Soothe bites and stings with aloe vera and see your vet if your dog develops an allergic reaction. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction would include swelling of the eyelids, ears or lips, hives, difficulty breathing, weakness, unconsciousness, fever, trembling, vomiting, and increased heart rate. Any of these symptoms should be taken very seriously and you should seek immediate medical attention.

Whipworms, roundworms, threadworms and other parasites are also more common in the summer as more time is spent outdoors where these parasites live. It is common for dogs to drink out of puddles or eat contaminated food off the ground, especially in summer months and once your dog is infected, some of these parasites can even be transmitted to humans so prevention and treatment are extremely important.

Symptoms may include bloody stools, diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy and anemia. Often parasites are difficult to eradicate and require multiple deworming treatments.

While summer is a great time to be outdoors and plan activities with your dog it is always important to take precautions to keep your dog safe. By using prevention methods and being aware of conditions and symptoms, your dog should be able to enjoy his favorite outdoor activities with minimal risk.

Next week I will have more summer safety tips but this week I would be remiss if I did not talk about two absolutely phenomenal events I had the honor to attend last week. Both brought amazing people together to support pit bull awareness, rescue, adoption and education – all of the reasons I felt the need to write a book about these maligned, misunderstood and most remarkable dogs.

As seems to be the case with most of my journey in dog rescue, I came across the first event completely by accident – a convergence of coincidences that led me a little over a hundred miles away to North Attleboro MA on a Thursday night in July. North Attleboro is a relatively small town in Massachusetts, near the Rhode Island border and not far from Boston.

I had not heard of it so I did a little research – North Attleboro is an industrial town, about 19 square miles in area with a population of around 28.000. It was first settled in the mid 1600’s. During the Revolutionary War it was used as a stopover for George Washington and his army on their march to Boston. There is a list of well-known residents throughout history, although none was well-known to me, other than a football player in the NFL who recently starred for my alma mater, the University of Connecticut.

The event was the area premier movie screening of “Guilty ‘Til Proven Innocent,” a film about Breed Specific Legislation which asks the question, "Do We Have A Dangerous Dog Breed Problem, Or Dangerous Laws Targeting Dogs?" It was a fundraising event sponsored by two area pit bull rescues, A Voice For Tyson and Braveheart Pit Bull Rescue and I was invited to sign copies of my book as part of their fundraising efforts.

This event really hit home for me. It reinforced everything I have been working for and all the reasons I decided to write a book in the first place. Everyone in attendance was there for one purpose. This sold out event brought the community together for the dogs.

I did not actually see the film as I had to stay at my table throughout the evening but I heard great things about it from the excited crowd and, although I would have liked to, it didn’t matter. What I loved was that so many people stopped by my table to talk to me and show me pictures of their dogs – all pit bulls and all rescued from one awful situation or another.

I met wonderful people, and best of all, there was a special guest appearance by Blueberry the Pit Bull Therapy Dog - one of the hero dogs in my book. Blueberry was there with her owner, Maura and is quite the celebrity in the North Attleboro area. Blueberry was all she was advertised to be and more – a sweet, gentle soul who greeted everyone with tail wags and kisses and sat patiently while everyone milled around waiting to pet her and have pictures taken with her. Her calm demeanor was astounding to witness.

Then something even more astonishing happened. As a woman approached Blueberry, suddenly everything changed.  Blueberry began running in circles, jumping excitedly and trying to crawl right into this woman’s arms - literally hugging and kissing her. I wondered what had gotten into Blueberry. Then her owner, Maura told me that the woman was the Animal Control Officer who had saved Blueberry from a neglectful owner. Just thinking about the scene gives me goose bumps. Anyone who doesn’t believe that animals can remember things and feel emotions should have witnessed this poignant and affecting scene.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the people involved in putting together this incredible event. It was an honor to be a part of it. I left the venue with a renewed sense of purpose – even more determined to help the pit bulls of the world and connect with the people who love them.  

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The second event took place two days later and once again made me feel like part of something much greater. A community coming together for one purpose – helping dogs in need. This one was a paint bar party/fundraiser for Kenway’s Cause. Not surprisingly, my relationship with Kenway’s Cause also happened quite by accident and it is a relationship I plan to continue for as long as I possibly can. I am humbled by the perseverance and dedication of this group that seems to always come through for the dogs, despite the obstacles it must face every day. 

Kenway’s Cause is a non-profit foundation which was established in the City of Hartford to assist individuals and families who adopt dogs from the Hartford dog pound (about 85% of which are pit bulls) and to fund medical treatment for sick and injured animals. Kenway’s Cause provides assistance to both the dogs and their adoptive families. It consists of a group of amazing women who have come together to save lives. I am happy and proud to support them and the incredible work they do day in and day out..

This second event took place much closer to home at the Muse Paint Bar in Blueback Square, West Hartford, CT. While I in no way claim to be an artist, we were given step by step instructions for turning a blank canvas into a finished painting, suitable for displaying in our homes if we so desired. Since the event was a benefit for animal rescue, the subject chosen for our painting was a pit bull.

Being the perfectionist that I am, my finished painting was not quite what I was hoping for but it was so much fun – a great time with great people. While I am not sure whether or not I will put my art work on display, it was not only a most enjoyable way to spend a few hours but it also helped out a great cause – Kenway’s Cause.

It was a joy and a privilege to attend both of these events. Both were experiences I will remember always. Thank you to all who work so hard every day to help animals in need –I am truly in awe.

                                                                   My finished painting!!