Have you ever given your dog a bath in your shampoo and realized later that your buddy is itching more than ever? Here’s why.

The pH level of a dogs skin is around 7.5, while a humans pH level is around 7.25. A dogs skin has more alkaline so the shampoo that should be used should have a pH balance closer to the dogs level than ours. The more acidic your shampoo is, the more likely it will cause your pets skin to dry out, which causes irritating itching.

A dogs skin is also more sensitive than ours. A human has about 10-15 cell layers thick of skin, while a dog only has about 2-3 cell layers thick of skin. When a dogs skin becomes irritated and they start itching, it does not take long for the skin to become red, sore, and start bleeding.

So, next time you decide to give your dog a bath at home, make a trip to Wash Wag and buy a PH shampoo first, or better yet, bring your pet here to Wash Wag for the entire bath, all of our shampoos are pH balanced for a dog’s skin!

1. If you have a real tree make sure that you keep the water stand covered. When the pine sap mixes with the water it creates a poisonous concoction. If you buy tree water, check the ingredients. Only buy tree water with non-toxic ingredients. Also, do not put asprin in the tree water.

2.Pine needles can puncture your pets intestines if swallowed so make sure that you vaccum or pick them up often.

3. Decorate the bottom of your tree with non-breakable, non-edible ornaments.

4. Snow globes often contain anti-freeze which is deadly to your pet.

5. Tinsel can easily back up the intestines of your pet if swallowed. If you use tinsel keep it towards the top of the tree and always pick up any tinsel that may fall.

6. Snow spray, snow flock, and styrofoam are posinous to your pet.

7. Do you like to decorate your house with holiday flowers? Here is a list of toxic and non toxic plants.

Toxic
.Amaryllis
.Bittersweet (berries)
.Crown-of-thorns
.Daffodil
.Dieddenbachia
.Ficus (fig)
.Holly (stiff leaves and red berries)
.Hyacinth
.Jerusalem cherry (entire plant)
.Lilies
.Mistletoe (berries,leaves, and stem)
.Philodendron
.Poinsettia
.Pyracantha (berries)
.Rosary Pea or Jequirity Bean (berries)
.Yew

Non-Toxic
.African violets
.Boston Fern
.Christmas Cactus
.Coleus
.Jade
.Snake plants
.Spider plants
.Wandering Jew
.Wax plant

Also remember that non-toxic plants can cause choking, coughing, or an upset stomach if ingested.

Happy Holidays from Wash Wag!!

Its that time of year again! Does your dog come inside covered in snowballs? Do you find it next to impossible to keep your pets hair from matting due to the snow? Here are a few tips you may find helpful.

1) When your dog comes inside covered in snowballs… Get them off! If you leave them be, chances are a mat will form or your pets skin will become irritated. Use a warm washcloth to melt the snowballs, then comb them out.

2) Make sure the hair on the bottom of your pets paws are always trimmed short. By keeping this hair trimmed it will eliminate snowballs and salt from becoming stuck and irritating your dogs paws. We do pad fur trims for $5.

3) Always remember to use “pet safe” salt. Regular salt is much too harsh on your pets feet and may cause burning. Signs of burning are redness, swelling, and your pet may lick and chew on his or her feet. If you know your pet has been walking on salt during daily walks, take the time to wipe your pets’ paws on the way inside your home.

I hope you have found these winter tips helpful! Happy Holidays!