Protecting Your Dogs From Summertime Hazards

[Makwa's]

Great Post! Thanks

[Mr Kleb]

With the weather being more inviting we are more likely to take our dogs with us. It's good to secure them. One solution is to get a harness that straps into the seat belt.

Here is Achilles wearing his Roadie.

[Fletcherjm]

bump bumpv - great stuff

[ZenCat]

BEER!!!

This just came up in another thread and I thought it was very valuable information. Years ago at a family picnic I caught a cousin-by-marriage giving my lab Grady a slug of beer. I told him never to give my dog anything without my permission, and an hour later I caught him doing it again. I kept Grady at my side the rest of the day.

Quote:
Originally Posted by memcnult
There are several articles starting to come out if you google it - but hops are very, very, very dangerous for your dog!! (resulting in death something like 95% of cases). Ingested in any form at all - even after they've been tinctured for beer brewing, or right off the vine -- bad. And tiny amounts can cause severe reactions.

If your dog does injest hops take them to the vet immediately and bring a cold towel and ice - the dog will develop a sudden and severe fever.

This is excellent information. We would never ever deliberately give our dogs beer (though I've seen it done by others ) but not long ago my husband had an "almost spill"... the bottle tipped and some beer splashed onto the table and Grip started to lick it up before I pushed him away and wiped it up with the hem of my shirt. With 2 greyhounds, I was happy to learn this info.

Thanks for the heads up!

[ChocLabOwner]

Gardening season is also upon us. A couple of things to consider:

A lot of plants that we have in our gardens are potentially poisonous to our pets. You can google a list. A couple of sites that I found were as follows:

http://www.dogpack.com/health/poisonplants.htm
http://dogs.about.com/cs/disableddogs/l/blplants.htm

As well, I know this has been mentioned before, but there was a mulch that is also poisonous to dogs as it contains cocoa nuts. The smell may be irresistible to your dog.

http://www.cocoamulch.com/

[PATEX]

Yes, another thing to think about is fruit growing in your garden or yard. Watch out for falling fruit! In TX, we had peach trees, and you don't want your dog to get a hold of peach pits. We had to perform daily hunts for fallen peaches when they were out. Now, we've got a grape arbor in the yard, so we'll be scanning the ground for grapes. If you have peaches or grapes, be on the lookout!

[bigharrythomas]

Lot's of great infomation. Thanks to all for sharing!

[2shoes]

Great thread! Thanks! Here's a question that occured to me the other day. Can you use the bandanas that are treated with Buzz Off to keep mosquitoes away from your dog? http://www.rei.com/product/746685

[ZenCat]

Originally Posted by 2shoes

Great thread! Thanks! Here's a question that occured to me the other day. Can you use the bandanas that are treated with Buzz Off to keep mosquitoes away from your dog? http://www.rei.com/product/746685

Buzz Off fabric is fairly controversial. I can't find anything that states its approved for safe use on animals. The fabric is treated with the insecticide Permathrin (which is classified as a pesticide not an insect repellent) and the products themselves do not carry what many believe to be adequate warning labels. They are, in fact, not designed to be worn against your skin (which is worrying, since they make Buzz Off shirts, hats, etc.). I would be very concerned about using it on a dog, not only because it will be in contact with their skin, but because of the inhalation aspect and the proximity of a bandana to their eyes. Of special concern is insecticide overdose if they are already being treated with flea/tick preventives (like Frontline).

Here's what The Green Guide says:

The Green Guide Responds:

Two years ago, the EPA approved Buzz Off "insect repellent apparel," which is now carried by many outdoor gear retailers, such as REI, Eddie Bauer and Sierra Trading Post. The products are made effective by a powerful insecticide, yet even the clothing designed for children does not include warnings about the potential health risks and environmental impact from the active ingredient: permethrin.

Permethrin is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring pyrethroids. It is easily metabolized by many insects, which may be effectively disabled by the chemical, though often they recover. It can be highly toxic to fish and tadpoles, and in humans can cause asthma attacks, headache and nausea.

The information provided by the manufacturer, which many retailers use as their ad copy, contains no product safety disclosure, though some warning is certainly implied. Instead of making non-toxic claims, Buzz Off is characterized as odorless and colorless. The company's literature states the insecticide is "tightly bonded to the garment during the patent-pending Buzz Off Insect Shield treatment process," but also notes that after 25 washings the clothing is no longer protected. This means the active ingredient will come off the material, possibly while you're wearing it, especially after heavy perspiration. And research has shown that skin can absorb permethrin. Further, consumers are told not to wash the treated garments with other apparel, because, "small amounts [of the active ingredient] can come off in the wash." All of this suggests the product could pose some health risk to consumers, but the garments come with no warning label.

Apart from the potential health risk, the product has limited impact. It will not protect exposed skin from insects. Permethrin is not a repellent; it is an insecticide. That means when insects come into contact with the chemical they are disabled permanently or temporarily. In effect, then, the treatment protects the clothing from insects. If you are wearing a treated garment, you'll sustain fewer bites through your clothing, but exposed skin won't be protected.
http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/ask/buzzoff

And the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides:

** ACTION ALERT **
Pesticide-Clothing For Adults and Kids Lack Health Warnings
(Beyond Pesticides, August 2, 2004) Buzz Off™ Insect Shield Insect Repellent clothing, a line of clothing that has been impregnated with the insecticide permethrin to ward against mosquitoes, is being sold in outdoor stores across the country without labels that warn against possible exposure and contamination routes. The company recently launched a new line of kid's clothes that is being sold at Talbot's Kids and other stores.

The outdoor stores selling the clothing, including REI, EMS, and Hudson Trail Outfitters, appear to know very little about the pesticide contained in the clothing. Although permethrin is being described by Buzz Off ™'s manufacturers as "a man-made version of a repellent that occurs naturally in chrysanthemums," in reality, permethrin, like other synthetic pyrethroids, is engineered to be much more toxic and persistent than natural pyrethrins.

The new line of kid's clothing is particularly offensive as children are known to be more susceptible to the adverse effects of low dose pesticide exposure. Animal studies have shown permethrin, in particular, to be more toxic to young children than adults and to potentially inhibit neonatal brain development.

The recent popularity of the Buzz Off™ clothing is alarming due to the lack of warnings on the clothing's label. The label essentially neglects to display any dangers of permethrin exposure, either to consumers or the environment, and does not caution against certain uses that could present higher risk.

The label states that the clothing is effective for 25 washings, and that the clothing should be washed separately. This indicates that the chemical comes off in water. Research has shown that some permethrin from impregnated clothes comes off onto the skin, and a portion of that is absorbed into the body. If a person is sweating or swimming while wearing the clothing, more of the chemical will likely come off onto the skin. The longer one wears the clothes, the more permethrin will be absorbed into the body. But the label does not caution against wearing the clothing while in water nor does it warn against prolonged exposure to the clothes. Although the acute toxicity of permethrin is fairly low, there are some serious long-term health problems associated with this pesticide.

Permethrin is a possible carcinogen and a suspected endocrine disruptor. Endocrine disruptors interfere with normal hormone function and can contribute to breast and testicular cancer, birth defects, learning disorders, and other problems. Animal studies indicate that small amounts of permethrin may cause immunotoxicity, or corruption of the immune system. Exposure to sunlight may worsen this response, according to the research of Virginia Tech Professor Steven D. Holladay and colleagues. Although Holladay's research is based on higher doses than that found in the clothing, he points out the need for studies that examine immunotoxicity at comparable doses to the clothing. "Nobody really knows at this point the risk that the clothes pose," he explained.

A major concern with this clothing is the potential for people to receive combined exposures to a mix of pesticides. The clothing label advises that people should use the clothing "in conjunction with an insect repellent registered for direct application to skin," and at least one of the manufacturers suggests that the clothes be used specifically with DEET. According to the U.S. EPA, approximately one-third of the U.S. population uses DEET every year.

Use of DEET in combination with permethrin likely facilitates enhanced dermal absorption of permethrin-meaning more permethrin could be absorbed into the bloodstream than EPA has taken into account. Additionally, when registering active ingredients, EPA does not consider the synergistic effects of the active ingredient with other chemicals.

Several studies done by a team of Duke University researchers lead by Mohammed Abou-Donia suggest that DEET in conjunction with permethrin-impregnated clothing may be linked to Gulf War Syndrome. The symptoms, which affect thousands of veterans from the first Persian Gulf War, include headaches, fatigue, loss of memory, and chronic muscle and joint pain. The researchers exposed animals to the same doses of DEET and permethrin experienced by the war veterans using the same routes of exposure and found neurological damage that lead to motor deficits and learning and memory dysfunction, like the damage characterized by Gulf War Syndrome. (See a review of the study.)

According to Dr. Abou-Donia, there are three main problems with these clothes (and their inadequate labels): Prolonged exposure to permethrin, combined exposure to permethrin and DEET, and increased sensitivity of certain segments of the population-particularly the elderly, pregnant women, and young children. He explained that even though the clothes might not pose that much risk to the average person, certain populations are more at risk. At this point, Dr. Abou-Donia explained, we don't know the effect of these clothes on those more sensitive people. "There is an urgent need for studies to document the safety of these chemicals…we need the information, and right now we just don't have enough."

Another danger that these clothes pose is that of environmental contamination. Although the label states that the clothing should not be stored or disposed of in water, it does not warn against washing or wearing the clothes in bodies of water, such as while swimming, camping, or washing in streams, lakes or other water bodies. Permethrin is well known for its high toxicity to fish and other aquatic organisms, in notably small doses. A recent U.C. Berkeley study also found that low doses of synthetic pyrethroids are accumulating in creek sediments in levels toxic to freshwater bottom dwellers, which could have an adverse affect on the water body's entire ecosystem.

When touting the safety of Buzz Off, the manufacturers claim that in order to get registered by EPA, the clothing "underwent rigorous testing and review." Yet according to EPA, the 2003 registration of Buzz Off™ was not for the use of permethrin-treated clothing; it was solely for the fabric. The use was registered in the early 1990s, when it first started to be used for soldier's clothing. None of the studies done in the last 10+ years, including Abou-Donia's studies linking permethrin and DEET to Gulf War Syndrome, could have been taken into account. EPA will not do a revised risk assessment examining all uses of permethrin until at least 2006.

TAKE ACTION: Buzz Off™ 's label does not adequately protect the environment or the consumer from the knowing the real and potential hazards of these clothes. Join Beyond Pesticides in writing REI, EMS, or other stores selling Buzz Off™ clothing and urge them to stop selling these products. Use our SAMPLE LETTER to REI to help you. Send a copy to EPA or write the EPA Administrator and responsible department directly and voice your concerns over this new product:
1. The label fails to warn against washing or wearing in water bodies such as streams or lakes
2. The label fails to warn against prolonged use or specify a safe duration
3. The label and the manufacturer both suggest use with DEET when they should be cautioning against it
4. Important studies on pesticide-impregnated clothing have not been taken into account
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/news...4/08_02_04.htm

What is BUZZ OFF Insect Shield and how does it work?
BUZZ OFF™ Insect Shield is a revolutionary new product that literally keeps bugs from biting. By combining Permethrin, a man-made version of a centuries old natural insect control product, with a new patent pending process, BUZZ OFF™ Insect Shield is the smart way to protect against annoying insects including those which may carry West Nile virus and other diseases.
Is it approved?
Following many years of extensive product testing, BUZZ OFF™ Insect Shield has been successfully registered with the Environmental Protection Agency – the EPA. In addition, unlike traditional insect repellents, BUZZ OFF™ Insect Shield has the benefit of being near your skin instead of on your skin.

[2shoes]

Wow! I had no idea how controversial Buzz Off was! I had thought what the last quote said that it was better than having insecticide or repellant on your skin, but there's obviously much more to consider. I do have a natural, herbal insect repellant that I purchased at the natural food store. Maybe I'll spray a regular bandana with that instead.

[ZenCat]

I'm so grateful you posed that question. I had never heard of BUZZ OFF and the resulting research was really alarming. I hope the watchdog groups put enough pressure on the FDA so that appropriate warning labels find their way onto these garments.

I've used Burts Bees insect repellent right on my dogs, its non toxic

Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent

WHY IT WORKS: The bugs won’t bug you any longer. Eucalyptus oil is the best known insect repellant around. And bugs hate lemongrass oil too which is why we love it. Since there’s no deet, it’s safe enough to apply with confidence to children and pets. Unless you happen to keep a pet mosquito.

HOW IT WORKS: Apply liberally to exposed skin, particularly ankles, legs, arms and hairline before venturing outdoors.
4 oz.

Ingredients:
Soybean Oil,
Eucalyptus Oil,
Lemongrass Oil

100% Natural

[2shoes]

I think that's what I have too. Thanks for all your research. No need to thank me!

[LuvMyPepper]

Excellent thread! Thanks so much for posting all of this, everyone!

[ToleratedbyWinston]

Yes this is awesome information,
I just wanted to ask Although Winston is on Frontline Plus we do camp every weekend and since this season has been very bad with ticks and biting bugs I have also srpayed him on his coat (just his back) with Skin So Soft it seems to help but is it safe? I never considered this???


Also if this is okay to add For all owners especially those who have labbies with darker fur When it is very hot outside and your dog begins to pant heavily I find that if you soak a towel in cold water and lay it on the floor it helps them to relax enough and cool off I have done this a tremendous amount of times either on a hot day and right after swimming in the lake it helps keep them cooled off and less likelt to dehydrate although you should still give them plenty of fresh water thru out the day.

[ZenCat]

[QUOTE=Betonylee]Yes this is awesome information,
I just wanted to ask Although Winston is on Frontline Plus we do camp every weekend and since this season has been very bad with ticks and biting bugs I have also srpayed him on his coat (just his back) with Skin So Soft it seems to help but is it safe? I never considered this???[QUOTE]

I always forget about Skin So Soft! I used to use it years ago when I was riding and it worked wonderfully to keep mosquitos and flies away.

SKIN SO SOFT Original Bath Oil Spray
MINERAL OIL/HUILE MINERALE
ISOPROPYL PALMITATE
DICAPRYL ADIPATE
PARFUM/FRAGRANCE
DIOCTYL SODIUM SULFOSUCCINATE
BHT
DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA (CARROT) SEED OIL

I would call Avon and ask if it is harmful if ingested.

Avon's Skin-So-Soft®: Skin-So-Soft has been shown to partially repel fleas when topically applied at a concentration of 1.5 ounces of SSS per gallon of water. The repellent effect is not complete, but significantly fewer fleas were found on dogs treated with SSS vs. water in one controlled study. The effects seem to last at least 8 days. No toxic effects of the treatment were observed in the study, however long-term effects have not been studied.
Reference: Fehrer SL, et al. Effectiveness of Avon's Skin-So-Soft as a flea repellent on dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 23:217-220, 1987.

I think to be on the safe side if we choose to apply any topical products which carry the warning "External use only", we should wash our dogs down with clear water when we bring them home.