Here are some valuable tips and information to ensure the well-being of your furry companions during this Arizona extreme heat.

Heat Safety Tips:
Heat safety is crucial for our beloved furry friends, especially during scorching summer months. Dogs and cats are susceptible to heat-related injuries and illnesses, pet owners must be vigilant in protecting them from the dangers of hot pavement and surfaces. On hot days, asphalt and concrete can reach scalding temperatures that can quickly burn the sensitive paw pads of our pets. To prevent this, it's essential to take walks during cooler hours of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings when the ground is not as hot. Consider our Alcott Dog boots for maximum safety!

​Providing shade and access to fresh water is paramount for keeping pets cool and hydrated. When outside, ensure there are shaded areas where your pets can rest and escape the direct heat of the sun. Keep water bowls filled with fresh and cool water, and consider using pet-friendly cooling mats or providing a shallow pool for your pets to wade in, as these can help regulate their body temperature. Don't forget to bring a travel water bottle for on-the-go adventures!

Leaving pets in hot cars is an incredibly dangerous practice that can have devastating consequences. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes. Dogs and cats are unable to regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans, and being trapped in a hot car can lead to heatstroke, organ failure, and even death. As responsible pet owners, it is crucial to never leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle, no matter how brief the errand may be.

Understanding and addressing the risks of hot pavement and surfaces, providing shade and access to fresh water, and never leaving pets in hot cars are essential elements of ensuring the safety and well-being of our furry companions during hot weather. By taking these precautions and being proactive in protecting our pets from the heat, we can enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer together with our four-legged friends.

Grooming:
One of the most effective ways to help pets cope with the heat is through proper grooming practices. Regular brushing is not only beneficial for maintaining their coat's health but also aids in temperature regulation. Brushing helps to remove excess fur and prevents matting, allowing for better air circulation and reducing the risk of overheating. For long-haired breeds, consider trimming their fur to a reasonable length to avoid trapping heat close to their bodies. A healthy, brushed coat also protects pets from overheating and from direct sunlight. We recommend a trim for the dogs that have longer hair and a de-shedding treatment for the pets with shedding undercoats. We offer these services with our full service grooming (available by appointment), or a walk-in self-wash experience if you and your pet prefer to stick together. Please give us a call to make an appointment for grooming of if you have additional questions you can also visit our website www.barkifyouredirty.pet

Events and Activities:
August in Arizona is a fantastic time for pet lovers as our state hosts a plethora of pet-friendly events that cater to our four-legged companions. Dog owners and their furry friends can beat the heat and have a blast at indoor dog parks scattered throughout various cities. These indoor facilities provide a safe and air-conditioned environment for dogs to socialize, play fetch, and burn off energy. It's an excellent opportunity for pups to interact with other dogs and for owners to exchange tips and stories. These indoor dog parks often offer amenities such as agility equipment and training sessions, making it a delightful outing for both pets and their humans.

For those seeking a refreshing and splashing good time, many dog-friendly swimming pools open their doors during August. These specially designed pools allow dogs to take a dip and stay cool in the scorching Arizona summer. Whether your pup is a seasoned swimmer or a first-time paddler, these aquatic adventures offer a fun and refreshing experience for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Lifeguards and pet safety measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for everyone involved.

In the spirit of giving back to our animal friends in need, August is also a time for various adoption events across the state. Shelters and rescue organizations come together to find loving forever homes for countless deserving pets. From adoption drives at local pet stores to larger-scale adoption fairs in parks, these events serve as a wonderful opportunity for families to welcome a new furry member into their homes. With a diverse array of dogs and cats eagerly waiting for loving homes, these events help promote responsible pet ownership and bring immeasurable joy to both the adopted pets and their adoptive families. Whether you're a lifelong pet enthusiast or considering adding a pet to your family for the first time, August in Arizona offers a vibrant and heartwarming range of pet-friendly events that cater to all. Here are some great places to look: The Arizona Animal Welfare League and Arizona Humane Society

Reader Submissions:
As the scorching rays of the summer sun envelop us, let's remember that our beloved furry companions need our help to stay safe and content during this sweltering season. We believe in the power of community and the wisdom that comes from shared experiences. We would love if you share your invaluable stories and tips for keeping dogs and cats safe and happy during the hot summer months. Whether it's creative ways to keep them cool, insights on hydration, or cautionary tales that have taught you important lessons, your contributions can make a real difference in the lives of countless pets and their owners. Together, let's create a supportive and compassionate space where we can learn from one another, ensuring that our four-legged friends have the best summer possible. So, don't hesitate – share your knowledge and let's make this season a safe and memorable one for our beloved companions!

As you know Arizona’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the earlier months of the year. In this newsletter we will talk about ways to help your pets stay active while protecting them as the weather gets warmer.

What temperature is too hot to walk your dog?
Generally, at temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, most dogs are at risk of heatstroke and you should avoid exercising your dog in that heat. For many dogs, outdoor activity at temperatures above 82°F can be dangerous.

Walking Dogs in Hot Weather
Check the pavement. Asphalt, concrete, and sand on a sunny day can potentially be 40° - 60° hotter than the air temperature, and 125°F pavement can damage your pup’s paws in as little as 60 seconds.

​A quick way to check if the pavement is too hot is to place your hand on a sunny part of the pavement. If you can’t comfortably keep your hand there for 10 seconds, the pavement is too hot for your dog. We recommend getting our Alcott Adventure Boots for your pet that will help protect the sensitive skin on their paws. These shoes are durable, long lasting, and do not slip off if they are fitted properly. We offer several versions and sizes to best suit your individual pups needs.

Consider more than just the temperature
Humidity, wind, sun, and shade can affect your dog’s ability to handle the heat. Take these factors into account when deciding whether or not to venture out. We offer cooling bandannas to assist in keeping your pet cool as a cucumber. Simply soak the lightweight fabric in cool water, ring out, and tie comfortably around your pets’ neck.

Know how heat affects your dog Older dogs, puppies, and overweight dogs overheat more easily. Breeds with short snouts, like Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pugs, are more prone to heatstroke in hot weather. Also, be aware of your pup’s coat, as double-coated breeds (like Golden Retrievers) may overheat quicker than short-haired dogs (like Labrador Retrievers).

Signs of heatstroke in dogs
Heat-related illnesses, like heatstroke, are almost always preventable. When the hot weather hits, it’s important to keep your dog cool. If your dog is outside on a hot day, be aware of some of signs of overheating: Fast panting, excessive drooling, bBright red or blue gums, weakness, vomiting.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, call or take your dog to the vet as soon as you can and begin to slowly cool your dog down to avoid shock. Heatstroke is an emergency.

How to safely walk your dog on hot days
If you want to get in your daily walk with your dog, but the forecast calls for a hot day, consider some of these ways to protect your dog from the heat:
Walk early… or late - Avoid going for a walk when the day is at its hottest and opt for early morning or evening walks.
Plan and time your route - Take a shorter walks more often along a shady path or street to keep cool. To prevent paw damage, walk your dog on grass instead of hot pavement.
Dress appropriately - Dog boots and cooling vests can help keep your pup safe and cool in hot weather.
Take water with you - Bring a collapsible bowl and a water bottle along on your walk. If your pup is not a big fan of water, you can encourage them to stay hydrated by trying bone broths or goats’ milk.
Walk Alternative Activities - Does your dog like to swim? Swimming is a great summer exercise but can also strip your dog’s coat of natural oils they need for a healthy coat. In that case, we recommend bringing your pups into our self-wash and trying our all-natural shampoos and our gentle remoisturizer conditioner. You can also consider playing a game, like tug-of-war, inside the house and stay cool!

​As winter fades away and warmer weather approaches, it's important to ensure the health and safety of our pets during this time. In this newsletter, we will be discussing some tips on how to take care of your furry friends during the warmer months. We also talk about welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home if you recently added a new furry friend to your family or are planning to.

​Preventative Medicine
Fleas and ticks can pose a serious threat to your pet's health, especially during the warmer months. Therefore, it's important to have a flea and tick routine in place year-round, but particularly during this time. Our team recommends using preventative measures such as flea and tick collars, sprays ,or drops to keep your pets safe from these parasites. We recommend Tropiclean Flea & Tick soothing shampoo, Tropiclean home/yard spray, Tropiclean liquid drops or collar, and a good flea comb. Tropiclean is all natural, free from dyes and fragrances, and uses a combination of lemongrass, clove, cinnamon& cedar wood oils to kill and repel fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and any larvae and eggs. We have these Tropiclean products available in our stores.

It’s finally springtime, and if you’re not in a grooming routine already, spring is a great time to start. While spring cleaning is a great reminder to groom your dogs, we recommend that dogs need to be groomed all yearlong. Before heading to the groomers, here are some important spring (and year-round) grooming tips.
How Often to Brush Your Dog
After a long winter, dogs with thick winter coats will begin shedding, it’s important to brush your dog daily because it removes the dead coat and keeps circulation on the outer layer of skin, which promotes health. They also get dirt embedded underneath and if not brushed regularly can cause mats which are extremely painful. It’d be like if you had long hair and kept your hair in a ponytail the whole time. Your head starts to hurt. It’s uncomfortable, it’s painful to them, and they can’t express the pain like we can as humans.

If your dog isn’t brushed or combed regularly, they may become more sensitive to touch. The dog may start growling and cower when people try to pet them. You may also want to comb your dog instead of brushing him.

Oftentimes, brushes bought over the counter don’t have long enough bristles, especially if a dog has long hair. There are plenty of brushing products available in in our store to help make regular grooming a habit.

Bathing
We recommend bathing every 21 days because that’s the cycle of skin rejuvenation. Before giving a dog a bath, you should ensure they are recently brushed to remove dead hair and mats. If a dog is bathed with mats, it only makes their hair tighter and harder to brush out. We recommend using natural products to make bath time easier for you and the dog, like our detangle spray (our groomers love using it!), shampoo that is pH balanced for pet skin and hair, conditioning products help with skin moisture – which will help with shedding, dry, and itchy skin. All these products are available in our stores.

How to Care for your Pet’s Toenails
When Pets’ nails aren’t cared for, they get uncomfortable and it hurts to walk. Even if it’s not a ‘hair cut’ nail care is something that needs to be done for all pets regularly. How often you should get your pet’s nails trimmed depends on the several factors of the pet: their activity level, how often they go on walks, age, weight, and even breed. Typically, we recommend every 4 weeks or less for pets with long nails or nails that grow quickly, and up to 8 weeks or less for pets who are highly active. If you hear the sound of their nails clicking on the floor it's time if a dremmel!

When you take your pet to the groomer, it’s important to find a qualified groomer that takes pet safety seriously. We have a wide range of walk in services available with no appointment needed. Our skilled grooming staff is available 7 days a week. To request a booking for a grooming appointment visit us here.

​Public concerns over diet and health have grown exponentially in the past few decades and this doesn’t stop with our pets. At Bark If You’re Dirty we only offer the best for your beloved pets. While a grain-free diet may be beneficial for one dog, it could be not so good for another dog. A balanced diet is the most important factor when feeding your four-legged pal. Animals need lots of protein, healthy vegetables, and a variety of nutrients and we make healthy options a priority for your pet. The following is information on grain-free diets so that you can make better informed decisions about which natural pet food to purchase for your dog.
 
Grain / Grain Free
For overweight dogs, a low carb diet can help them shed extra pounds. If you are searching for a low-carb option, it is important not to confuse grain-free with low-carb. When grain-free foods are produced, the grains are often replaced with high carb products like sweet potatoes. Grain-free foods can therefore be even higher in carbs than typical kibble. 

While it is true that there are many low-quality grains out there, ancient and whole grains contain many beneficial nutrients. It is definitely a good idea to steer clear of low-quality kibble products that feature grains with minimal nutrients as their main ingredient. Alternatively, foods that contain high quality grains, like barley and oats, along with premium proteins and veggies are a great choice for your pet.
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A study recent study calling out foods that were grain free, stating that they lacked the taurine needed for good heart health has pushed food brands across the spectrum to reformulated their products to ensure your pet is getting the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals for a healthy heart. In most cases feeding your pet a healthy nutrient dense natural food eliminates this issue. 
 
Grains May Contribute to Allergies in Some Dogs
Just like humans, pets can also have food related allergies. The most common food related allergies in include chicken, salmon, beef, dairy, and eggs. While your furry friend may be affected by grain related allergies and gluten intolerance, these types of allergies are less common. If your pet is experiencing allergies, it is important to figure out the cause. Most of the time this can be easily remedied by switching their food to a healthier option. Environmental factors are also likely to cause allergies, so consider shampoos, dust and other allergens that they may be in contact with frequently. If this is a continuing issue for your pet always consider a visit to your vet.
 
At Bark If You’re Dirty we make healthy options a priority for your pet. That’s why we stock our shelves with only natural pet foods, including grain, grain-free, raw-food options and more. If you're unsure about which food is best for your dog, feel free to discuss it with one of our pet food experts in a purple shirt at one of our locations near you. We promise to help you find a tasty, nutrient-dense food that will make your furry friend happy!

​Dental health in dogs and cats may sometimes be overlooked by pet owners. Poor oral hygiene in dogs and cats can lead to excess tartar, swellings in the mouth, and severe wear of the teeth (or broken teeth) from chewing on inappropriate objects. In addition, neglected oral health can also lead to gum disease, which if left untreated, can make your pet more susceptible to other health complications. For example, bacteria in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body and cause infections.

Keeping your pet's mouth healthy is easier than you think. While your veterinarian can help you with routine dental check-ups and treatments, most dental hygiene issues can be prevented at home. There are so many options available for you to try for your pet, like our product PlaqueOff Powder, it's a seaweed enzyme supplement that eliminates existing plaque and prevents tartar buildup. A sprinkle a day makes the plaque go away!

It is best to begin home care when your puppy or kitten is between 8 and 12 weeks old; however, it is never too late to start. The first step is to train your pet to accept the brushing of the teeth. The best approach is to establish a routine of brushing your pet's teeth with gauze that is wrapped around your finger. It may be helpful to use beef or chicken broth with dogs and tuna water with cats to get them accustomed to the routine instead of using cleaning agents. 

Once the pet is familiar with the daily routine, you can switch out the gauze for a finger toothbrush, then you can incorporate using approved pet toothpaste, dental chews, water additives and rinses like the ones featured below.

Even if you do regularly care for your pet's teeth, you should visit the veterinarian if your pet has persistent bad breath or experiences bleeding from the mouth or tooth, a change in eating habits, or sensitivity to touch, these may be signs of a more serious dental health condition.

​Keeping your pet's mouth healthy can help them live a longer, healthier life, so as a part of pet dental month, consider making a veterinary appointment to have your pets teeth examined. Another great alternative would be to consider anesthesia-free cleaning. This is where the vet technician uses dental tools to clean plaque and tartar from the teeth and can even clean under the gum-line leaving your pet with perfect teeth.
 
Call us for more information on booking an appointment for our anesthesia-free dental cleaning clinics at both of our locations. Your pet will thank you with a smile. 

Here are some exclusive February deals available in our stores, no need to print anything, just stop by the store and the deal will be applied at checkout!