Heat Stroke or HyperthermiaAccording to WIKI Hyperthermia occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. Why do dogs overheat faster than people?1.People sweat to cool ourselves dogs do not have this ability.  They must pant or exchange heat via the pads of their feet.  Therefore it is a matter of simple surface area that helps us understand that dogs can be at a greater risk for over heating than humans.  2.People have a baseline temperature of 98.6F while dogs have a baseline temperature of  102F.  at 104F dogs can start getting into heat realated issues.Signs of Heat Stroke·            Increased rectal temperature (over 104° requires action, over 106° is a dire emergency) ·            Vigorous panting ·            Dark red gums ·            Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums) ·            Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up ·            Collapse and/or loss of consciousness ·            Thick saliva ·            Dizziness or disorientation To prevent Heat Stroke·         Groom dead hair from the dogs skin and coat to keep their insulation system working·         Belly shave – this will help the dog be in closer contact with a cool surface.  (this works because the femoral arteries are in the groin area and if in contact with cool temperatures can help cool the body.·         Provide cool water·         Provide shade and cooler temperatures·         Prevent exertion in high temperaturesWhat to do if you suspect Heat Stroke·         Move the dog to a cooler area·         Use cool NOT COLD rags or water to lower body temperature (COLD/icey water can cause the blood vessels to contract rapidly and hold the heat in the core of the body)·         Cool rags or water to the pads of feet, neck area and belly groin area.·         If the dog is able to drink provide cool water or infant electrolyte replacement to drink·         Call your vet. 

What type of grooming does my dog need and WHY?

Often folks will come into the salon and ask my dog is sheding alot! and then request a bath and brush.  A deshed then a bath and brush on a regular schedule is the maintance that will keep the fur ball off of the kitchen floor.

To understand what type and indirectly what price range your dogs grooming will be understanding coat types are important. 

The Nash School of Groooming Breaks the coat types down this way:

Short Coat:

this type of coat is

described as having no evidence of

undercoat at all. The short coat type

is determined, which means that it

grows to a specific length and sheds

in a block or band pattern.

Breed Example:

Boxer

Smooth Coat:
this coat type has a smooth appearance with

the top coat being longer than the

undercoat and laying flat, following

the contour of the dog's body. The

smooth coat type has determined

hair growth and sheds in a block

or band pattern.

Breed Example:

Bloodhound

Medium Coat:

The length of the hair on the top

of the tail is typically the same as the

jacket, and the length of the hair underneath

the tail is typically the

same as the hair on the trousers,

without giving a feathered or fringed

appearance. As the name suggests,

this coat has a smooth appearance,

and demonstrates determined hair

growth that naturally grows to a specific

length and stops, and sheds in

a block or band pattern.

Breed Example:

German Shepherd Dog

Nordic Coat:

The Nordic coat type has an open

structure, meaning that the top coat

stands out because there is so much

undercoat. This heavy undercoat

lifts the topcoat, showing the coat

growth pattern, but very little coat

growth direction.

Breed Example:

Norwegian Elkhound

For the full artical please see the link below

http://www.groomertogroomer.com/janfeb09/pdf/GTG%20JanFeb09.pdf