15 MUST-KNOW TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR DOG TO A DOG FRIENDLY BEACH

Planning a beach day with your dog? Here are 15 must-know tips for taking your dog to a dog-friendly beach safely. From having enough water and preventing heatstroke to protecting paws from hot sand, this ultimate dog beach guide will help you and your pup have a fun, stress free day at the beach!

My dog Phoebe at the dog friendly beach in Jupiter, FL

I'm writing this post in the middle of Winter, so those of you in colder climates may think it's strange to be talking about the beach now! But we live in South Florida so it's almost always the right time for a day at the beach with my dogs. In addition, we get tons of tourists here and many of them want to bring their dogs to the beach, especially our dog friendly beach in Jupiter on Florida's East coast. Today I'm sharing 15 tips for a fun, safe day at the beach with your dog.

15 tips for a dog-friendly beach day

Check Beach Rules and Restrictions - First of all, make sure the beach you plan to take your dog to actually allows dogs! 

Some beaches are dog friendly but some have restrictions during certain times of the year. For example, they may not allow dogs during the months protected birds like Sand Pipers are nesting.

Two of our dog friendly beaches that are right next to each other, Jupiter beach and Juno beach Florida, have firm designations as to where the dog friendly part of the beach ends. The signage isn't always clear, so know before you go. People can get kind of testy if you don't know the boundaries, as I found out the first time I took my dogs to the dog friendly beach near me!

Make sure your dog has updated ID Tags and Microchip - Needless to say, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with updated ID tags and is Microchipped, especially if the dog friendly beach you choose to visit allows off leash dogs! If your dog should get caught up in the euphoria of an off leash dog friendly beach, he may run.... and keeping running until he is out of your sight. How will you reunite with your pup if he has no identification?!

Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog - This is a huge one! Hydration is always critical for dogs, but when they're running outside in the wind and salt air they may become dehydrated more quickly. Make sure to give your dog plenty of water breaks while you're at the beach.

Provide shade for your dog - Sitting out in the hot sun can be dangerous, not to mention uncomfortable and dehydrating to your dog. Make sure you have an umbrella or a towel to provide shade for your pup.

Pack a Pet First Aid Kit in your beach bag - There could be sharp shells, fish hooks, jelly fish, and other things on the beach that could cause injury to your dog. Not to mention, heaven forbid, if another dog attacks your precious pooch you may need to administer first aid. At a minimum your dog's first aid kit should include antiseptic wipes or hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, bandages and tweezers. Make sure you know where the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is just in case!

Before you even head to the beach know what times of day are coolest - It's important not to plan your beach time for the hottest times of the day. Mid-day is probably not optimal. We always take our dogs to the beach either before noon or after 4pm to avoid the dogs getting overheated. 

Keep paw safety in mind - It's really important to check the asphalt or concrete in the parking lot as well as the sand to ensure it's not too hot for your dog's paws. Check surfaces, and if it's too hot for your hand, it is most certainly too hot for paws! Put booties or paw wax on your dog's paws to protect them from hot surfaces, and give your dog a towel to lay on in hot sand.

Know the leash rules and make sure your dog has a solid recall - Check to see if the dog friendly beach allows dogs to be off leash. If not, for your dog's safety please adhere to the leash rule. If your dog will be off leash make sure her recall is solid! With wind and waves if your dog gets too far away she won't here your repeated recall, so make sure she has a solid recall, or come when called response! Most beaches are pretty open without fences or gates, and they may be right next to a beach road just like the one we go to.

Check Beach and Water Safety Conditions - When you arrive, look for flags that indicate strong currents, rip tides, jellyfish on the beach, or harmful algae, red tide, etc. You don't want your dog to romp on sand or dip a paw into ocean water with any of these safety issues!

Be sure to bring dog waste bags - so you can Scoop the Poop! Not only does that help keep the beach and ocean sanitary, but it's been my experience that it can prevent fights! People get really angry if they see a dog poop on the beach and the owner doesn't pick it up!

Don't let your dog ingest too much salt water - Dogs invariable end up swallowing some sea water at the beach. But salt water can be harmful to dogs if they ingest too much. Monitor your dog during and after the beach to ensure she doesn't start vomiting or get diarrhea. If she does, call your Vet immediately.

Don't let your dog overheat - Give your dog plenty of water to drink and shade, and monitor the temperature. If you see signs of overheating in your dog such as excessive panting, drooling, or collapsing, get her into the shade and put cool water on her paws and neck. It might be time to leave the beach!

Don't let your dog ingest sand - It's inevitable that your dog will end up eating some sand while eating treats or playing on the beach. But if they ingest too much sand it could cause an intestinal blockage, so keep an eye on your dog to make sure she's not actually chowing down on sand.

My dogs Icy and Phoebe at a dog friendly beach 

Beware of wildlife at the beach - seeing wildlife is fun and exciting, but there are some creatures that could harm your dog. Jellyfish and Manowars, crabs, larger birds, and even sharks in the same shallow water your dog is swimming in can be dangerous to dogs if they come in close contact.

Rinse off salt water and sand - After the beach, rinse your dog off and towel dry. Sand and sea water can irritate your dog's skin and paws. Be sure to thoroughly dry your dog's ears afterwards, especially if your dog's ears are floppy to avoid ear infections in dogs.

Follow these tips on Beach Safety for Dogs when taking your dog to the beach, so you'll both have a blast and your dog will stay safe! 

And please, don't assume that all dogs can swim. Not all dogs are good swimmers and some dogs even hate the water! Keep your eyes on your dog at all times, and I strongly suggest investing in a dog life jacket! 

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Editable, digital party invitations are so convenient and easy to use. You can find these adorable invites in my Etsy shop. They're editable using a Free Canva account (get a totally Free account at www.Canva .com) 

Get 25% Off these adorable invitations now in my Etsy Shop  You can Edit the invitations and Print them out, or share them electronically from your Phone, PC, Tablet, etc. 

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You may also find these dog health posts helpful:

Is Cinnamon Bad For Dogs?

Is Turmeric Healthy for Dogs?

Hiking Safely With Dogs In Cold Weather

TURMERIC FOR DOGS

We hear a lot about Turmeric being healthy for people, and that it's beneficial to add it to our diets. But Turmeric for dogs is also becoming a keen interest for dog parents who want to ensure they are doing everything they can to keep their dogs as healthy as possible.

Turmeric For Dogs

Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a flowering plant in the ginger family that is native to India and Southeast Asia. The root, or rhizome, looks a lot like ginger root. It's a fragrant spice, on the "warmer" side, that is used in cooking in many types of cuisines. 

People add Turmeric to food, not just for flavoring but also because it is thought to have various health benefits such as reducing pain, inflammation, infection, and improving other ailments. However there is very little documented scientific evidence of this that I could find. There was an article written about Turmeric's benefits for people by Johns Hopkins Medicine if you'd like to read more about that.

Is Turmeric good for dogs?

Is Turmeric actually good for dogs health? And if so, what are the benefits of Turmeric for dogs?  There have been several studies that show Turmeric may support healthy joint mobility in dogs. This is mainly due to curcumin, a type of nutrient (a phytonutrient) that is found in Turmeric.

In addition to it's beneficial anti inflammatory properties for dogs, it is also an antioxidant, and can be beneficial for certain gastrointestinal issues in dogs as well.

According to Dogs Naturally Magazine:

"Curcumin for dogs has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, wound healing and anticancer activities. It can help fight diseases like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, gastrointestinal issues and more."

How Much Turmeric Is Safe For My Dog

Turmeric is reportedly safe for dogs (with some exceptions) in small amounts. It is recommended to only give dogs about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per day for every 10 pounds of your dog's body weight. However, you should consult your dog's Veterinarian on how much you can give your dog, and how you should go about introducing it into your dog's diet.  Whenever I add something new to my dogs' diets, I consult my Veterinarian, and I always start with very small amounts, working up to whatever amount is recommended by my Veterinarian. 

Possible Turmeric in dogs Side effects

Turmeric has been reported to have a few side effects in dogs though. Stomach upset which could cause diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort are some of the side effects of Turmeric for dogs.  

To avoid side effects, you may want to start by giving your dog very small amounts at first and work up to about 1/4 teaspoon per day for every 10 pounds of your dog's body weight. 

Turmeric can also interact with some medications, including anti-inflammatory and diabetes drugs. It could interfere with other medications and therapies as well.

I always recommend consulting your dog's Veterinarian before making any changes to their diet or adding any new food, supplement, spice, herb, or anything else. 

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Your Vet knows your pet's health best, so ask your Vet if they agree that Turmeric is something you can give to your dog as a beneficial supplement. Your Vet will also have recommendations of how much Turmeric your specific dog should have, and can advise on how to best introduce Turmeric to your pet's diet.

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With all the natural disasters there have been across the country lately, Emergency Preparedness is more important than ever, and that includes our pets.  I created a 2 page Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Pets that provides an emergency planner that ensures we are prepared to evacuate with our pets in case of an emergency.  Get it now in my Etsy Shop for just $1.50. You can Print it out or use it Digitally on your Phone, PC, Tablet, etc. 

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You may also find these dog health posts helpful:

  Hiking Safely With Dogs in Cold Weather

Travelling? Choose the Right Boarding Facility for Your Dog

 

 Is Cinnamon Bad For Dogs?

IS CINNAMON BAD FOR DOGS?

A lot of human foods and spices are toxic to dogs and should be avoided, but some of them are actually beneficial for dogs. And dogs find them quite delicious! I use a lot of dog- safe people foods in the homemade dog treats and food I make for my dogs. One of the human ingredients I love giving my dogs is cinnamon. They really love the taste! Is cinnamon bad for dogs? No, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, although it is advisable to give cinnamon to your dog in small quantities - don't just dump a large amount of it into their food! 

I use less than a teaspoon of cinnamon, mostly as a topper for the homemade dog treats I make for them. Any more than that could cause stomach upset, according to my Veterinarian. 

My dogs love treats made with cinnamon

Like any other new food or additive you want to give your pet, always consult your Veterinarian to make sure they don't have any issue with you giving cinnamon to your dog. Your Vet knows your dog's health best, so it's always advisable to consult your Vet first. 

Be aware that it is not advisable to let your dog chew on cinnamon sticks or consume cinnamon essential oil. I'm talking about giving your dog the cinnamon in ground powder form here.

Using small amounts of cinnamon in dog treats can provide some health benefits, such as:

🐾 Cinnamon is high in antioxidants

🐾 Cinnamon can reduce inflammation

🐾 Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar

🐾 Cinnamon may reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can be beneficial for heart health

There are many commercial dog treats that contain cinnamon, but I often prefer to make my own homemade dog treats. I like to add a small dollop of whipped cream to my DIY dog treat creations and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. My dogs have all loved that! I use maybe 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. That's all it takes to add wonderful flavor to my dogs' treats! Dogs should only have cinnamon in small quantities. Small quantities can be beneficial while larger quantities of cinnamon can cause digestive irritation in dogs. 

The key to letting your dog have cinnamon in treats or mixed in with their food is to keep the amount small, less than one teaspoon.

>> Here's one of my favorite super easy, no bake, homemade dog treats that contains cinnamon. I love making this simple treat for my dogs!

Pumpkin Spice DIY treat for dogs recipe

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup of Plain, unflavored yogurt

* 1 to 2 Tbsp of pumpkin (100% pure pumpkin, Not pumpkin pie filling) 

* 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter

Mix the yogurt, pumpkin, and peanut butter together in a bowl. Place it on a plate or in your dog's dish.

Then add:

*A Dollop of whipped cream & a Dash of cinnamon on top, and serve!

I bet your dog will love it!! Remember to consult your Veterinarian before giving any new food product to your dog.

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With all the natural disasters there have been across the country lately, Emergency Preparedness is more important than ever, and that includes our pets.  I created a 2 page Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Pets that provides an emergency planner that ensures we are prepared to evacuate with our pets in case of an emergency.  Get it now in my Etsy Shop for just $1.50. You can Print it out or use it Digitally on your Phone, PC, Tablet, etc. 

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You may also find these dog health posts helpful:

 

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey for Dogs

 Tips for Hiking Safely With Dogs in Winter

Dog Friendly fun in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

HIKING SAFELY WITH DOGS IN WINTER

As many of my readers know, one of my favorite things to do is hike with my dogs! I have hiked with my dogs all year round and in all climates. Each season and climate has it's own particular safety challenges for dogs, but hiking safely with dogs in Winter can be particularly challenging. 

A beautiful Winter Hike with my dogs in New Hampshire

In cold Winter weather you usually have both cold (or freezing) temperatures, and snowy or icy terrain to deal with. Winter hikes aren't for every dog, but even for the most rugged dogs there are safety concerns you should take very seriously.

Safety Tips For Winter Hiking With Dogs

Before you even consider taking your dog on a Winter hike, make sure your dog is up for it. I recommend one or more very short cold weather excursions to gauge your dog's ability and tolerance for hiking in cold weather and snowy or icy terrain. Your first hike with your dog should Not be an all out Mad Mountain Dean hike! Ease into it with a couple of practice runs. Not every dog was made for extreme hiking adventure. If your dog is ready for Winter hiking, here are my biggest safety tips for Winter hiking with dogs.

🐾 The most important thing in my opinion is to be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog, as well as yourself! Just like humans, dogs can easily become dehydrated in cold weather just as they do in hot weather.  Carry their drinking water in an insulated water bottle to prevent it from freezing. The last thing you want is to be miles away from your car or campsite, stop to give your dog a much needed drink, only to find your bottle of water has frozen!

I found this Camelback Podium Chill Insulated Water Bottle at REI  21 oz for $16.00. There's a 24 oz size for $18. This isn't a sponsored or affiliate link, I'm just sharing what I found on REI's web site. I love that store for high quality outdoor gear!

Insulated Water Bottle for Hiking, available at REI

🐾 In Winter, frozen water is a real safety concern. Lakes, ponds, even deep puddles can freeze, or partially freeze and present a danger to your dog.

Never let your dog walk out onto a frozen body of water. Ice can be thinner than it looks, or thinner in the middle, and your dog could fall through the ice! If your dog lands in icy water hypothermia can set in fast. If your dog gets hypothermia their body temperature can plummet so low it can impact organ function. If not treated quickly, it could be fatal. If this happens, wrap your dog in a blanket and get him medical attention at once.

🐾 Keep your dog leashed at all times and stick to marked trails. Letting your dog run off leash through the forest is always risky, but it can be even more dangerous in cold weather. If they should get lost through the overnight, temperatures could plummet to well below freezing which can jeopardize their health, or even survival. 

And again, your dog could be in danger of falling through ice over a frozen pond or lake without you even knowing it!

🐾 My Husky never needs anything to help keep her warm in the frigid weather, that's in her breeding. However, many dog breeds can't stay out in the cold for any length of time without a dog sweater or coat to keep them warm. Layering some clothing on your dog may be helpful. I used to put a t-shirt on my Havanese-Maltese dog Phoebe, with a sweater or dog coat on top. 

Phoebe was amazing! Outwardly she looked like this pampered little pooch who would never be able to handle a romp in the snow. But she loved our hikes in the snow! Here's a fun, short video clip of her on our favorite hiking trail in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. We always had so much fun together!

🐾 Your dog may be able to handle the cold weather without dog clothing. But a jacket to block wind and keep your dog dry can be very helpful. If you are hiking in the mountains, chances are it will not only be much colder as you gain elevation, but it is more likely that it will snow as you hike towards the summit. You may even hit some freezing rain on some parts of the trail. A lightweight jacket to keep your dog's body dry can prevent them from getting soaking wet, and possibly getting sick from prolonged time in the cold weather with wet fur.

If your dog does get wet during a hike, keep a towel in your backpack so you can dry her off every now and then. Inspect the paws to ensure they don't have "ice cookies" on them. Icy balls of snow can harden and get lodged in between the dog's paws. Be sure to remove them!

🐾 Another consideration is Paw Protection. This is actually something I do worry about with Icy in both very hot and very cold weather. Dogs' paws can be sensitive to extreme cold terrain. When we were in Alaska for the Iditarod sled dog race several years ago, it surprised me that the sled dogs all wore dog booties! 

Freezing cold rock or exposed ice can cut a dog's paw. Take it from me, dogs' paws bleed a lot! Icy once cut her paw on a piece of glass in our hotel's potty area, and I couldn't believe how much her paw bled! Dog shoes can really help protect a dog's paws as you hike over snowy or icy ground.

If you don't want to put shoes on your dog, or if you dog refuses to wear shoes or booties on their feet, use some Paw Wax to coat her paws before heading out on a Winter hike with your dog.  Paw wax will provide some protection from ice and snow, and it can give your dog more traction, especially in icy areas. It can also help prevent your dog's paw pads from cracking or blistering in the frigid cold weather. 

🐾 Always have a pet first aid kit with you in your backpack in case your dog gets injured. We never travel without two first aid kits, one for us and one for our dogs. Shih Tzu Happens, I like to say, so be prepared!

🐾 Not every dog is cut out for hiking in the cold. Monitor your dog closely, watching for any signs of discomfort or difficulty navigating the trail. Some signs that your dog may be struggling on a cold weather hike may include:

> Your dog is moving slow or stops frequently, needing to rest before moving on with the hike.

> Your dog appears to lift her paws off the ground or lick her paws during the hike.

> Your dog starts whining or shivering from the cold.

> Any other signs that your dog is uncomfortable or clearly not enjoying the hike.

Hiking with dogs should be fun for everyone! If it looks like your dog isn't enjoying it, please turn around and end the hike. You have nothing to prove and no one is going to judge you for abandoning the trail. We are our dog's advocate, first and foremost it is our responsibility to ensure our dogs are safe and happy. Don't force your dog to continue an activity that is making them uncomfortable.

Making your dog's safety and comfort a priority will surely result in a fun and adventurous cold weather hike!  Happy Trails!!

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With all the natural disasters there have been across the country, Emergency Preparedness is more important than ever, and that includes our pets.  I created an Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Pets that provides an emergency planner that ensures we are prepared to evacuate with our pets in case of an emergency.  Get it now in my Etsy Shop for just $1.50. You can Print it out or use it Digitally on your Phone, PC, Tablet. Here's what's in the pet Emergency Preparedness checklist:

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You may also like these dog health posts:

 

  10 Siberian Husky Health Facts

 Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs

   5 Common Dog Behavior Problems and How To Fix Them

PANCREATITIS IN DOGS

Pancreatitis in dogs occurs when a dog's pancreas becomes inflamed. It's a painful condition that usually causes abdominal pain and other symptoms. The pancreas is an organ in a dog's abdomen that produces digestive enzymes to help break down food. When the process doesn't work correctly Pancreatitis can occur, and it can be fatal if left untreated. 

Pancreatitis in Dogs

Dog Pancreatitis is common during the holidays when dogs may ingest human foods with a high fat content like turkey skin, meat drippings, gravies, butter, cheeses, rich sauces, and other fat laden food. It's important to keep a close eye on your dog during holiday feasting, and the leftovers they create! Be cautious about which foods you share from your holiday table with the dog. 

Make certain houseguests and kids know it can be dangerous to give dogs rich fatty table foods. Keep dogs out of the garbage as well. Ingesting fatty human foods is a common cause of pancreatitis in dogs.

The average Veterinarian sees about 4 cases of Pancreatitis in dogs per month. This number increases significantly during the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Years.

What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs

🐾 Many times the cause of Pancreatitis in the dog can't be determined with certainty. In addition, some dog breeds are prone to developing Pancreatitis such as Mini Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels. In addition, some dog medications can cause inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in Pancreatitis. In these cases, dog owners have to work closely with their Veterinarian to try to keep the condition manageable.

🐾 Obesity, Diabetes, and Hyperthyroidism may also cause Pancreatitis. Again, working closely with your Veterinarian to treat and manage the condition is the key action.

🐾 But for many dogs, Pancreatitis can be triggered when a dog consistently eats food that has a high fat content, eats a very fatty meal, eats human food that is very high in fat, or if the dog gets into the garbage where he may find the remnants of human food that is very high in fat. These causes of dog Pancreatitis are well within our control. Keeping a close eye on everything my dogs ingest is something I've always done, and that I highly recommend other dog owners pay close attention to. It's especially important during the holidays or any other special occasions where high fat foods are served. Especially if kids or houseguests may be tempted to share tasty human foods with the dog!

Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs

The most common symptoms you'll see in dogs with Pancreatitis are;

✅ Abdominal pain

✅ You may see your dog assume a "praying position" in an attempt to relieve their abdominal pain. This position almost looks like a play bow, where their butt is up in the air and their head is bowed down.

✅ Vomiting

✅ Diarrhea

✅ Loss of appetite

✅ Fever

✅ Dehydration

Pancreatitis should be addressed by a Veterinarian, and quickly. Your Veterinarian will use blood tests, abdominal X-rays or abdominal Ultrasound to diagnose Pancreatitis. Don't wait to see the Vet if you suspect your dog may have Pancreatitis!

How To Treat Pancreatitis in Dogs

Treatments of dog Pancreatitis can vary depending on several factors, such as the suspected causes and the severity of the condition.  Treatment can include changing the dog's diet to a low fat diet, giving the dog various types of medications, or IV fluid therapy if needed. Dogs with Pancreatitis often need to be hospitalized for a few days for the condition to clear up.

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Pancreatitis in dogs is no joke. It is serious, and can be fatal. It's critical to get your dog to the Vet as soon as possible if you suspect they have Pancreatitis.

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Recently, I created a Complete Pet Health Tracker to help me keep the medications my Husky, Icy has started taking. I needed a way to keep the medication schedule straight and have all her health records in one place.

It's worked so well for me that I offer it for sale in my Etsy shop to help others stay on top of their pet's healthcare too. 

The Complete Pet Health Tracker helps pet parents keep track of their pet's healthcare including Vet visits, Medications and preventatives, Vaccinations, and Allergies, all in one document.  

Both Printable and Digital file formats are included in the low price of $3.50. For a limited time, I'm including a Pet Emergency Checklist as a Free Gift with Purchase! 

The tracker is an instant download, so as soon as you purchase it you'll get access to the files. Visit my Etsy Shop and check it out!

Here's a preview of what you get in the Pet Health Tracker: 

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PRESSURE SORES ON DOGS

I've always heard about Pressure Sores, or Bed Sores in people, especially elderly folks in nursing homes. They spend a lot more time lying or sitting in one position than they used to when they were healthier and more active. It's important for them to move and shift often so they're not applying too much lengthy pressure on one part of their skin, resulting in bed sores. Pressure sores on dogs, also called Decubitis Ulcers or Bed Sores, are a skin condition that is similar to bed sores in humans. And they can be just as painful, uncomfortable and subject to infection as bed sores are in humans.  

What Are Pressure Sores On Dogs Skin

Pressure sores on dogs occur when continuous pressure is placed on one area of a dog's body that results in reduced blood supply to that area of the skin. These pressure sores can lead to tissue damage and necrosis (dead tissue) on the dog's skin.

Dog pressure sores need to be addressed quickly, as they can become infected. We found this out the hard way, with my Siberian Husky dog, Icy.  Many of you know that my dog turned 15 in September 2024, and has been experiencing some common senior dog health issues.  

One of the senior dog health problems Icy has been having is mobility limitations, particularly in her hind legs.  She isn't nearly as active as she once was, and she has a lot of weakness in her hind legs. Icy is also much more tired than she used to be, and sleeps a lot more during the day. These days, she prefers to sleep on cool tile floor rather than her many comfy dog beds. And that seems to be how the problem started.

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Photos of my dog's Pressure Sores, taken 8 weeks apart

One day my husband noticed what looked like a bit of shedding in one small area of her left hind quarters. She had also been biting at that area a little. Upon closer inspection, spreading her fur out, he saw there was some kind of sore on her skin. We though it was a "hot spot", which is common in dogs. 

I cleaned the sore with hydrogen peroxide and put antibiotic ointment on it. We monitored the area for a  week or two, but it didn't improve so we took Icy to our Veterinarian.

During the appointment the Vet asked a lot of questions about our dog's behavior with respect to the sore, how long it was there, and about her sleeping habits. She did a skin test and could see that the sore was infected. Our Vet knows about Icy's mobility issues and after some discussion, it was determined that the sore was likely a pressure sore. Our Vet prescribed a topical treatment as well as a round of antibiotics.

Causes of Pressure Sores In Dogs

A few things can cause pressure sores in dogs;

Lying in one position or on one side of their body is a common way pressure sores develop in dogs. This can cause sores on one side of their body, on their elbows, and feet since when they're lying down for long periods of time it creates prolonged pressure to one or more of those areas.

Dogs with arthritis, or paralyzed dogs often develop pressure sores because they may not be able move around much and therefore sit or lie in one position for long periods of time. In this photo you see Icy lying down on her left side, which is what we think caused her pressure sore.

My dog lying down outside at an outdoor cafe

Senior dogs like Icy often have a similar issue. Their energy level is much lower, and they often develop mobility limitations. This causes them to sleep many more hours, often in one position, than they did as younger pups. Lying in one position for long periods of time can easily cause pressure sores.

Dogs with health issues often have less energy and move less which causes the same problem of remaining in one position for long periods of time. If the dog has lost a significant amount of weight and is quite thin that can also contribute to developing pressure sores more easily. Icy has lost a lot of weight as she's aged and she is a bit boney. We try to get her to eat more and put some weight back on but it's a challenge.

Another thing that can cause dog pressure sores is inadequate padding to sleep on. An orthopedic dog bed is a really good way to help avoid pressure sores. When we moved to a hot climate, Icy developed the habit of sleeping on tile floor in the bathrooms. We didn't think anything of it - she liked the cool tile floor, and she's a Husky so.... That was fine until she began having mobility issues and wasn't moving as much.

The Vet (strongly) suggested we work to ensure Icy didn't sleep on bare floors anymore. She suggested we place rugs or mats around the house, especially in the bathrooms, for her to sleep on.

Sounds simple enough, but our stubborn Husky just loves those cool floors! We have to really keep on top of her and make sure she lays on bath mats or rugs. There are times we actually have to life her up onto a mat or rug to get her pressure sores OFF the hard floor! It's a constant battle, but we have to do it.

Symptoms of Pressure Sores In Dogs

As in my dog's case, it began with a small area of shedding on her hind quarters. Shedding in one small area like that wasn't normal for her.

Any kind of sore on your dog's skin could indicate a pressure sore. They look very similar to hot spots, so if you see this on your dog call the Veterinarian to determine if it's a hot spot or a pressure sore. 

If an area of the dog's skin looks red and raw, darkened, or callused this could indicate a pressure sore

If the fur looks like it's flattened, or a patch of fur has come out it could be a pressure sore.

If you see puss or discharge coming out of what looks like a sore, or if it looks like the sore has opened up call your Veterinarian right away.

If  your dog appears to have pain or sensitivity one area of her body, check the skin to see if any sore is present.

How To Treat Pressure Sores On Dogs

In our dog's case, the Vet recommended treating her pressure sore with a topical foam containing Chlorhexidine Digluconate, a broad spectrum antiseptic and disinfectant, and Ophytrium, a natural ingredient used for various skin conditions. She also prescribed a round of antibiotics. 

When Icy's pressure sore hadn't healed after more than a month, the Vet took another skin test and saw there was still some bacteria and yeast present. She then prescribed a topical ointment called Animax, which is used for skin conditions resulting from fungal or bacterial infections in dogs or cats.

Part of helping dogs pressure sores heal might be making sure your dog sleeps on an orthopedic bed or other padded surface to reduce the pressure on that part of the skin.

Depending on where the sore is on the dog's body, you may be able to bandage the sores. When it's on the hip however, like Icy's sore, it's very difficult to bandage. It's easier to bandage a foot with a pressure sore.

Keep the sore clean and free of debris, and use wraps or clothing to help reduce friction in the area of the sore.

How To Prevent Dog Pressure Sores 

Pay attention to your dogs habits, especially if they're sleeping a lot during the day. Young dogs and Healthy dogs don't usually sleep half the day away. If your dog has started sleeping significantly longer hours than she used to due to age or health related issues, keep an eye on her skin and fur condition.  If they're sleeping many hours, they may be laying in the same position, creating pressure points on their hips and sides of their feet. 

That's what Icy was doing. She gravitated towards lying for many hours on her left side, and because of that she developed pressure sores on her left hip.

Look closely at your dog's fur and skin. If you start to see shedding in a small, specific area of your dog's body, take a closer look. Spread the fur out and see if there might be missing fur, redness, or even what looks like a sore developing. Sometimes dogs will bite at a certain area, as they do with hot spots. If you see any of these signs, call your Veterinarian right away. 

Keep your dog's skin and coat healthy with regular brushing, bathing and grooming. Keep the skin moisturized as well to prevent the skin from cracking.

Give your dog an orthopedic bed to sleep on, or at least a heavily padded bed. This is especially important for senior dogs, dogs with arthritis, paralyzed dogs or dogs with limited mobility, and dogs with health issues that may cause them to be less energetic and sleep more. We saw a very interesting YouTube video of a woman with a paralyzed dog who used pieces of egg crate padding with a soft fur cover over it for her dog. She could easily move it around to wherever her dog was lying down, easily travel with the padding, and she could re-position it on the dog's body anytime. What a great idea!

Helping your dog change position frequently is very helpful. We joke that we now "flip our dog like a pancake" every couple of hours to prevent her from lying in one position for hours and hours. It also gets her up and moving a lot more. We used to think it was better to let her "rest" for most of the day, but now we now that isn't ideal at all.

If your have hard flooring throughout your home like we do, try to place rugs, bath mats, or rubber mats throughout the home wherever your dog likes to lay down. Keeping your dog off hard flooring for too long can help avoid pressure sores.

It's been over a month and Icy's pressure sore on her hip is still there. I pray it heals up and the infection goes away. I wish we had known all this information before our sweet dog developed these pressure sores. But we will do everything we can to keep our dog free of pressure sores by paying close attention to her fur, skin, and sleeping habits. We'll regularly check her skin for signs of pressure sores and contact our Vet if we see any more sores on her skin.

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