FAQ

Dogs have a natural fungus on their skin called Malassezia pachydermatous, which under normal conditions does not cause problems. However, when the skin's natural microbiome becomes unbalanced, the fungus can overgrow and cause irritation.

Causes
The imbalance may be triggered by reduced immunity, allergies, poor nutrition (high sugar and fat), genetics, or antibiotics.

Symptoms
Common signs include excessive itching, paw licking or chewing, ear scratching, musty-smelling ears, and red, inflamed skin. Severe scratching can lead to secondary infections that require separate treatment.

Check for Fleas, Parasites
Ensure fleas or other parasites aren’t contributing to the itching — check their treatment history.

Yeast Infections
If you suspect a yeast infection, visit your vet for confirmation and treatment. Ask about food that helps prevent relapse.

Actions
Wash your dog regularly with a soothing shampoo containing oatmeal or aloe vera. Avoid shampoos with parabens, SLS, alcohol, phosphates, petrochemicals, and PEGs.

Recommendation
Fungal Cleansing Shampoo — relieves minor fungal, yeast and bacterial infections, removes flakes, and moisturises the skin.

Lillidale Itchy Wash - a gentle formula of manuka honey and oatmeal, also contains soothing aloe vera extract and moisturising provitamin B5.

This condition is caused by Seborrhhea which is a disorder of the skin and shows up as flaking and scaly skin, often greasy and sometimes with an odour. It acts all through the skin rather than paws and ears, so should not be confused with a yeast infection.

Causes
Normally the skin goes through keratinisation which is the natural process of cells dying off as new cells grow underneath. However, sometimes there is an excess of the protein keratin which creates excess flaking and a greasy skin.

The cause can be primary which is a genetic condition, or secondary which can be triggered by allergies, hormone imbalance, infections or parasites. The result is itchiness and scratching causes injury to the skin and damages the coat, leaving a musty smell.

Actions
To ease the primary Seborrhhea it is helpful to shampoo the dog regularly with a shampoo that gets down to the skin and cleans off the flaking and removes the oily base.

The secondary condition can be eased with the shampoo, but veterinary help should be sought to analyse a potential cause, eg; an allergy to certain foods, a fungal infection, or an allergy to some grasses and plants.

Recommendation
Fungal Cleansing Shampoo — relieves minor fungal, yeast and bacterial skin infections. Removes skin flakes from the coat, moisturises the skin.

Dogs often eat grass. It isn’t bad for them and in fact can provide roughage and fibre.

Sometimes a dog will eat grass which causes them to vomit. This is a way of clearing out something in the stomach that shouldn’t be there. If this is occurring too often and your dog is regularly vomiting, it is important to contact your veterinarian.

This is something that should never be fed as it contains Theobromine, which is toxic to a dog. It is a stimulant and dogs do not have the enzyme that humans have to break down and absorb the Theobromine.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include hyperactivity and vomiting. With excess intake it can cause seizures and may be fatal. The severity of symptoms depend on the amount of chocolate eaten and the size and health status of your dog. Dark chocolate creates a greater reaction. Immediately contact your veterinarian if you think your dog has eaten chocolate.

Sometimes puppies may eat poop, but this is often from curiosity or playfulness and it does not develop into serious poop eating - which is called coprophagia. This behaviour can develop from a nutritional deficiency - lacking a balance diet, or from not absorbing the food that they are given. It may even develop from boredom, or stress, or concern about punishment if they poop and the reaction from the owner is excessive. Using the training method of pushing their nose into an inadvertent poop is not now acceptable and can cause a dog to start eating it.

Consult with a veterinarian to check for any health issues, talk to a dog nutritionist about feeding a correctly balance diet suitable for the age, condition and breed of dog. If they approach a poop, don’t overreact but move them away and offer a treat for leaving it. Clean up poop promptly, especially around rest or sleep areas. Additives can be given to make the poop runny and less palatable to the dog

1. How can I tell if my dog is overheating?
   Look for signs like excessive panting, drooling, red gums, rapid heart rate, vomiting, confusion, or weakness. These may indicate heat exhaustion or heat stroke and require urgent action.
2. What’s the fastest way to cool down an overheated dog?
   Move your dog to a cool, shaded area, offer fresh water, and use cool (not ice-cold) water to dampen their body, especially the paws, armpits, and groin. For an emergency solution, apply Arctic Blast Emergency Coolant, It’s a rapid-response coolant spray designed to safely reduce surface temperature and help stabilize your pet in high-heat situations.
3. Can I use ice or ice water to cool my dog down?
   No! Ice or extremely cold water can constrict blood vessels, which may slow the cooling process and even cause shock. Use cool water or Arctic Blast instead for safe, effective relief.
4. Should I take my dog to the vet if they overheat?
   Yes. Even if they seem to recover, heat stroke can cause internal damage. A vet check is essential to make sure they’re safe and stable. In the meantime, Arctic Blast can provide rapid cooling to support recovery while you're on the way. Contact your vet before applying any products to sun-blistered skin or paws.
5. How can I prevent my dog from overheating in the first place?
   Walk during cooler hours (morning or evening), provide fresh water, avoid intense midday heat, and never leave them in a parked car. Use tools like portable water bowls, cooling mats, and carry Arctic Blast on summer outings for fast cooling if needed.
   NOTE - If you find it too hot to walk on a surface with bare feet then it is likely to burn your dog's paws.  Use Cool Paws for instant relief (but if the skin is already blistered please contact your vet before applying).
6. Do certain dog breeds overheat more easily?
   Yes! Flat-faced breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs), older dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with thick coats are more prone to overheating. These pets benefit especially from early intervention.
7. Can I give my dog a cold bath or hose them down in summer?
   Yes - cool (not cold) water can be effective. After outdoor play, rinse your dog down or use Arctic Blast as a targeted way to reduce body temperature safely.
8. Should I trim my dog’s fur in summer to help with heat?
   Yes, for some breeds but never double-coated dogs. Don't shave them completely unless your vet recommends it. Fur provides insulation and protects the skin from sunburn. Use caution and combine with sun protection and cooling methods when needed. 
9. What products can help keep my dog cool?
   Cooling mats, fans, frozen dog-safe treats, shade tents, and Arctic Blast are all useful. Arctic Blast is easy to carry and apply. It’s ideal for outings, hikes, or hot car rides.
10. Can dogs get sunburnt?
    Yes! Especially dogs with white, thin, or short coats, and those with exposed skin on the nose, ears, or belly. Sunburn can cause painful skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
    
    To help prevent it, keep your dog out of direct sun during peak hours and apply a pet-safe sunblock. We recommend Vetpets Sun Block Powder - a gentle, easy-to-apply powder that forms a physical barrier against UV rays without irritating sensitive skin. For extra protection in the heat, pair with Arctic Blast to manage overheating.