All dogs regardless of coat type or length need grooming on a regular basis. Grooming is very important because it helps keep your dog's coat clean, healthy and manageable by removing dead hair and loosening dander. If a dog's coat gets neglected, mats can form in the fur and lead to yeast infections. Grooming sessions should include regular brushing, bathing, nail clipping and health checks.
Brushing your dog
Dogs should be brushed at least twice a week, but some dogs may need to be brushed more frequently. The amount of brushing a dog requires depends on the dog's lifestyle and coat type. There are six different types of dog coats and you can purchase a wide variety of brushes to suit each type. It is important to know what kind of coat your dog has before you commence brushing:
Short coated - Jack Russell, German Shepherd, etc. This type of coat should be brushed with a bristle brush that has short, tightly packed bristles.
Smooth coated - Labrador, Shorthaired Dachshund, etc. This is the easiest coat to care for and will stay in good condition when regularly groomed with a soft brush.
Curly coated - Poodle, Kerry Blue Terrier, etc. This type of coat is best suited to a wire pin brush.
Wiry coated - Cairn Terrier, Australian Terrier, etc. A firm pinned slicker brush is ideal for this type of coat.
Long coated - Lhasa Apso, Maltese Terrier, etc. A bristle brush with widely spaced bristles, along with a comb, is ideal for longhaired coats.
Silky coated - Afghan hound, Collie, etc. This is the most difficult coat to maintain, as these coats have a thick undercoat which can mat into the dog's outer hair. Regular brushing with a rake and slicker brush is required to keep this type of coat in good condition.
During moulting your dog may need more frequent brushing to keep its coat in peak condition. Some breeds may also benefit from regular clipping to make their coats more manageable.
Before beginning to brush your dog, find a comfortable place to perform the task. Always start grooming from the head and work your way towards the rear of the dog. As you groom, release any tangles by gently easing the fur apart without pulling or stretching it.
Health checks
Grooming sessions also give you the perfect opportunity to give your dog a thorough health check. You should start by checking over your dog's body for any signs of lumps, bumps, skin irritations, etc. Regular health checks will help you become more accustomed to your dog's body and enable you to notice anything out of the ordinary. Detecting problems early and getting them treated as soon as possible could even save your dog's life.
Eyes
The next thing to check is your dog's eyes. Eyes can be very sensitive and it is important to check both eyes very carefully to ensure that they look clean and bright with no signs of excessive discharge. Some longhaired varieties, however, can be susceptible to watering eyes and this can cause tear stains on the facial hair. If tear stains are not removed regularly, they can become an ideal breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. The best herbal remedy for dog tear staining is Primalix Tidy Tears because it stops dog tear stains at the source.
Ears
Ears also require regular attention and they shouldn't look red, irritated, swollen, damaged, or contain an excessive amount of wax. Both ears should also be free of any unpleasant odour or discharge. You can gently clean the ears with ear cleaning solution and cotton wool, but don't try cleaning too far into the ear as this can cause damage.
Teeth
Dogs, like humans, have problems with plaque, tartar and bacteria, and this should be removed to prevent your dog's teeth from decaying. You can clean your pet's teeth two to three times a week with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, or alternatively you can buy an effective "brushless" oral care spray or gel which will help remove plaque and tartar, reverse gingivitis, fight cavities, and freshen breath. Always inspect your dog's mouth before teeth cleaning to ensure that there are no obvious problems.
Nails
A dog's nails will usually wear down naturally if it is regularly exercised on rough surfaces, but sometimes they don't wear down enough and will require trimming to prevent them from growing too long and causing damage to the feet. You can usually tell when your dog's nails need clipping, as you will be able to hear a clicking sound as it walks around.
Before attempting to clip the nails, make sure that you have a suitable pair of dog nail clippers. Hold your dog's foot firmly and then trim a small amount off the end of each nail. Once you have finished, you may need to give the nails a quick file to make them smoother.
While you are trimming the nails, always try to avoid cutting the quick - this is the vein that runs through the centre of the nail and is actually easier to detect in white nails. If you do accidentally catch the quick, then it is best to dab the end of the nail with some styptic powder. Nails may require clipping once a week, or you may be able to leave it as long as a month between clips.
Bathing your dog
Most dogs will require bathing at some point, but some will obviously need to be bathed more frequently than others - once a month, however, is generally enough for the majority of dogs. You can bath your dog indoors or outdoors, but if you decide to use your bath you will need to put a non-slip mat inside it to prevent your dog from sliding around.
Before placing your dog in the bath, carefully remove its collar. Then gently wet your dog all over using a hand-held shower head, making sure that the water temperature is just right. You can then begin to shampoo your dog all over, starting from the neck and moving downwards. Do the head last and take great care around the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Only use a small amount of shampoo and always use one that is specially formulated for dogs.
After shampooing, thoroughly rinse your dog until all the soap has been removed and then dry gently with a towel. Finish off with a light, refreshing mist of TripleSure Natural Flea & Tick Spray.
Longhaired and double-coated dogs may need to be dried with a hairdryer on the cool setting. The hair can be brushed while being dried, but take care not to over dry it as this can dry the skin out.
Reassurance
During each stage of the grooming process you may need to give your dog some reassurance to put it at ease. Have a few treats handy, as these can help to keep your dog calm and reward good behaviour. Regular grooming doesn't just help to keep your pet in peak condition; it also helps you form a special bond with your dog!
View the original article here
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
Keeping your dog cool in this sweltering summer heat may help avoid consequences like dehydration, heatstroke, or even death as a result. From keeping your dog’s hair cut short to limiting the amount of time you let him spend outdoors, there are scads of simple ways you can keep your dog safe and cool this summer. Here are my top ten.
1. Provide your dog with unlimited access to clean water. Dogs need a lot of water during the summer to stay properly hydrated. If you want to keep your dog’s water cool and refreshing, consider dropping a few ice cubes into his water bowl.
2. Never leave your dog in a parked vehicle. Studies show the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise to over 120 degrees within minutes. Not only is it unsafe to leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle, but in some states it is also illegal.
3. Keep your dog’s hair cut short during the summer. Dogs that sport thick coats during summer are at an increased risk of suffering heat exhaustion. By keeping your dog’s hair cut short, you prevent your dog from becoming overheated. You can choose to cut your dog’s hair yourself or take your dog to a professional groomer. If you decide to cut your dog’s hair by yourself, you are going to need to use extreme caution. Cutting away too much hair will leave your dog’s skin unprotected and open to the sun’s hot and harmful rays.
4. Pour cool water over your dog on a regular basis. Fill a jug or bucket with cool water and slowly pour it over your dog’s entire body. Pay special attention to your dog’s paws. Dogs sweat through their paws. Pouring water over your dog is one of the easiest ways you can keep your dog cool and safe when it’s hot outdoors.
5. Place your dog’s pen in a shady area outdoors. If your property doesn’t provide enough shade for your dog, you can always place a tarp or sheet over the top or along the side of the pen to provide shade.
6. Place a small pool in your dog’s pen. Not only will a small pool provide your dog with an additional supply of water, it will also allow your dog the opportunity to cool itself off. You can purchase a small pool for your dog at home and gardening stores. They usually don’t cost more than twenty dollars.
7. Avoid walking your dog in the afternoon. If you want to keep your dog cool and safely protected from the hot summer heat, consider walking your dog in the morning or at night when it’s relatively cooler.
8. Bring your dog indoors on extremely hot summer days and nights. If your dog is old or overweight, consider keeping Fido indoors permanently. Old and overweight dogs can’t handle the summer heat as well as young, healthy dogs.
9. Limit the amount of time you let your dog spend outdoors. Walking or exercising with your dog is a great way to control the amount of time you let your dog spend outdoors.
10. Apply sunscreen to your dog accordingly. Like humans, dogs can get sunburned. If your dog’s nose and ears are smooth or your dog’s coat is thin, you may need to apply sunscreen to your dog before you let it venture outdoors. You can purchase dog-friendly sunscreen at pet stores or at your holistic veterinarian’s office.
View the original article here
1. Provide your dog with unlimited access to clean water. Dogs need a lot of water during the summer to stay properly hydrated. If you want to keep your dog’s water cool and refreshing, consider dropping a few ice cubes into his water bowl.
2. Never leave your dog in a parked vehicle. Studies show the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise to over 120 degrees within minutes. Not only is it unsafe to leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle, but in some states it is also illegal.
3. Keep your dog’s hair cut short during the summer. Dogs that sport thick coats during summer are at an increased risk of suffering heat exhaustion. By keeping your dog’s hair cut short, you prevent your dog from becoming overheated. You can choose to cut your dog’s hair yourself or take your dog to a professional groomer. If you decide to cut your dog’s hair by yourself, you are going to need to use extreme caution. Cutting away too much hair will leave your dog’s skin unprotected and open to the sun’s hot and harmful rays.
4. Pour cool water over your dog on a regular basis. Fill a jug or bucket with cool water and slowly pour it over your dog’s entire body. Pay special attention to your dog’s paws. Dogs sweat through their paws. Pouring water over your dog is one of the easiest ways you can keep your dog cool and safe when it’s hot outdoors.
5. Place your dog’s pen in a shady area outdoors. If your property doesn’t provide enough shade for your dog, you can always place a tarp or sheet over the top or along the side of the pen to provide shade.
6. Place a small pool in your dog’s pen. Not only will a small pool provide your dog with an additional supply of water, it will also allow your dog the opportunity to cool itself off. You can purchase a small pool for your dog at home and gardening stores. They usually don’t cost more than twenty dollars.
7. Avoid walking your dog in the afternoon. If you want to keep your dog cool and safely protected from the hot summer heat, consider walking your dog in the morning or at night when it’s relatively cooler.
8. Bring your dog indoors on extremely hot summer days and nights. If your dog is old or overweight, consider keeping Fido indoors permanently. Old and overweight dogs can’t handle the summer heat as well as young, healthy dogs.
9. Limit the amount of time you let your dog spend outdoors. Walking or exercising with your dog is a great way to control the amount of time you let your dog spend outdoors.
10. Apply sunscreen to your dog accordingly. Like humans, dogs can get sunburned. If your dog’s nose and ears are smooth or your dog’s coat is thin, you may need to apply sunscreen to your dog before you let it venture outdoors. You can purchase dog-friendly sunscreen at pet stores or at your holistic veterinarian’s office.
View the original article here
Thursday, December 8, 2011
5 Things Not To Leave Out All Around Your Cats Posted By: Joshua Adekane
Make sure they're in a secure small box...and voila! Whether it be personalized koozies, your multi-vitamin, or particular plants....there are some stuffs that you should really keep up! (Especially those customized koozies!)
1.Customized Koozies
Let us be realistic-cats really like textures plus they love laying on stuffs that have wonderful textures. It could be your pleasant delicate blankie-or it can be your coozie. To make things worse, they're also pretty great for scratching ...yet, if your cat has larger paws, they might or might not go all the way through...or perhaps get stuck! Obviously, customized koozies do not really belong out in which your own cats can get to them-and, believe us, they absolutely will! On the other hand, when you are aware that they are within eyesight , they should be good.
2.Multi-vitamins
This is something that you don't wish your own cats to play around with. Generally, they seem quite safe, but you have to bear in mind that there are certain things that we need which they truly do not need our cats to get a hold of. For one, there are particular substances in multi-vitamins that many of us may need...but cats may not or may even wind up with poisoning of some sort thanks to it . It may not seem like a big deal-until you find out that if it falls into a cats water dish, it might dissolve, or if the cat consistently licks it, for whatever reason, it might ultimately end up with poisoning of some type. Clearly, keep the vitamins a distance.
3.Tools
You shouldn't leave behind an acoustic guitar out where a cat may possibly get to it. Before everything else, the guitar strings. They are really going to produce humorous tunes, even when you aren't pressing it-and, generally, your own cat is going to be absolutely curious about what exactly this unfamiliar instrument is and how precisely they could have it to produce that sound once again. Not to mention that they create rather great scratching posts also. Hence, surely...it is sort of not a good idea to leave them out and about .
4.Milk products or cream
Regardless if you believe it, cats and kittens actually really should not sip milk or ointment after kittenhood. It could irritated their own tummies and it may also end up all over your floor when you are not meticulous. This is where you must definitely, without having any sort of hesitation, keep it out of your cats. Let us be frank-no one desires to have to clear up kitty puke. Thus, just be sure you have all of your milk up and taken care of!
5. Commercial Dog Food
You do not really want cats to end up eating more pet food rather than their own ordinary food. A very important vitamin that usually put into kitty meal is taurine (no, it's not bull urine, contrary to public opinion), which is an animal healthy proteins that people make normally and that puppies do not need. But nevertheless, cats might die without this particular vitamin! So, make sure that they're eating enough of their food as well as other animal healthy protein!
What To Do With an Unwanted Pet
The reasons for getting a new pet are typically wrapped up in emotions. They’re sweet or cute or cool. But what seemed like an awesome idea at the time can run up against cold, hard reality. Pets require time, effort and money, and some of those needs may turn out to be more than expected. Unfortunately, a pet that can no longer be properly cared for leads to making tough decisions about what to do with it.
First option, worst choice
The first option that typically comes to mind is the local animal pound. But that should be a last resort. According to the Humane Society of Utah, available space and the likelihood of the pet being adopted dictate how long an animal can be kept. The majority of animals in shelters come from owners no longer wanting them rather than strays. Shelters are chronically overcrowded, meaning that the chances of euthanasia in the animal’s near future are high.
Few free drop-offs
Many shelters charge a fee for pet drop-offs. Los Angeles County Animal Shelters charge from $10 all the way up to $250 depending on the type of pet and the circumstances. This is not meant to discourage people from giving up their pets, but the animals will need food and care which cost money. However, there are some places that accept surrendered pets for free. You will need to research the various shelters in your area to see what fees are charged.
Simply dropping a pet off at the shelter when it’s closed is a bad idea. Abandoning a pet is illegal in many states. For instance, the Humane Society of Ocean City, New Jersey, only accepts pet surrenders by appointment. They warn that they will prosecute anyone caught leaving a pet outside. Another reason not to just abandon a pet is that it can be difficult to adopt it out since the animal’s medical history and general temperament are unknown, according to the Virginia Beach SPCA.
Better options
Shelters are an option, but there are other possibilities. If lack of funds is a main reason for giving up your pet, there might be help out there for you. The Humane Society of the United States offers a long list of organizations nationwide that can possibly help with paying for big expenses like unexpected vet bills, or small expenses like pet food. If it’s your animal’s behavior that is causing problems, such as a dog digging holes or a cat refusing to use a litter box, then consult with a veterinarian or animal trainer to see if there are any free or inexpensive resources available to help you through these issues.
Best option for your pet
If keeping the pet is simply not an option, then try to find a new home on your own. Out of all the options available, this one has the greatest chance of success for your pet. Talk to family and friends to see if anyone is willing to lend a hand. However, make sure everyone is clear on the final arrangements. Is the other person now the official owner, or is he just a temporary caretaker? It wouldn’t hurt to document these expectations in writing.
Many people put ads in the local paper advertising a pet “free to a good home.” But the Hillside SPCA in Pennsylvania recommends charging a fee. All too often unscrupulous people will collect free animals and then sell them to laboratories, puppy mills, or those who participate in illegal animal fighting. By charging about $25 you can usually weed out these people. Use every resource available to you to advertise. Make flyers and post them everywhere you legally can, such as at pet stores and veterinarian offices.
If you got your pet through an animal breeder, try contacting them to see if they will take the pet back. According to the Michigan Weimaraner Rescue, ethical businesses should want to help make sure the dogs they bred are happy and healthy in good homes. Some even require the return of the animal in the original contract. There are also many rescue organizations, such as the Weimaraner one, that care deeply about their particular breed and will be happy to help you as best they can.
We're responsible for all animals
Even though dogs and cats are the most popular types of pets, there are plenty of birds, spiders, ferrets, pigs, and snakes, too. Sometimes these nontraditional pets require even more time and money than the more common ones. But it’s important that pet owners be responsible! Several times a year there are news reports about large non-native snakes being released into the wild, such as in the Florida Everglades. It’s become an epidemic that’s seriously damaging the delicate natural balance.
There is rarely ever a quick fix to serious pet problems. It will likely take much more time and effort to find a new home for a pet than it did to get it in the first place. But stick to it and do the right thing. That critter is still depending on you!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Treating Bad Breath In Dogs and Cats
Treating bad breath in dogs and cats is important since it often indicates a bigger problem such as dental plaque or tooth decay. In fact, bad breath or halitosis is a common complaint for many pet owners. A pet with halitosis can lead to embarrassment for the pet owners during family events, parties, and special gatherings.
What Causes Bad Breath in Pets?
Bad breath in dogs and cats can be caused by a poor diet. If pets are unintentionally fed a diet that includes spoiled foods, bad breath can result. More commonly, pets that are fed kitchen scraps can develop halitosis since the food is sometimes left for an hour or more before the pet eats it.
Even pets that are fed a diet of dry pet food or a combination of dry and wet pet food can develop bad breath. If cats and dogs do not receive dental care, it is possible for plaque to build up on their teeth. This is known as calculus buildup, and it is this buildup that can lead to bad breath.
The presence of teeth that are decaying can also lead to bad breath. Decaying teeth are often the result of poor dental care for the pet. If the decaying tooth is not treated, not only can it continue to cause bad breath, but it can also lead to health problems for the pet.
Occasionally, bad breath in dogs is actually caused by a pet who insists on eating things that they should not. Coprophagia or feces eating is actually quite common in dogs. While this behavior may not appear to be normal, certain studies have suggested that dogs eat feces as a way of identifying the animals that have produced it. Coprophagia has also been blamed on poor diets and underlying health conditions. Whatever the reason behind a pet’s indulging in a bit of feces eating, it can lead to bad breath when it occurs frequently. Unfortunately, coprophagia is known to become a habitual behavior in canines and so it is quite difficult to cure even with persistent effort.
Halitosis can also be caused by an underlying medical condition such as kidney and liver ailments. If your pet shows other signs of physical disorders, it is extremely important that you visit the veterinarian. Moreover, if you attempt to treat your pet’s bad breath but do not see any signs of improvement, you might want to visit the veterinarian and get a full physical to determine the status of your pet’s health. Of course, I always recommend a holistic veterinarian.
Treating Bad Breath in Dogs and Cats - Natural At-Home Remedy
In addition to preventing your pet’s bad breath by feeding your cat or dog a proper diet, it is important to provide dental care. A number of dental products for cats and dogs are available for the prevention of calculus buildup and bad breath. To avoid toxins and harmful ingredients, it is important to use a dental care product for pets that has been formulated with natural ingredients. Look for a dental care product made with grape seed extract and grapefruit seed extract for the best results in preventing plaque buildup, oral infections, and bad breath.
View the original article here
What Causes Bad Breath in Pets?
Bad breath in dogs and cats can be caused by a poor diet. If pets are unintentionally fed a diet that includes spoiled foods, bad breath can result. More commonly, pets that are fed kitchen scraps can develop halitosis since the food is sometimes left for an hour or more before the pet eats it.
Even pets that are fed a diet of dry pet food or a combination of dry and wet pet food can develop bad breath. If cats and dogs do not receive dental care, it is possible for plaque to build up on their teeth. This is known as calculus buildup, and it is this buildup that can lead to bad breath.
The presence of teeth that are decaying can also lead to bad breath. Decaying teeth are often the result of poor dental care for the pet. If the decaying tooth is not treated, not only can it continue to cause bad breath, but it can also lead to health problems for the pet.
Occasionally, bad breath in dogs is actually caused by a pet who insists on eating things that they should not. Coprophagia or feces eating is actually quite common in dogs. While this behavior may not appear to be normal, certain studies have suggested that dogs eat feces as a way of identifying the animals that have produced it. Coprophagia has also been blamed on poor diets and underlying health conditions. Whatever the reason behind a pet’s indulging in a bit of feces eating, it can lead to bad breath when it occurs frequently. Unfortunately, coprophagia is known to become a habitual behavior in canines and so it is quite difficult to cure even with persistent effort.
Halitosis can also be caused by an underlying medical condition such as kidney and liver ailments. If your pet shows other signs of physical disorders, it is extremely important that you visit the veterinarian. Moreover, if you attempt to treat your pet’s bad breath but do not see any signs of improvement, you might want to visit the veterinarian and get a full physical to determine the status of your pet’s health. Of course, I always recommend a holistic veterinarian.
Treating Bad Breath in Dogs and Cats - Natural At-Home Remedy
In addition to preventing your pet’s bad breath by feeding your cat or dog a proper diet, it is important to provide dental care. A number of dental products for cats and dogs are available for the prevention of calculus buildup and bad breath. To avoid toxins and harmful ingredients, it is important to use a dental care product for pets that has been formulated with natural ingredients. Look for a dental care product made with grape seed extract and grapefruit seed extract for the best results in preventing plaque buildup, oral infections, and bad breath.
View the original article here
Why You Must Buy Dog Footwear Boots
Posted By: Yasir
Dog shoes have both a functional as well as a fun side to it. Problem with paw shields is very common among most dogs. Sodium and ice can be severe on their paw shields. Ice items can cut their feet and salt being a harsh representative can cause breaking and substance uses up. As well as dog shoes can safeguard pups feet from ice particles and slashes during wintertime.
Unlike the natural paw, some of the dog shoes do not offer much footing. To avoid your dog from decreasing and dropping, ensure that the dog shoes you buy presents a great area grasping. Some of the dog shoes which are engineered to give great footing on wood bottom are without waterproof uppers they are not recommended for frosty cold weather months.
Allergy
Dogs sensitivity to lawn or certain other things usually coat their feet constantly, this can cause the skin to split, worsen and eventually could lead to swelling and illness. Dogs shoes become necessary for dogs to avoid their feet from damage and breaks.
Sled Races
Sled events cover distance of different areas such as, woods, freezing waters, hill stages and shorelines were conditions slide below zero. Dog shoes are widely used during sled events to safeguard the dogs feet from severe atmosphere, without which the battle would be difficult to complete.
Dog shoes for impaired and person most dogs
There are some shoes especially developed for assisting arthritis most dogs position from the earth. Such shoes come with special service and footing. This footwear is used to offer extra service to most dogs experiencing problems like hip dysplasia.
Dog shoes for fashion
The extra fashion-conscious dog-owner can opt for dog shoes made from obvious natural leather. Footwear for your pet are available in a variety of colors from vivid neon to light and alcohol free shaded. The price of these style shoes can vary, while some models are available for $20 and less.
Dog shoes are mainly obtained for preserving their feet. Fashion, fun and beauty are additional. The sneakers you buy neither be too reduce nor too restricting. Fitting footwear is as harmful to a pups feet as it is to a human feet.
View the original article here
Dog shoes have both a functional as well as a fun side to it. Problem with paw shields is very common among most dogs. Sodium and ice can be severe on their paw shields. Ice items can cut their feet and salt being a harsh representative can cause breaking and substance uses up. As well as dog shoes can safeguard pups feet from ice particles and slashes during wintertime.
Unlike the natural paw, some of the dog shoes do not offer much footing. To avoid your dog from decreasing and dropping, ensure that the dog shoes you buy presents a great area grasping. Some of the dog shoes which are engineered to give great footing on wood bottom are without waterproof uppers they are not recommended for frosty cold weather months.
Allergy
Dogs sensitivity to lawn or certain other things usually coat their feet constantly, this can cause the skin to split, worsen and eventually could lead to swelling and illness. Dogs shoes become necessary for dogs to avoid their feet from damage and breaks.
Sled Races
Sled events cover distance of different areas such as, woods, freezing waters, hill stages and shorelines were conditions slide below zero. Dog shoes are widely used during sled events to safeguard the dogs feet from severe atmosphere, without which the battle would be difficult to complete.
Dog shoes for impaired and person most dogs
There are some shoes especially developed for assisting arthritis most dogs position from the earth. Such shoes come with special service and footing. This footwear is used to offer extra service to most dogs experiencing problems like hip dysplasia.
Dog shoes for fashion
The extra fashion-conscious dog-owner can opt for dog shoes made from obvious natural leather. Footwear for your pet are available in a variety of colors from vivid neon to light and alcohol free shaded. The price of these style shoes can vary, while some models are available for $20 and less.
Dog shoes are mainly obtained for preserving their feet. Fashion, fun and beauty are additional. The sneakers you buy neither be too reduce nor too restricting. Fitting footwear is as harmful to a pups feet as it is to a human feet.
View the original article here
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