Sep
20
Many hunters entertain the idea that their prized hunting dog will never be a good hunting dog if he is allowed to step foot in the house. This notion is absurd. Modern hunters of today often miss out on the true companionship that their hunting dog can give to them in the other areas of their life and perhaps in the end, they suffer as much as the dog does from the lack of socialization with their hunting dog who can also be their companion and friend.
It took thousands of years for mankind and canines to develop a partnership. That partnership included the mutual ability to give each other aid and affection. It also built upon the canine’s natural watchdog and guarding capabilities and afforded both the human and the dog a sense of companionship and mutual trust. That togetherness also allowed for the dog to learn more and for the human to train the dog more.
Certainly in the early days of the settling of America the settlers who were lucky enough to have a dog did not dream of sticking him into a pen and leaving him there…the dog was a valuable part of their survival because it could do a great deal to protect the homestead besides being a warm body next to the fireside and helping the hunter to bring home the next meal.
Perhaps the basis of keeping the dog penned except during the hunt came from the traditions established by the nobility of Europe and England when large kennels were the norm for the landowner. Of course it was unfeasible to keep hundreds of dogs in the house. But there was never a time when the Lord of the Manor did not keep his favored hounds in his home with him. The large kennels did a great deal to establish good hunting lines and different breeds, for selective breeding could be more easily accomplished when there were large numbers to choose from for the matings. But the average hunter is not selectively breeding. He has no need at all to keep the dog penned up except during the hunting season.
Apparently there are hunters who believe that allowing a hunting dog to have the run of the house will ruin his nose, deflate his natural hunting instincts, make him fat and lazy and make him become somehow badly mannered and disobedient. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Firstly, the power of the dog’s nose to scent comes with it when it is born. The idea that letting him be in the house will help to destroy his scenting ability is ridiculous. Actually the ability to scent well and to discriminate scents is an inborn ability and increases exponentially as the dog learns to distinguish more and more scents, often many of them having nothing at all to do with hunting. It would seem that the more exposure the dog has to a myriad of scents of all kinds would be better than less exposure. Surely when indoor living is also combined with outdoor living there would be more scents involved!
Then there is the idea that living indoors will allow the dog to grow fat and lazy. Here again, the exact opposite is true. A do who is with his humans will get up and follow his master, will roam the grounds with his master, will investigate his household environment and be more stimulated to activity than a dog who is penned in a 10 by 12 foot area day after endless day with no stimulation to make him want to get up and move. Furthermore if a dog happens to have the good fortune to live with someone who is even minimally healthy and likes to walk and get outside, there is just naturally more of a willingness for the human to take the dog along when he is right there by his side and not stuck in a pen out in the back forty. Also the question of his weight has to do with how much he is fed regardless of where he is living. The wise owner will regulate the dog’s consumption of calories, giving him more during the hunting season and less when he is not hunting.
But the single most important reason, which I have not yet touched upon, for the dog to live with his hunting companion and master in the house, has to do with the dog’s capability to learn more effectively when it is coupled with the desire to please his master. A dog who is bonded to his master is a dog that will try harder and accomplish more than a dog who is not motivated to learn, is not trustful of his human companion, is distracted by the joy of being out of the pen more than he is wants to be trained. In short, a dog who is allowed to be a pet is a dog that is much more ready to be trained and has much more opportunity to learn than a dog who is shunted away into a pen and forgotten about between hunting seasons.
By: Michael Russell About the Author:
Baby Showers
Sep
8
A very common problem that virtually all of us see as dog owners is dog vomiting.
There are potentially many different causes of dog vomiting. The most common cause is garbage gut, where your dog consumes something he shouldn’t have, resulting in vomiting. Other causes include food allergies, parasites, medications, infectious causes (i.e. parvovirus), cancer, liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, metabolic disorders (thyroid disease or diabetes), physical obstructions such as a ball or a bone, and primary motility disorders (the stomach doesn’t contract normally).
Any vomiting dog must be evaluated for dehydration. If your dog is vomiting persistently and unable to retain even water, wait no longer than 24 hours before going to your veterinarian. This indicates a severe problem, such as an obstruction, that needs to be treated with IV fluids and possibly surgery. If your dog is still consuming water and occasionally vomiting, then you can try some of the home remedies.
Fasting. A 24 hour fast is the most important thing you can do to allow your pet’s inflamed stomach to heal. Allow access to controlled amounts of water, but no food. After 24 hours offer bland food such as plain cooked white rice; give equivalent amounts of rice as you do dog or cat food. After 48 hours mix their regular food with rice and don’t fully go to regular food until after 72 hours.
For Food Allergens. For dogs and cats with chronic vomiting, I strongly recommend a diet change. Preferably switch to a hypoallergenic food or homemade allergy diet. At the very least, change to a premium quality food - I find that some pets respond to a more natural diet. In light of the recent Pet Food Recall, paying close your dog’s diet is even more important than ever.
Homeopathic. Nux Vomica is an effective homeopathic remedy for dog vomiting. Give 1 tablet of the 30C strength per 40lbs once daily for 3-5 days.
Herbal - Ginger. A tasty addition for a curry is also effective for vomiting. The dried herb dose is 25mg per lb or 1 drop per lb twice daily of the tincture.
Acupressure Point. The ST36 point, located on the outside of the hind leg below the knee may be effective; press it for 1 minute twice daily for 3-5 days to see if it helps.
Flowers to the Rescue: Bach Rescue Remedy can make your pet feel a little better about their illness. Give your pet 3-4 drops by mouth every 6 hours.
Herbal - Chamomile. This is commonly used in people with mild stomach upset and it may help your pet. Give 30mg per lb of the dried herb, or 2 drops per lb of the tincture three times daily.
The treatments I covered may be all that you need for now. But I guarantee that you will use many of the thousands of at home remedies in my book.
I use them every day in practice. They work. No side effects.
You should try it.
To your pet’s good health,
Dr. Andrew Jones
By: Dr. Andrew Jones About the Author:
Symptoms Lung Cancer
Sep
6
One of the most heartbreaking experiences for any dog lover is watching their best friend suffer a seizure. That seizure, successfully treated, might never be repeated, but the worry remains despite veterinary reassurance. When another seizure happens, and another, and still more, that’s when dog owners become seriously worried about their pet. They might be confused about what to do while their dog is having a seizure.
I’m not talking medicines or veterinary examinations here, I’m talking about the physical act of protecting a dog during a fit and in the immediate aftermath. Contacting your vet is the very first thing to do once that first fit passes. Once medication is prescribed you vet will keep in constant contact and often the fits can be solved or reduced in frequency and ferocity. For some dogs, however, the problem is permanent, but not always life-threatening, and you will learn to cope and help your dog during and after the fit.
I’m not a veterinary surgeon or a medical expert, but I am an expert of sorts on canine fits, if only because I’ve been through the experience twice, first with a ten year old Boxer called Barnaby; then Gregory, also a Boxer, and just 18 months old when his first fit occurred. Despite long and exhaustive checks, no cause was found for either dog’s condition.
Barnaby was old and growing frail and fits were another part of the ageing process. Daily medicines kept his fits under control and usually several months apart. Once Barnaby died, of old age, I expected never to encounter dog seizures again. I was very wrong.
Gregory’s problem began less than six months after Barnaby died but these later fits were very different; they were regular, and violent, and extremely debilitating.
Three things I learned helped me stay calm while my dog is fitting, making me better able to care for him.
1) From talking to humans who take seizures I understand the sufferer feels no pain during a fit, only confusion and helplessness. That’s comforting and helps reduce worry and panic for dog owners.
2) Except where some life-threatening condition exists, there’ no need for seizures to spoil quality of life or shorten life expectancy and I have spoken to people whose dogs have lived long and happy lives despite regular fitting.
3) I worried my dog would swallow his tongue and choke during a fit though in reality it rarely happens. But dogs can and do bite their tongues when fitting which is painful and makes eating difficult. Our first sufferer, Barnaby, bit his tongue during one of his final fits and was unable to eat properly for days. Barnaby loved his food and given that most dogs become ravenously hungry after a seizure, it was heartbreaking to watch him try to eat but fail.
Our solution to this problem was to take a long strip of fluff free cloth, preferably a new meshed dish cloth, which we rolled into a strip about one inch in diameter. We kept this close by until a seizure looked imminent, whereupon we’d dampen the cloth and place it loosely across the Barnaby’s tongue with strips falling out either side of the mouth which we held together under the jaw until the fitting stopped. Then we’d remove the cloth, wash it, roll it up and dampen it to use again. The water helped his mouth stay cool and the cloth helped mop up some of the froth from fitting, but mainly it prevented the teeth closing in on his tongue. You must be careful not to get bitten yourself and you should never put the cloth in place when your dog is champing (the process of jaws fast opening and closing and usually with froth coming from the mouth). Be sure to insert the strip by holding the ends well away from the side of the mouth while you slip it over the tongue.
In another article I’ll give more information about coping with a dog before, during and after a fit.
By: Avril Harper About the Author:
Avril has created a special web site containing information and advice based on her own experience of two dogs suffering regular seizures. You’ll find it at
http://www.dog-seizures.com
Free Phone Line
Sep
6
A dog’s digestive system is a highly specialized anatomical structure. To gain an understanding of how it operates and what it requires it helps if you understand how it compares to the other types of digestive systems in the animal kingdom.
Herbivores (plant eaters) have the longest digestive tract in the mammalian kingdom. Some of them like, cows have multiple stomachs that are used to break down and ferment various plant materials. True herbivores have the ability to digest plant and vegetable cellulose and can rely on plants for complete nutrition. They have flat blunt teeth, which they use to grind cellulose and grain. Their jaws have the ability to move sideways and grind their food. Of course dogs don’t fall in this category and their digestive organs were never designed to assimilate or catabolise plant based materials.
Omnivores: (plant and meat eaters) have one stomach and their intestines are shorter than the cow but longer than the dog. They have the ability to digest vegetation but they have enough enzymes and acid in their gut to digest animal protein as well. Their ability to break down cellulose is limited and they need both vegetation and animal protein for complete nutrition. Omnivores have a combination of sharp teeth used for tearing and ripping flesh and flat molars used for grinding grains and plants.
Carnivores: (meat eaters) like the dog has the shortest digestive system in the kingdom of mammals. Their jaws are hinged and contain sharp jagged blade like molars, which allows them to swallow large chunks of meat and gorge themselves. This ability enables dogs to consume a great deal of food and then rest until the next kill. Dogs are direct decedents of the wolf and they require meat protein to stay healthy and vibrant. Dogs do not have the ability to digest or assimilate cellulose and have no real need or craving for grain or vegetable based food.
The dog is a carnivore with a digestive system and process designed to break down and assimilate protein, bones, and fat. Their stomachs have a much higher level of hydrochloric acid to digest and assimilate meat protein.
Many commercial grade dog foods are produced on the premise that a dog’s digestion is similar to humans. Because it’s cheaper to make dog food with grains and plant materials many times the main ingredient in the dog food is corn, wheat, or some other type of plant-based carbohydrate.
Many veterinarians believe commercial grade dog food is garbage or even poison. Some of them have stated carbohydrates are not required at all for the nutritional need of dogs. It’s not hard to understand if you consider a wolf will starve before it will eat corn or any other vegetable. Dogs require a vast array of amino acids that are only found in meat. To feed them vegetable products will only shorten their life and ruin their health.
Have you ever wondered what’s in your dog’s food? Dog Food Secrets reveals what is used in the manufacture of your dog’s food. If you love your pet you owe it to yourself and them to read the free report.
By: John Steele About the Author:
Home Business on the Web
Aug
28
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to be of a spontaneous origin, brought about by the influence of heat upon decaying vegetable matter, and it was and still is freely asserted that puppies are born with dog worms inherited from the mother in some mysterious manner while still in uterus. This has been conclusively proven an error and in the minds of all scientists there is no question about dog worms springing from individual eggs and having a complete life history of their own.
The principal worm species with which dog owners have to contend are round worms and tape worms. The first named commonly infest puppies and consequently are most dreaded by breeders. In shape and size these worms resemble common angle worms, but in color are lighter, being almost white or only a pale pink.
In adult dogs these worms, when full grown, are from three to seven inches long. In puppies they are about half that length, and as thick as common white string. Round worms live in the small intestines, sometimes coiled in such masses as to obstruct the passage, and occasionally they wander into the stomach or are passed by the bowels.
It is easy to understand that when one dog in a kennel is infected with worms, millions of eggs will be passed with the feces. These are scattered all over the floors, bedding, feeding and drinking pans. They get on the dog’s coat, are licked off and swallowed and in numbers of ways gain entrance to the digestive tracts of other dogs, where they soon hatch out and in ten days are fully developed.
This rapid development account for the popular belief that puppies are born with worms, for breeders who have held post-mortems on puppies scarcely ten days old and have found in their stomachs fully developed round worms could account for their presence in no other way. They overlooked the fact that the prospective mother, confined in a kennel infested with worms, would get these eggs attached to her coat, belly and breasts, and the young, as soon as born, would take these eggs into their stomachs with the first mouthfuls of milk.
Symptoms Of Dog Worms Attack
Dog worms are responsible for so much sickness and so many symptoms that it is practically impossible to mention all of them, but their presence can safely be suspected in all dogs which have not been recently treated for them, as well as in cases where the patient is run down, unthrifty and out of sorts.
Other symptoms are a hot, dry nose, weak, watery eyes, pale lips and gums, foul breath, mean hacking cough and a red, scurfy, pimply or irritated condition of the skin and harsh, dry, staring coat that is constantly being shed.
Wormy dogs sometimes have a depraved appetite and will eat dirt and rubbish. Some days they are ravenously hungry, the next day they will not eat at all; their sleep is disturbed by dreams and intestinal rumbling, the urine is high colored and frequently passed, bowels irregular, stomach easily unsettled, watery mucus is frequently vomited and the mouth is hot, sticky and full of ropy saliva.
Puppies which are full of worms bloat easily and are pot-bellied. After feeding their stomachs distend disproportionately to the amount of food consumed. Their bodies are also subject to scaly eruptions and their bowels to colicky pains; they do not grow as rapidly as healthy puppies should and instead of playing with each other they curl up and sleep hour after hour; they get thinner, weaker and more lifeless from day to day and if they do not waste away or die in fits and convulsions with frothing at the mouth and champing of the jaws, grow up coarse-jointed, rickety and misshapen. Puppies with worms are also liable to paralysis of their rear limbs and on removal of the worms the puppies regain control of the affected parts.
A wormy dog is usually an unhealthy and unhappy dog who leads a miserable life. It could even be deadly, especially so for young puppies. Bring your dog to a veterinarian if you are unsure. Your dog will certainly thank you for that.
By: Moses Chia About the Author:
SEO Services
Aug
11
Female dog heat symptoms can be recognized during what experts call the estrous cycle. While the estrous cycle takes place, your female dog has a high chance of getting pregnant if she has intercourse. In this article I will tell you all about the 3 most common symptoms of dog in heat and were you must learn all about them.
Female Dog Heat Symptoms1. The most common dog heat symptom takes place during the first part of the estrous cycle. You can recognize it because she will have a high increase in urination and also the female dog’s vulva will swell. It is not as easy to detect in smaller dogs so you will have to pay close attention.
2. Another very common heat symptom is blood discharge from the dog’s vagina. So don’t worry if this happens, it is a common, natural symptoms of dog in heat. It doesn’t mean that she is sick.
3. Sometimes female dog heat symptoms are hard to recognize, but this one you can’t miss. Male dogs will follow the female dog like a magnet, they can easily recognize female dog heat from a distance, so they will even hang around your house. Be careful, during the heat cycle the female dog will allow the male to mount her, so don’t let her out of sight or not only will she end up pregnant, but she can get disease from street dogs.
The heat cycle lasts around 90 days and they have it approximately every 7 months. You can check for pregnancy by monitoring her progesterone levels.
Female dog heat symptoms are not to be taken lightly. Dog health and training can be a very complicated subject if you don’t know what you are doing. That is why I will point you towards a website that has a few reviews on the best dog information products out there, don’t think twice about purchasing them, they are a must have if you want your dog in good health (not only the symptoms of dog in heat) and properly trained.
By: Daniel Molano About the Author:
To learn all about dog health and training, go to this reviews site now:
Dog Training Reviews
Daniel Molano is an expert writer in a variety of topics. He writes high quality reviews for high demand products. If you need a product review or want a product reviewed go immediately to his blog here: Product Reviews [http://www.supremeproductreviews.com]
Loan Consolidation
Jul
28
Among the many dog dominance behaviors, those surrounded by perhaps more myths than any others are dog mounting problems and dog humping women. No, contrary to popular opinion, these obnoxious dog instinctive behaviors have absolutely nothing to do with sex. How embarrassing, though, for those who do not know this!
“Don’t worry,” I said to a client who was bright red as he observed his male pup trying to mount mine. Visibly, the client wanted to dig a hole and hide. He was mortified! His dog aggressively continued in his attempts at dog mounting and dog humping on mine, especially going for the head. (My good-natured, large dog easily shook him off.)
“I didn’t know my dog was queer,” he said very sheepishly and apologetically. I could not contain my laughter as I reassured the man that it was not so. How common is that misconception? In the dog world, there is no such thing as a “gay dog!”
One dog mounting over another one’s head, or even unsheathing his penis, is fairly common. The mounting dog is seriously trying to seize control over all others. The unsheathing is to release his scent on the other dog, to proclaim to all the others that he won the battle over this one.
Think about this fact: If a male dog mounts a female for mating purposes, his equipment does not miss its target. He does not fail to put it in the right place. If his intentions toward another male dog were sexual, it would be done. Note that his aim, when riding up from behind the other dog, is OVER the tail and back, not under the tail. That is NOT sexual! Riding up on another dog’s back raises the first dog above him. It is a reminder that, “Hey, you’re not the boss here!”
When the dog mounts another one’s head, he is going to one of the most extreme displays of dominance in the dog world. The head is the highest part of the dog. Bringing the head down brings the dog down from his highest point. It is all about who is higher than whom.
When a dog unsheathes his penis and releases liquid, that forces the dog who is leaked on to wear the scent of the dominant one. It is a very potent scent and stays for some time, making the low rank obvious for many miles — and even to other packs within scent range.
Dogs constantly try to dominate each other. That is dog instinctive behavior, among the rituals they go through every time they meet each other. The dogs will first size each other up through eye contact. If one surrenders by lying down, then leadership is settled. If not, the wrestle for dominance truly begins.
As they wrestle for the dominant dog position, the dogs continue to mount each other until one rolls over submissively and turns his eyes away. Until the eyes have completely turned away, surrender has not happened, and the dog who is losing may try a sneak attack against the other. Look out!
We homo sapiens usually prefer the challenge of a game such as “rock-paper-scissors,” a mind game like chess or Scrabble, or a socially acceptable ball game. It is less embarrassing to the public eye.
You have sometimes seen dog fights break out as the dogs jockey for position, through wrestling or stare-down dares. Normally, however, one dog raises his head higher than the other, and the one with the lower head surrenders.
Clearly, this is an instinctive dog behavior, a ritual dogs often go through. I recommend to all who are interested to question experts and to study this dog dominance behavior for themselves. Dog humping women and dog mounting problems have nothing to do with sex, and they CAN be solved. Remember, there is no such thing as a “GAY DOG!”
By: Rena Murray About the Author:
Want to Stop Bad Dog Behaviors and Dog Instinctive Behaviors, such as Dog Dominance Behavior and Dog Food Aggression? Ask Dog Obedience Trainer - Dog Behaviorist,
Rena Murray. Rena shares extensive Dog Behavior Modification experience, blending the best of the Dog Whisper Behavior and other dog training techniques in
self-help Articles, free email Newsletter - PAW PERSUASION POINTERS , and more on her
Dog Dominance Behavior web site and in her
Paw Persuasion Blog. Contact Rena at
PawPersuasion.com for the help you need!
Birthday Party Ideas
Jul
27
Your dog skin problem is driving you nuts! Your dog won’t stop scratching, gnawing, licking, and biting. However, stop and think for a moment. If his behavior is driving you nuts, how must your poor dog be feeling?
By identifying the reason for your dog’s itching and scratching, you are one step closer to getting relief for him. Here are the six main reasons for your dog skin problem:
Infectious - bacterial, fungal, and yeast are skin and coat pathogens. Fungi cause circular patches of hair loss that usually do not itch. Yeast infections cause greasy, and odor causing sores.
Neurogenic - no medical reason for the dog skin problem. Incessant licking characterizes this dog skin problem which is basically, a nervous habit of licking and chewing. This is often brought on by dogs that arent getting the proper exercise or attention they need and they bite, chew, and lick themselves as a nervous energy outlet.
Allergenic - an allergic reaction to numerous things; food ingredients, synthetic and natural fibers, medications and pharmaceutical products, plant material and even dust. All other causes must be ruled out before this diagnosis is used.
Environmental - itching brought on by what the dog is exposed to in his environment; swimming, digging, romping through fields. If the dog is sensitive to grasses or gets scrapes and cut, the wound often stays moist, bacteria sets in and causes an infection. This is most often referred to as a “hot spot.”
Nutritional - due to imbalanced diet without proper nutrition. This dog skin problem is often caused by the owner feeding the dog an inferior dog food. Just because a brand of dog food states, “Complete and Balanced” doesn’t mean it is a good source of nutrition for your dog. Owners will often opt for cheaper dog food and feel secure that they are feeding their dog a good diet because they fall for false advertising. Remember, false advertising is just as prevalent when it comes to pet products as it is in human products.
Parasitic - fleas, ticks, chiggers, deer flies, and gnats are the most common parasites that cause your dog’s skin problem. Repeated exposure to these parasites can cause sensitivity and eventually infection. Cheyletiella mites, often referred to as “walking dandruff” and Sarcoptic mites which are called scabies or red mange, are much more serious. These mites cause very intense itching and scratching, hair loss and inflamed skin.
Each of these six reasons for your dog’s skin problem needs to be evaluated and considered when deciding how to treat your dog’s itching and scratching. By identifying the source of your dog skin problem, he can be treated and cured. Then, all will be happy - you and your best friend.
By: Debra Proctor About the Author:
Would you like to treat your dog skin problems without expensive and inconvenient trips to the Vet? Visit
http://www.dogskinproblem.info for easy and inexpensive treatments.
Foreign Exchange
Jul
17
Like humans, dogs too get diabetes. When a dog has diabetes, the best way to keep it in control is by giving it diabetic dog food, which is low in sugar and carbohydrates. Apart from controlling the amount of sugar in a diabetic dog’s food, the amount of food and the frequency in which they are fed also needs to be monitored. The general recommendation is that your diabetic dog should be fed smaller meals twice or thrice a day instead of a single large meal. This is because blood sugar levels can be stabilized by smaller meals, whereas a single large meal results in a high insulin spike, and then for it to drop down in 12 hours. When blood sugar plummets too low, it results in hypoglycemia, which is a series condition.
So what diabetic dog food should you give your dog? Here are a few recommendations that will assist in controlling the diabetic condition of your dog:
Shun Foods That Have Sugar
Most dog owners have very little idea about the amounts of carbohydrates and sugar contained in commercial dog food. Carbohydrates are considered a form of sugar because they are metabolized into glucose by the body. Both soft-moist dog food and dry dog food are considered culprits. If you must feed your dog commercially manufactured dog food, it is better to give them a good quality canned food. It is important to check the ingredients, which are printed on the label.
Homemade Diabetic Dog Food
The best solution is to feed your dog homemade dog foods and raw foods. By doing this, you will be able to keep track of exactly how much carbohydrates and sugar they are getting. Putting your dog on a homemade diabetic dog food diet need not be expensive or hard work. There are plenty of websites on the Internet that have lots of advice and recipes that are nutritious and tasty.
Cut Down On The Fat
Apart from regulating blood sugar and insulin levels in the body, the pancreas also produces enzymes that break down fats. Since it is essential not to put too much stress on the pancreas of a diabetic dog, it is important to choose low-fat meats. Ground beef should not be given, and the extra fat in turkey and chicken should be removed. While some fat is required for good health, according to nutritionists, it is best to minimize the amount as much as possible.
Some Grains Are Good
While you do have to be careful about the quantity of grain you feed your dog, since animals cannot digest grains as easily as humans because their digestive track is shorter, certain grains are beneficial for diabetic dogs. Millet, oats and brown rice provide fiber and also help to control the levels of insulin. Some nutritionists also advise cornmeal, but sometimes dogs have allergic reactions to wheat and corn. But it is best to use grains sparingly, because being carbohydrates they are turned into glucose by the body.
Adding fresh vegetables and raw fruits, which are high in nutrients and vitamins, and have natural sugars (which do not have the detrimental effects on insulin levels that processed sugar does), brewer’s yeast which contains a substance known as ‘glucose tolerance factor’ which helps the body to use blood sugar more efficaciously, and Vitamin E which aids in reducing the requirement for insulin, are some of the other recommendations.
Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, it is important to consult a vet about the diabetic dog food diet your pet needs, and give those foods that your dog tolerates well. But, as a thumb rule, avoid giving baked foods that contain sugar and flour.
By: Alex Dale About the Author:
Smart Babiles
Jul
13
Dog mounting behavior is a very embarrassing thing and something I am regularly asked to combat. It is a symptom of a serious underlying dog dominance behavior problem that requires expert help for effective dog behavior modification. Do not even think about trying it yourself, because if you do not do it exactly right, there is an absolute guarantee that you will be bitten. Don’t even start it if you cannot finish it, or you will make it much worse. So, what is the true story about dog humping women, female dog mounting behavior, and related dog instinctive behaviors?
A female client of mine asked: “Is my dog suffering from a mental defect? Should she be on medication to help her? She mounts me. She humps my daughter. She also mounts visitors who walk in!”
The spectacularly beautiful Labrador, “Lady,” was a purebred, but she had received no training. I prepared myself, eager for this challenge. I set the appointment and walked in…
Instantly and before the door was even fully opened, Lady tried to mount me. I grabbed the scruff of her neck with one hand, and did a “pack hold” on her neck with the other. Lady tried to mouth me and to place a paw on my hand, trying to take control. (If you don’t respond to that with immediate correction, she is in control!) I gave her a “pack bite” each time to let her know that nothing less than total surrender would be accepted.
Lady began to yelp loudly and show her teeth. I held her firmly and reacted each time she objected. I refused to give Lady an inch. If I had not known what I was doing and held her properly, she would have torn me up! She meant business and was not going to give up without a fight.
This day Lady was to know that her days of humping women were forever over!
One and one-half hours later, I was pouring with sweat and had deodorant failure. I kid you not. They knew it and I knew it! Lady was tongue-dangling exhausted. She submitted completely. All parts of her body were flat and straight on the ground - tail, legs, everything!
I released my hold. Lady looked at me before she dared move, then stood up when I commanded. I had won unquestionable Pack Leader position.
I walked out the door and came back in. Lady sniffed me politely, then returned to a corner in the house where I directed. I did this through every door in the house and through the gate. I made her wait in front of each one before she was allowed to go out, doing this both with and without a leash.
I showed the mother and daughter how to handle Lady, and they both did it like pro’s. Lady died two years later at the ripe old age of 12, having never mounted anyone again.
Moral of the story? Female dog mounting behavior can, indeed be stopped, and yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. However, it is not easy, and you need nothing less than a dog behavior modification professional who understands dog dominance behavior and what is commonly referred to as the dog whisper technique. There is no room for error!
By: Rena Murray About the Author:
Want to Stop Bad Dog Behaviors and Dog Instinctive Behaviors, such as Dog Dominance Behavior and Dog Food Aggression? Ask Dog Obedience Trainer - Dog Behaviorist,
Rena Murray. Rena shares extensive Dog Behavior Modification experience, blending the best of the Dog Whisper Behavior and other dog training techniques in
self-help Articles, free email Newsletter - PAW PERSUASION POINTERS , and more on her
Dog Dominance Behavior web site and in her
PAW PERSUASION BLOG: http://www.pawpersuasion.com/blog/ Contact Rena at
PawPersuasion.com for the help you need!
Insurance Questions
Jul
11
Yes, even dogs can become depressed. It is not uncommon to see a dog start acting differently when certain things happen. For example if someone who cares for them goes away, you may find your dog sitting at the door at the time the person always comes home staring at the door. When the person returns the dog is likely to return to normal behavior.
Symptoms of Dog Depression
Your dog may seem mopey. S/he may be lethargic or slow moving. They may stop eating and may not drink enough water. The symptoms for dog Depression are strikingly similar to those seen in humans. Depression in dogs could be very dangerous especially if they stop eating or drinking enough water.
Causes of Dog Depression
Grief may be a trigger for pet Depression. If they have had a playmate for sometime and the other dog dies, your dog may try to act as if the other pet is there. They may be sad and mope around.
A change of environment where a dog is moved to a new home or put in a kennel may also cause your dog to feel depressed and stop eating or drinking. Returning home or getting used to the new home will likely see your dog’s Depression start to lift.
Chemical imbalances typically in the brain may be to blame as well. Like humans there are chemicals in the brain that help to control mood. Treatment can be very effective for your dog.
Weather changes have long been known to influence Depression in animals. Have you heard that animals can always tell the weather? They know its going to storm before humans do.
Treatments for Dog Depression
Medication is often used including Prozac for dogs. Your vet might recommend that your dog be given canine anti-depressant. This is often an effective treatment for dogs.
Try to increase the level of your dog’s activity. Take them to a new place for their walk.
Exercise helps torelease certain brain chemicals to make your pet feel better.
If your pet has lost a playmate you could try to expose him to other dogs. You could also try Doggy Day Care. If you are read y consider purchasing another dog. This could help give some relief to your pet’s depression
Conclusion
Dogs can experience Depression as can humans. There are medications for pets as well as other non-medical options. Your vet can help you decide which avenue of treatments for Dog depression might be appropriate for your pet.
By: John Gibb About the Author:
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John Gibb is the manager and owner of various health websites. His latest addition is Natural Depression Alleviation
Baby Furniture
Jul
6
No matter where you are in the world, your dog could get tics anywhere. Tics can be picked up in long grasses, green areas, rural areas and even in your own back garden. Ticks are parasites that can pierce your dog’s skin with their killer mouths and glue themselves into the body and prevent easy removal. Tics in the UK are usually hard tics and they have a hard outer shell to protect their body.
Tics are parasites that won’t stay on your dog’s body for ever. They will usually stay on your dog’s body for three to ten days feeding on your dog. All stages of the tic life cycle happen on your dog (a host) apart from the eggs, and they feed until they fall off into a new environment onto the next stage of the tic life cycle. The life cycle of a tic can take up to three years to complete.
A tick is not just a passing irritation; it can cause many problems to your dog. The least that can happen to your dog is skin irritation as the tic is implanting itself into your dog’s body. That is the least of your dog’s problems. Tics can also carry horrible diseases that your dog is well likely to catch. In the UK, your dog could catch lyme disease- this is caused by the most common tic in the UK and in dogs it can cause a fever, arthritis and may cause skin disease and irritation. Another disease that your dog can catch in the UK is called anaplasmosis, - this is a disease that is caused by a not so common tic however, even though it is rarely diagnosed, it can still cause depression, fever, reluctance to move and general laziness.
The diseases that your dog could catch across Europe are: ehrlichiosis - a disease that is mainly caught in the Mediterranean, south France, Corsica, Greece and Italy. This can cause fever, loss of appetite and blood clot. Another disease is called bebesiosis- this disease can be caught all across Europe and can cause infection of the red blood cells in your dog’s body, weakness and high temperature.
It is important to check for ticks regularly on your dog and even more if they are travelling abroad or are travelling back from abroad. You must check every single part of your pet carefully and check especially the head, the ears, the legs and the paws. Also check for: fever, lameness, loss of appetite, onsets and offsets of pain, swelling, arthritis, depression and bad coughs in the dog. If any of these signs ring a bell contact a vet as soon as possible and get treatment or get checked out thoroughly. It is very important that you treat your dog regularly checking it out and using any specific products that will kill the tics and that your vet has given to you and wash your dog with special shampoos that will take control of the tics and may kill them. Remember, tics are tiny, you can’t see them at all but you will always know if your dog has got them if you check it regularly and give it treatment.
By: Anna Lily Kenrick About the Author:
Anna L Kenrick is an animal lover and has much experience in the field of animal health and well being. Read more from Anna on her website at
snapreviewcenter.com
Jul
4
Does your dog have constipation? Does it happen frequently? Dogs sometimes, constipate for a number of reasons. If your dog starts constipating, don’t panic just yet. In this article, we’ll be looking at the various home remedies you could quickly apply to cure and relieve the dog of its constipation -if you suspect it has any.
If you are unsure of what the term constipation means, here is the definition. It is defined according to Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary as the difficult or infrequent emptying of the bowels. Did you think it was only restricted to man? Now you know. Dogs too have it. The following usually cause constipation;
1. Meals the dog is fed with. Foods containing high sugar content, rice, flour, high protein are the main culprits. Foods such as cookies, Ice cream, chocolate.
2. Lack of fiber in its meals.
3. Lack of water
4. Lack of good diet and exercise.
5. Feeding from the dinner table.
6. Psychological stress and lack of proper grooming
So what cures or home remedies can do the “magic”?
1. Maintain a healthy routine in terms of proper diet and exercise. This is necessary because exercise triggers the movement of the dog’s bowel. Exercise makes it possible for the dog to move its bowel. Walking your dog twice a day -if you can afford the time- is good. But if you can’t, make sure you do it once a day.
Another option you might want to consider is employing the services of a Dog walker. For a token fee, they could help you walk your dog around the neighborhood. To do this, consult your phonebook or phone directory for a listing. On the other hand, you might want to search for them online. You can easily do this by typing the Keyword “Dog walking services + Your State” in the search bar. For example, it could be “Dog walking services in Boston”. You get the idea.
It works if you can trust other people with your dog. By the way, there is nothing to be worried about as all the dog walkers are usually confirmed to be excellent animal lovers. Therefore, your dog is safe. In the meantime, if you want to give a quick remedy, add two teaspoonfuls of bran to its meal and you are good to go.
2. Addition of half a teaspoonful of psyllium -Metamucil- to its meal twice a day.
3. Give your dog lots of water to drink, as feces needs moisture to be easily expelled.
4. In cases where you have large build-up of hard stool, two teaspoonfuls of mineral oil should be added to its meal twice a day for a week.
Use these tips and you may not even need to see the vet. But if your dog’s condition has not improved after all these treatments and you notice its inability to pass stool, decreased appetite, passing of blood no matter how small, then it’s time to check in with the Vet.
By: Oscar Uzoma About the Author:
Constipation WILL kill your dog if you do not do anything about it. Find out what vet doctors and the big dog product companies do not want you to know and why they keep taking your money at Dog Constipation No More [http://Dog-constipation-no-more.tk]. You can also Click Here [http://Dog-constipation-no-more.tk] to get a free video course on The ‘Secret’ reason every dog, including yours, is now at risk of an early death.
Puppy Care and Training
Jul
2
A dog licking himself or dog chewing self can intensify into serious dog obsessive behavior and lead to grievous health problems and great vexation, as seen in this example of a dog named Blake.
Blake’s back is raw and bleeding. His legs, rear and almost any area on his body that his mouth can reach are all bleeding. Blake is crying painfully because of what he is doing to himself. The worse it gets, the more he seems driven to do it. Constantly…
You have tried giving him extra attention, and have even rearranged your schedule to be with him more. You have scolded Blake, and have tried to plead with him or bribe him with whatever he wants if he will only stop being a dog chewing self and engaging in dog obsessive licking. But Blake’s problems only seem to be getting worse.
Now you are on your knees scrubbing the carpet daily to keep the stain of Blake’s blood from setting in. You have taken Blake to the veterinarian, and he cannot find any medical reason for Blake’s obsession. He has run several tests, but no conclusions can be found.
So, what do we do with Blake? First, recognize that Blake has three problems, all expressed in the same way. He is nervous, bored, and frustrated.
Blake could be nervous for a number of reasons. Maybe there is something going on between one of the neighborhood dogs and Blake. Perhaps Blake feels threatened. Dogs send each other messages, many of which are undetected by humans. Those negative messages can haunt a dog and lead to nervous licking and chewing. It’s the doggie version of a child’s nightmare about the Boogey Man. This is especially prevalent in situations such as a next door dog to whom Blake has constant exposure. The solution to this problem is spelled out clearly, step-by-step, in other articles but boils down to this: creating a pack between the two dogs.
As for boredom, Blake may have pent-up energy and lack of sufficient mental challenge. He may not be receiving a good, disciplined, focused walk each day, such as forty-five minutes on a heel. For some high energy dog breeds, one walk or run is not enough, and Blake simply might be one of them. He needs an outlet, so he makes one for himself. He has discovered a release in dogs constant licking and dog chewing self which brings a measure of satisfaction.
Blake’s frustration at not getting what he really needs (e.g., mental and physical challenge) is exacerbated by the frustration you cause him. You cannot fool Blake. He knows that you do not recognize what is wrong with him. All you see are the symptoms. Blake is completely aware that you do not have any idea how to help him.
Of course, the syndrome of obsessive dog chewing self may be induced by a medical problem such as mange or allergies. Always be sure the problem is not medically related, or if it is, take remedial action. Consult a veterinarian who has a balance of both traditional and holistic veterinary medicine, or do the research yourself, but find the right treatment for Blake.
Take heart. There are ways to stop dogs from chewing and to stop dogs constant licking. It all begins with correct diagnosis of the causes, as outlined above, then addressing each issue specifically. Still having dog obsessive behavior problems after great effort to solve this? Contact an expert dog behaviorist. Neither you nor Blake has to suffer.
By: Rena Murray About the Author:
GET HELP from
Rena Murray at the
Dog Obedience Training website. An accomplished Dog Behavior Modification expert, Dog Obedience Trainer, and Platinum Expert Author, Rena provides
self-help Articles and
free “Best Ezines”-recognized newsletter: PAW PERSUASION POINTERS to help you better understand communication and control of your dogs, debunk dog training myths, explore right and wrong dog training techniques for specific situations, address destructive dog behavior, excessive and obsessive dog behavior, and other canine issues, from new puppy to old dog. Subscribe for free at
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Divorce Lawyers
Jun
17
Any person who owns a dog is potentially liable for damages if their dog bites another person. Your homeowners liability or business owners liability insurance will defend you from lawsuits attributable to dog bites in some cases.
If you have a dog that has already bitten or injured another person or animal, your insurance company may exclude coverage for subsequent incidents. I’ve even seen insurers cancel or refuse to renew policyholders with dangerous dogs.
This follows the old “First-Bite Rule.” That means that if your dog has never caused injury before, you as the owner are not deemed to be the owner of a dangerous dog. However, after the first bite, you can’t say that anymore.
But what if you don’t own a dog? You must know the common sense issues about dogs and how they behave. That is crucial whether you own a dog or not.
So let me share with you six danger signs that should warn you that a dog attack may be about to occur. If you commit these to memory, you will have a better chance of protecting yourself and your children.
1. A new dog in the house. New adult dogs can be dangerous for the first 60 days or so. In the same manner, a person who is new to a household where a dog lives is in danger of attack for about the first 60 days. Statistics show that 20% of fatal dog attacks involved a new person or a new dog in the same household for two months or less. (new husband, new wife, new step-kids, new girlfriend/boyfriend, new baby)
2. Gender of the dog. Un-neutered male dogs are the most dangerous of all. But any male dog is far more dangerous than a female dog.
3. Breed. The Pit Bull, Chow, Akita and Rottweiler breeds are the most dangerous. Pitt Bulls have the most fatal attacks of any breed.
4. The Pack. The more dogs in the pack, the greater the danger of attack. Dogs that are normally calm and docile can become violent when they are in a pack. The pack mentality is strong in dogs. Statistics show that 39% of the dog attacks in 2008 were by multiple dogs.
5. Dog is his own yard, with no owner present. Dogs are protective and territorial. Don’t go in his yard. Warn your children of the danger of going into a yard where a dog…or multiple dogs…are alone.
6. Dog on a tether or chain. Chaining up a dog is cruelty, and over time, it changes the dog’s personality. Chained dogs committed 9% of fatal attacks in 2008.
Any one of these factors alone is a danger signal. The more factors that exist at the same time, the higher the danger of a dog attack. All of the factors should be avoided at all costs.
By: Russell Longcore About the Author:
Copyright 2009 by Russell D. Longcore
P.S. WARNING!! Do Not Buy Insurance, or Submit an Insurance Claim Without Visiting This Website!
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New book, “Commercial Insurance Claim Secrets REVEALED!” coming soon!
Eviction Lawyer
Jun
11
Every year, around Christmas time the RSPCA make appeals to everyone to think before buying a puppy or any other pet as a Christmas present. The RSPCA’s message is “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”. This prompt is to make people think, and to consider the implications of owning a pet.
It is a wonderful experience to see your child’s face light up when you present them with an adorable puppy. There’s no getting away from that, however it doesn’t last very long and it is only one side of the coin.
Puppies are hard work. They chew, they soil, they can interrupt sleep, they dig and they demand a lot of attention, it’s rather like taking on another child.
Although puppy’s grow quickly, their education is a slow process, even if you have an intelligent breed. During your puppy’s education and socialisation you need to remain calm and patient at all times, and above all you must be consistent, even if you are at the end of your tether. One small slip up confuses your pup and can set his education back.
Puppies tend to take up a lot of time, Just like a child. Your puppy would need walking (come rain, blizzard or shine) training, feeding, brushing, cleaning up after, as well as playing with. Children soon loose interest with all these chores and they inevitably fall to the parents. Do you have time for all these little jobs every day? If not your bored depressed little puppy will probably eat your sofa.
Of course puppy farms are applying hard sell tactics in the run up to Christmas. They prey on people who are unsure if they should buy a puppy or not. The puppy farms force people into making rash decisions that are not thought through properly. The salesmen may say “Well, someone else is interested in this pup”, of course there isn’t anyone else, they just want to force the sale by making the buyers think that they may loose the chance of buying the cute little puppy they have shown interest in. The puppy farmers are not concerned if you are ready and able to take on a puppy, they are only thinking of the wonderful Christmas they can have once they have their hands on your cash.
Christmas day will no doubt be a wonderful day with your new puppy and your happy children. Any puppy mishaps will be regarded as little accidents and mischievous behaviour and all pups’ naughtiness will be heart warming and laughed off.
Six to eight months down the line, puppy is still having little accidents. Puppy is now a big puppy, and proving to be a bit of a handful. The kids have lost interest and everything is covered in dog hairs
This is when the RSPCA see a boom in puppies that have been placed into their care. The RSPCA can not possibly re-home every adorable puppy that comes to them. Anyway, who wants your unruly puppy at the RSPCA when they can go to the puppy farm and buy a younger, smaller and cuter puppy there?
The fact is that some cute adorable pups that find themselves at the RSPCA have to be destroyed, due to no fault of their own, other than nobody want them.
Happy Christmas Pup!
By: S. Roberts About the Author:
Bankruptcy Lawyers
Jun
8
Is your dog snoring? Are you among the pet owners that do not allow your dog to sleep in your room because of its snoring?
Dog snoring is not a reason to worry but is sometimes irritating. Sometimes VERY irritating! It is a very common phenomenon in dogs. Dog snoring is mostly caused by a small degree of blockage in the throat of the dog. Obesity, a general reason of snoring in humans, is also to blame for some canine snoring. Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to snoring than the other. The most common breeds that snore more are Pugs, Bulldogs, and Sharpies etc. Breathing patterns can also be seen among dogs. There are breeds, which have heavier breathing while there are dogs that breathe quite lightly. The heavy breathing dogs are more prone to snoring than those who breathe quietly.
The reason for some breeds to snore more is due to their facial construction. The dogs with pushed in faces have smaller air passages that results in difficulty in breathing. Dog breeds with shorter faces require lots of exertion to make best use of their nostrils and airways. It is very similar to the condition if humans being able to utilize only twenty five percent to the nostril passage for breathing. Hence, it takes them more work to breath and they are more susceptible to dog snoring.
One worry with the breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Sharpies etc is that sooner or later the windpipe of these dogs might in fact flatten which of course will make it even more difficult for them to breath. There are some vets that are recommending that small insignificant surgery can be done when the dogs are still young that will open the nostrils and improve their breathing. This will not affect the appearance of the dog and will solve the dog snoring problem in many cases.
Dog snoring is not really a health concern but interrupts in dog’s sleeping habits. It leaves the dog irritated and sleepy. Sometimes allergies are a cause of dog snoring, which should be taken care of. Also age factor plays a great role in dog snoring. The older dogs snore more as compared to the younger ones.
There are various reasons that can be the cause of dog snoring apart from genetic and hereditary ones. The most important cause of dog snoring is obstruction in the air passage of the dogs that results in the vibration of certain parts of the throat of the dog. Another cause of dog snoring is some of the allergies that cause blockage in the airways of the dog. Dog snoring can also be the consequence in fat dogs. Like human beings, dogs that are obese are more prone to snoring. If you correct your dog’s weight the snoring should vanish. Sometimes it is found that there is excess tissue in the throat of the dog that causes problems in breathing and results in dog snoring. If the snoring is heavy, it is always advisable to take the dog to veterinary doctor.
By: Dr. Mark Clayson About the Author:
Mark Clayson is a professional, home business entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. Visit
Start Work at Home for more information on starting or developing a home business or his
official site to find out more.
Free Lawyers
Jun
5
Dogs are inherently aggressive creatures and are physically capable of inflicting serious harm both to humans and dogs alike. Being aggressive is understandably natural for a wild dog to hunt, to defend themselves from other creatures, and to defend resources such as food, a place to sleep, and a mate. Over the years dogs have became more tamed and man’s best friend. There are dogs however, that continually become aggressive and dangerous due to lack of behavior training. Let’s stop dog aggression towards other dogs and humans alike.
The two most common type of dog aggressiveness are aggression towards strangers and aggression towards family members. They become aggressive because of fear; being scared, nervous and insecure where they usually will snap, bite, and bark. Also, they are possessive or protective of the property that they feel belong to them. It can be your family, or your home, his food or toy. This type of aggression usually prevents your home from being robed.
Some dogs are aggressive because they have a dominant personality. This type of dog feels like he is the dominant animal in the area. This is not common to dogs, but studies suggest that this type of aggressive dog behavior applies only to the certain breed of dogs.
Dog owners have many resources and help to control their dog aggression problem. Below are 6 keys you the dog owner can do to stop dog aggression:
#1. First and foremost owner of an aggressive dog must do is to check with their veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for the aggressive behavior of their dog.
#2. Seek for help from a professional dog trainer. An aggression problem will not go away by itself. Working with aggression
problems requires in-home help from an animal behavior specialist.
#3. Make everyone’s safety as your first priority. Supervise and confine your dog’s activities until you can obtain professional help. You’re liable for your dog’s behavior. If you must take your dog out in public, consider a cage-type muzzle as a temporary precaution.
#4. Avoid exposing your dog to situations where he is more likely to show aggression. You may need to keep him confined to a safe room and limit his people-contact.
#5. If your dog is possessive of food, treats or a certain place, don’t allow him access to those items. In an emergency, bribe him with something better than what he has. For example, if he steals your shoe, trade him the shoe for a piece of chicken.
#6. Spay or neuter your dog. Intact dogs are more likely to display dominance, territorial and protective aggressive behavior.
Dogs are inherently aggressive and dangerous both to dogs and humans. If problems continues a dog owner has several resources or things they can do to correct the behavior. Most aggressive dog behavior can be controlled. All that you need to do is to find the right program out there that will teach you how to change your dogs’ mindset. It is best to have the professionals take care of this problem. Also safety is paramount; take necessary precautions!
By: Ness Dorig About the Author:
Ness Dorig owns a website that provides information about dog behavior problems. For more information on
dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behavior (like aggressiveness), check
Stop Dog Aggression Training. It’s the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog’s learning
Baby Showers
May
27
You love your little pooch, and you want to take the best care of them that you can. When you try to do this a questions starts to arise for you, and that is should you get a dog harness or a dog collar for your favorite pup? Many dog owners have this question, and the answer really depends on what type of dog that you have.
For large canines, dog harnesses can be useful. However, for large pups it can be incredibly difficult to get the harness onto the dog. That being said, for small canines a dog harness can be a great choice because it is better for their overall health.
Dog collars are very useful when you are training a dog. They are great to teach your dog different tricks or routines. Additionally, they can be ideal to place your furry friends identification tags on. However, for all of the positives when it comes to small pups, collars can actually cause some damage. Small pups have delicate bone structure and weaker necks which can be harmed by a collar. Wearing a collar can make it difficult for your little guy to breath properly. If you do not properly secure the collar and accidentally put it on too tight it can chafe and scrape your dogs skin. Additionally, for a small dog a traditional collar may just be uncomfortable.
A harness is a good choice for a little dog because it is constructed in a way that protects your dog from accidental neck and back injuries should he jerk suddenly while on a leash. Basically, the harness is fitted around your dogs chest so that the weight from a yank is not concentrated in one place. Additionally, your dog will feel more comfortable in a harness because it makes for a very secure and supportive fit. Because of this fit if you are walking your dog and he jerks suddenly you do not have to worry as much about potential neck or back injury. Another worry with anything that you put around your dog and onto their skin is that it may chafe, and thankfully harnesses are generally made out of nylon type material which does not tend to irritate your dogs skin.
The choice is really yours and is dependent on what size your dog is. The good news is that there is quite a few options of both dog collars and dog harnesses on the market. This allows you to customize your dogs apparel to your liking. Additionally, both dog collars and harnesses are made out of a variety of materials which allows you to choose one that will be comfortable for your dog breed and their type of fur. You can choose the colors that you like, the patterns that you like, and of course the product that you like.
By: Kelly Marshall About the Author:
Student Loan Consolidation
May
24
Short-haired dog breeds have many advantages over long-haired breeds. One of these is that short-haired dog breeds do not shed as much hair. While a shaggier coat makes a dog look fluffier and aesthetically more pleasing, it should be remembered that more hair means more time spent on bathing and grooming. Short-hairs are also good because pests can not hide on them very well, so they are better from a hygienic point of view.
Here are some grooming tips for short-haired dog breeds.
- Brush your dog regularly, preferably at least once a day. Make sure to brush against the hair growth direction to monitor for pests.
- Stainless steel combs are best for short-haired dogs. Slicker brushes are better for medium to long-haired dogs. Use a flea comb during the summer days to make certain your dog has not attracted those parasites. A bristle brush can be a final touch for adding gloss to the dog’s coat.
- In case you dog has a tendency to avoid being brushed because of dislike for the process, it might be a good idea to try brushing immediately after play time. Start gently by brushing in the hair growth direction. Remember that successful training means frequent rewards. Give your dog a treat after the first brushing is complete. Increase the length of the brushing sessions little by little to allow the dog to get used to it.
- Brushing is also important before giving your dog a bath. Wet matted hair is only going to create problems later on, so make sure there is no matted hair before proceeding with the bath. Water and good shampoo in a sink works great for small dogs. Note that shampoos used by humans are not good for dogs and can cause irritation that might require medication. Start with the tail and wash the head the last. No one likes soap in his or her eyes.
- Rinse as many times as required to make sure that all residual shampoo has been rinsed out of the dog’s coat.
- Short-haired dog breeds will naturally dry of faster. Usually a gentle towel rub is all that they need. Longer haired dogs need more attention and you should consider brushing the hair while it is drying to avoid tangles.
- If your dog tends to dislike baths then remember to reward it with a treat after each bathing session.
By: Ann Born About the Author:
Get all of your dog information at [http://yougodog.com]
Copyright 2006 @ Ann Born [http://yougodog.com] No part of this article may be reproduced in any manner without including the author’s bio.
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