Thursday, 26. November 2009
If you own a poodle, you will find that one of the expenses that will start eating away at your pocket book is grooming them! Many people are finding that grooming poodles themselves can both help them save their money and help them get to know their pet a little bit better as well. While the art of poodle grooming might seem a little esoteric, the truth is, anyone who has a bit of patience and a willingness to help their pet look the best that it can can do a fairly accomplished job.
When you are looking to groom a standard poodle, you will find that the job takes about three hours once you have mastered it. You may find that when you are getting started that it is best to let the job proceed at intervals over the space of a few days, and this will give you and your poodle a bit of a break. If you feel that the trouble and the time investment are not worth it, remember to find a professional that you trust and take the time to network with other poodle owners to help you figure out what you need to know.
When considering grooming poodles, you’ll find that you should think about what kind of trim that you prefer. Your poodle’s coat can be shaped into a number of different looks, all of them attractive, but remember that the longer and more shaped that your dog’s coat needs to be, the more maintenance that it will need. Similarly, if your dog is a show dog, you’ll also find that you need to have some sort of variation on the lion cut, which does require a fair amount of upkeep.
If you have a show poodle, remember that it will have a lion cut of some sort. A lion cut has three standard variations, including a puppy cut, an English saddle cut and a continental cut. You’ll find that these all have ths ame standard look and they all come from a time when poodles were used to retrieve birds that had been shot into the water, as the long ruff of fur on the chest would protect the lungs and the fur on the legs would protect the bones.
If you are not going to show your dog, you’ll find that you have quite a few more options when it comes to making sure that your dog looks tidy. You can do an all-around short trim, which is ideal when you are considering how to make a good grooming job last, but if you are looking for something more flashy, consider looking at pictures online and in books to get some ideas.
When you are considering grooming poodles, you’ll find that clipping the fur on the feet, face and the bottom of the tail very short for hygienic reasons, because it will allow for less food to get trapped there. You’ll find that when you clip the that things don’t get trapped between their toes, and you’ll also find that the shorter the coat is, the easier it is to cut and dry. Remember to wash your poodle before you groom it to keep your tools in good shape, and the better the equipment you get the better off you’ll be.
To discover more details about grooming poodles as well as information on poodle training, see Toy Poodle Information.
Posted in Pets by Geraldine Dimarco -
Saturday, 31. October 2009
Are you giving the proper attention to your dog’s oral hygiene needs?
Periodontal disease is the most common oral problem that dogs face. Adversely affecting the tissues that support and surround the teeth, periodontal disease is usually the result of excessive plaque buildup. As plaque accumulates on the teeth, it gradually hardens into tartar.
When plaque accumulates on the teeth it provides a perfect environment for the growth of bacteria. The bacteria cause irritation to the gums. The irritation causing the gums to swell and eventually bleed. As the inflammation worsens, additional bacteria are produced. This causes the gums to recede and exposes the tooth’s root. It also results in bone tissue loss causing the teeth to become loose in their sockets. If left untreated, the teeth ultimately fall out.
The symptoms of periodontal disease include brown or yellow stains on the teeth, consistently bad breath, reddened gums and exposed tooth roots. In addition if your dog seems to have difficulty chewing, excessive drooling, a reluctance to eat or mouth pain (as evidenced by pawing at his mouth or rubbing his face on the ground) the problem may be periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is quite painful and may result in tooth loss. However, the condition can cause additional, even more serious, health problems. The accumulation of bacteria may result in bacteria entering the blood steam. Once in the blood it can migrate to the urinary tract, heart valves, and other systems of the body. This chain reaction, starting innocently enough as a result of inadequate oral hygiene can ultimately lead to life-threatening complications.
While all breeds of dogs are at risk, periodontal disease is more commonly found in dogs with flat faces and short muzzles. Additionally, senior dogs are also at increased risk. Dogs whose diet is primarily moist, canned dog food are also more at risk than those who are usually fed dry dog food.
Treatment of periodontal disease is dependent upon how far the disease has progressed. In less severe cases, brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis may eliminate it. For more advanced cases, the dog’s teeth may have to be descaled. This is usually performed by your veterinarian with the dog sedated under general anesthesia. If it is found that the disease has progressed to a very late stage, a specialist may have to perform advanced dental surgery.
As with most health issues, prevention and early detection are essential. Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth will help fight the buildup of plaque. Additionally, regular visits to your veterinarian for a periodic check-ups can identify hidden damage to the teeth before a problem grows more serious.
Help your dog maintain overall health through regular veterinary check-ups, providing a healthy diet, brushing of your dog’s teeth, and giving him the occasional chew toy. He’ll appreciate your efforts to keep him from growing “long in the tooth”.
Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years encompassing a wide range of topics. He has also been a dog lover for longer than he’d care to remember. 
Please check out his DogBurg web site for canine friends at DogBurg.com. Once there, sign up for his newsletter for dog lovers and receive the free ebook, “Pamper Your Dog: 130 Recipes for Your Canine Friend.”
Posted in Pets by Jim Navary -
Thursday, 22. October 2009
Your dog relies upon you to keep him safe both inside your home and outside. Most owners realize that they should keep their canines on a leash while they’re outside in order to prevent their roaming into the street. But, their responsibility extends much further. In this article, we’ll provide five tips that you can use to ensure the safety of your pooch.
#1 – Keep Dangerous Poisons Out Of Reach
Your canine’s appetite isn’t limited to the meals you provide him during the day. Given the opportunity, he’ll eat items that are not meant to be consumed (at least, not by him). For example, he may begin eating antifreeze if it is left within his reach. He might also start eating mouse bait, pesticides, and your own medications. Each of these items can lead to significant health issues. Keep them out of his reach.
#2 – Tag Him
You may think it could never happen, but many owners have learned that their dogs are always willing to explore if they’re given the chance. One of the reasons animal shelters in many cities are overflowing is because canines get loose and roam until they’re found. Put a collar and tag on your pooch. Also, consider microchipping him. Then, once a week, check to make sure his collar and tags are secure.
#3 – Keep His Head In The Car
It is a rare dog that doesn’t love to ride in a car with his head sticking out of the window. The problem is that it invites bugs and debris into his eyes. Plus, if you’re involved in a traffic collision, your pooch can be injured. If he’s going to ride in the car with you, keep the windows up enough to prevent him hanging his head outside.
#4 – Make Him Ride In The Cab
Owners will often place their dogs in the exposed bed of their trucks. This is incredibly dangerous for a few reasons. First, the stopping and starting can throw him off balance, often into the sides of the vehicle. Second, taking a sharp turn while your pooch is elevated on the side of the vehicle can throw him from the back into traffic. If you own a truck and you’re bringing him along, keep him in the cab.
#5 – Have A Veterinarian On File
The worst time to look for a veterinarian is when your dog desperately needs one. You should have the name and contact information of a trusted vet within reach. That includes his or her office phone and an emergency number. You should also have a back-up veterinarian that you can take your canine to in the event your primary vet is unavailable.
Your dog’s safety is at risk from accidents. Whether he’s getting into rat poison, becomes lost, or is riding in the back of your truck, you don’t expect him to get into trouble. It happens unexpectedly. Take the time to make sure he’s as safe as possible.
Find the best Odor Free Bully Sticks and healthy dog products at Pawlux.com
Posted in Pets by Eric Renfro -
Friday, 18. September 2009
The Anatomy of the Canine Ear
Dogs, just like humans have ears that function to hear sounds in the environment. The difference is that while the outside of a human ear is straight, a dogs ear can be floppy or straight. This area is referred to as the Pinna. Its main function is to funnel sound into the ear canal. A dogs ear canal is “L” shaped while a humans is straight. A dogs ear canal is made up of the descending canal or vertical canal and the horizontal canal which ends at the eardrum or tympanic membrane. A canine eardrum is clear and separates the external, middle and inner ear.
Common Causes of Dog Ear Infections
The most common ear infection in dogs is an infection of the external part of the ear including the horizontal and vertical canals. This type of infection is called otitis externa. Otitis externa in dogs is really only caused by three things, namely ear mites, bacteria and yeast.
Ear mite infections are caused by the mite Otodectes cynotis. Ear mite infections are seen more in puppies than adult dogs, but any dog can get ear mites. A dog gets ear mites from other infected dogs. Ear mites can live in the ear and on the head and neck.
The bacterium most commonly involved in ear infections is Staphylococcus and the yeast most commonly seen is Malassezia. Bacterial and yeast infections are more common in dogs than ear mite infections. Even though there are only a few causes of ear infections, many things predispose a dog to getting an ear infection. Some of the most common predisposing factors are:
Malformed Ear Canal – When a dogs ear canal is too long or too small, this provides ample opportunity for moisture and debris to become trapped leading to an infection.
Excessive hair in the ear canal – Excess hair in the ear canal can trap water and debris leading to an ear infection.
Residing in Humid Climates or Swimming – In a humid environment, water from the air can become trapped in the ear. In addition, a dog that swims can end up with water retained in both the horizontal and vertical canals, both of which can lead to infection.
Folded or Floppy Pinna – If the pinnae are folded over or cover the vertical ear canal, debris and water can become trapped, thus resulting in infection.
Food Allergy – When a dog is allergic to certain foods, skin reactions can occur as well as changes in the ear canal environment. When this occurs, water is retained and the ending result is an ear infection.
Inhalant and Seasonal Allergies – These are also referred to as Atopy and include reactions to dust, mold, trees, grass and other environmental factors. Not only will your dog experience skin irritations, the environment in the ear canal will change resulting in moisture buildup which then leads to ear infections.
Systemic Disease – Hypothyroidism or other diseases that affect the endocrine system hamper the immune systems ability to fight infection. When both of these afflictions occur, an ear infection is inevitable.
A Growth or Foreign Object – If there is an abnormal mass or some kind of foreign particle in the ear, it can trap debris and moisture causing an ear infection.
Over Ear leaning – If a dog’s ears are cleaned too often, excess water and cleanser can be left behind. These two things can trap debris and eventually lead to an ear infection.
Heather Fox is an experience veterinarian who loves to share her knowledge about Dog Diseases Symptoms. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where you can find more of her articles about Dog Ear Infections Causes.
Posted in Pets by Heather Fox -
Thursday, 17. September 2009
You should find that owning a small dog, similar to owning a larger breed. The owner of a small dog must however make some adaptations to suit the animal’s specific needs.
Consider the following daily dog care routines, and how they’re adapted to meet the needs of your pint-sized pup.
Food considerations: Some of the standard size food you may provide a larger dog ma not be suitable to a smaller breed. You may need to go along to a larger pet food store if you want to find a kibble that will not be to big for his (or her) tiny jaw. You ought to give the miniature canines some canned soft foods.
Where they will stay – safely: Every dog needs the following: regular exercise, an outdoor place for his potty needs, and an enclosed area which provides the animal with security. Smaller dogs are much more nimble that larger dogs and what might be a secure environment for one is not necessarily for the other. It may seem bizarre but it has been know for very large birds to actually take tiny dogs from their gardens. Hence, get your pet a kennel which is covered on the top for the right protection.
Dog training: While the training methodologies may be the same for large as well as tiny and are not any harder, but canine experts confirm that more often than not, the smaller counterparts are usually over-mothered. Although your pet might indeed fit into your pocket (and some breeds can), they still see the world in relation to pack mentality and someone has to be the leader so if you are weak, they will govern you. One of the most important aspects of training is that the dog must imperatively be house trained even if the mess seems insignificant. Dogs are naturally working creatures with many types bred purely for this function so this should also refer to your pet too. for a small reward or treat.
Grooming: Keep in mind that grooming a small dog is slightly different to larger ones and cater for this. These diminutive pets usually require more frequent nail trimming than larger dogs, because they typically spend less time on rough surfaces wearing them down. If you want to ensure they have healthy teeth and gums you will have to brush them at least a couple of times each week as their main diet will consist of soft food from a can. The above makes it clear that it does not matter whether you are taking care of a small dog or a large dog the methods are pretty much the same. The differences between each dog, may look minor and insignificant, but when you pay extra attention to each one aspect, it can provide the correct answer to a dog’s specific requirements.
For additional info and to get a free Dog Training Course visit tclarkpetsolutions.com
Posted in Pets by Thomas Clark -
Friday, 11. September 2009
Many people like to super-size your coffee and get additional toppings on your pizza, yet, having to choose a big dog won’t always guarantee you of all or most of the advantages. Each dogs type’ of inheritance is one defining factor to which their particular requirements are based upon. Some types, like hunters, are genetically programmed to crave the open spaces and outside physical exercise. If you are looking for dogs to be “lap dogs,” some breeds of dogs such as miniature dogs can actually serve you well, since they don’t need that much space or time to be outdoors just to run around and play, you wont find it hard to deal with them particularly if you’re the idle type of person as they can go with the flow of your life.
You should take into consideration the size of your living space when you are choosing the size of the dog that you want to take home. A German Shepherd is a marvellous watch dog for your city apartment, but you must give that dog time in the park to run and be active every day. If you can’t provide this dog the kind or amount of exercise that it needs because you’re too busy, tired or is just idle enough, then, a watchdog is not what you really need but an alarm system instead. If you want a pet that could remain contented just being inside your apartment and being outdoors is not totally his inclination, then you might as well go for a toy dog like a poodle or Chihuahua.
If you have a secured balcony with solid, high railing, that is already enough for such a small dog to enjoy its outdoor time but you should also see to it that you can supplement that with a walk outside even just once a day. Don’t let the dog’s visual aspect or temperament fool you.
If you want a gentle as well as a quiet dog, then you might as well settle for a greyhound – bringing such dog to a close living area is something that it wont be worried about. But you should also see to it that adequate exercise in an area where it is enough for that gentle greyhound to run and play is given. You should be aware that greyhounds are able to run with the speed of up to forty five mph and even faster, so if you don’t see to it that you can provide them enough time and space where they can freely run around, then don’t be shocked if your living room will be turned into their own track. Neither you nor the dog will be pleased with the result.
Size has everything to do with dog maintenance. You fell for the charm of that cute, furry puppy that barely nibbled the pup chow when you visited the pet store, but now, it grew up to be some creature in the form of a 120 pound St Bernard that could almost consume just anything and would even leave your wallets very soft and thin. If you want him to get enough nourishment then you better give him about 8-10 scoops of a daily high quality dog food, you will have to deal with the cost of a daily steak dinner, that is unluckily not for you to consume. Your huge dog also pushes around furniture like feathers. When there’s nothing to do and you’re racing late, then don’t be appalled seeing a fully-deconstructed living room when you get home since your large dog is more likely to do that to entertain himself.
Looking at the bright side, most pet keepers who own a toy dog usually supply their dogs with their own cute closet wherein they could display and keep their stuff such as little designer costumes, knit sweaters and clever toys. They also have chic beds, including those that are canopied or French provincial. Normally, holding on to all those doggy stuff is more complicated than keeping the dog himself since it could almost take up a lot of space and maintenance.
Some pet owners have multiple pets and if you are one of them owning multiple dogs, regardless of breed, you need to provide sleeping space for each dog. Don’t anticipate them to crowd together. It is not only you who needs space but also your pets or dogs specifically. individual territory where it is possible to sleep, relax and hide their personal things such as bones or toys is also one thing that most dogs actually call for.
Outdoor kennels having enough protection from any weather especially the bad one should be provided to those dogs that are left to sleep or reside outside. Sharing a bedroom with a neighbor is not something that you would actually do, so how could you expect the same thing with your dog? Consider the space and care needs of each dog when you bring a second or third dog into the family.
For additional info and to get a free Dog Training Course visit tclarkpetsolutions.com
Posted in Pets by Rob D. Frickerson -
Saturday, 5. September 2009
Dogs are still viewed as a man’s best friend, even though many of them would like to eat the remote control. It is because they have that characteristic of being dynamic, but they are at home with a television addicted couch potato. This mismatch can make for a strained human relationship – or a really sad dog.
If a dog is what you want to bring into your home, you must think about the activity level that the dog needs to be physically and emotionally healthy. Some lazy adults think that if they only had a dog that needed walking twice daily, then they would get the physical exercise they’ve so carefully avoided for so many years. Active dogs need active keepers, but if they have been matched with idle folks, a change of ways is badly needed – nonetheless, that can’t be easily done. Since idle keepers are more likely to slack off during walking sessions, the dog is not likely to get the essential benefits of having a frequent outside time thus the dog will be the one to suffer.
You should know that the quantity and kind of physical exercise that you give to your dog is not the same as giving him the quantity of physical activity that he needs everyday and both should be catered to. The time to walk, run, jump and unwind is what each and every dog needs for every single day. Walking on a lead to a park or just around your neighborhood is also one way of doing this. You don’t have to put your dog on a leash to let him enjoy the freedom of running and playing if you have a home with a fenced in yard. Mobility limitations can sometimes be a problem of some older adults and if this is the case, choosing a dog that calls for a lesser daily activity is the best thing to do. Active dogs may find individuals who are fond of going out-of-doors to have fun or relax after a day’s work to be ideal owners that are suitable for them. Meeting at the end of the day is what both the keeper and the dog gladly anticipates, when they can play pursuit in the park or go for a run together.
You should be conscious that the tendency to be more physically active goes with those dogs of larger sizes. Those dogs with the heritage of being working or hunting dogs can be sited as examples of these dogs. The desire of getting busy and working off their energy is just some of their built-in traits. Movement and agility are some of the inherent traits of dogs such as the German Shepherd, Greyhound, Doberman, Irish Setter and the Beagle, thus, it is natural for them to want some kind of exercise everyday. Having an exceedingly large dog who can easily outweigh his owner such as the St. Bernard and Bull Mastiff doesn’t mean that you have an active dog since size can actually fool you. Even though you see the St. Bernard in movies rescuing the lost skier, what you don’t know is that to sleep in front of the fireplace is the physical activity that usually takes up most of the dog’s time.
Small dogs like Poodles and Chihuahuas can live in small places and forgo the daily long walk in the park, even so, getting active around your house is not something that you can avoid from these dogs since they have those nervous temperaments. Some of the activities that they keep on doing may include the pointless running at all directions and jumping or bouncing on you or your guests, but once they’re already out of energy, all they do is simply behave. That’s the point where the little dogs crawl back on your lap or on their sumptuous pillow for a well-deserved nap to recharge.
There may seem like so much to know before buying a dog – and there is! By taking time to make a profile of the dog that best fits your living space, personality, and personal activity level, you’ll have a better match for a lasting relationship.
If you are busy and have a hard time taking out your dog check out Dog Treadmill. Also visit here to a get free course on Dog Training.
Posted in Pets by Rob D. Frickerson -