Regardless of their coat any long haired dog requires special care. Regular brushing is an essential task but there are also other products on the market which focus on long haired dogs, these products have been designed and created especially for dogs with long hair.

Shampoo and Conditioner

There are dog care products such as shampoos and conditioners that have been especially designed to control matting and tangles in long haired dogs. Both the shampoo and conditioner in most cases need to be used. The shampoo removes the grime and dirt from the hair as it acts as a cleanser while the conditioner helps to prevent tangles by smoothing the hair.

Brushes, Combs and Rakes

Some other useful items are for long haired dogs are brushes, combs and rakes they are useful in helping detangling and dematting the coat and they help prevent future tangles in the dogs hair.

Brushing is a necessary part of grooming particularly for long haired breeds. Brushing removes dust, dead skin, loose hairs, grass seeds and tangles. It also assists to shorten the coat moult, which occurs each autumn and spring.

You can find specialized brushed and combs designed to help in sorting out the dogs matted hair and tangles. The brushed have short, sharp bristles that can cover a large matted area. These products are normally used in a dog grooming saloon or by pet owners who enjoy going through the grooming process.

Hair Dryers

You may not think that a dog hair dries is a handy product to have but when regular grooming your dog its actually an essential item to have. Hair driers are a very handy when it comes to dog grooming. They allow the dogs coat to dry quickly avoiding the chance of the fur matting and tangling whilst it is still wet. Wet hair mats and tangles more quickly than dried hair.

Scissors

To remove excess hair around your dog’s eyes and ears, good grooming scissors are a necessary item. Some dogs have discharge around the eyes and the fur mats frequently in this area. Using the right dog care products for your long haired dog can ensure that your dog is more comfortable and preventing problems occurring in these areas

The right dog care product will not only help you maintaining your dogs beautiful long hair coat but will also make life easier for you. Ensure that the products are the correct ones for the hair length and size of your dog.

Just imagine if you were walking your street and came across an obviously stray dog. Would you know what to do? What not to do? You could avoid the situation altogether, get nervous thinking the dog would do you harm or take the dog home and have it be your new pet. In this scenario you have a few options. The one you choose will really depend on the fact of you being an animal lover or not. For the sake of this article we will assume you chose to take the dog home as a pet. Read more about this . . .

General Tips

Always walk your dog on a leash. This ensures the safety of the dog, you, walkers, joggers, and people on bicycles. No one wants to be hurt on either side.

Caring For Your New Dog

There are two important decisions to be made at this juncture regardless of the dog’s breed. You can choose to temporarily shelter the dog by taking it in out from the elements and at the same time look for it’s rightful owner. Or you can keep it for your own pet. Again your choice will probably depend on how good of an animal lover you are.

It will be no easy task to provide care to the stray dog you have taken in. It will need to be provided with adequate shelter, food, medical care treatment and animal medical insurance in some cases. Oh yeah you should also plan to take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible to get it checked out for any possible diseases.

You will also want to maintain your dog’s health while it is in your care. To do this you should perform all of the necessary daily duties required to prevent your pet dog from falling prey to illness. This includes providing adequate and comfortable shelter and food. In some respects it could be compared to raising a small child before they reach the age of being able to communicate.

Dog Diet Tips

Eating habits are still based on the instinctual habits of the dog’s wild counterparts. some dogs feed on a “stuff-yourself-or-starve” mode and tend to eat more than they need when food is made available to them. for this reason, owners must be in control of their dog’s food intake. obesity is very harmful to your dog’s health at any age. it puts undue stress on vital organs that can lead to serious health problems. So be a responsible pet owner and monitor your dog’s food intake.

Conclusion

Now that you are armed with this information how will you best apply it? Just keep in mind that your new pet is also a new companion that can likewise protect you from harm’s way. But just like anything else that requires time and attention you should make sure you give your new companion comfortable and adequate dog care,food, shelter, love and attention. By following these simple guidelines you can and should enjoy your new pet immensely.

Keep your dog safe in your backyard. All dogs suffer when it is too hot. Some are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke. If you are in a hot climate, make sure you have a shaded area or a porch where the dog can get out of the sun. It is vital they have a secure source of fresh water; by secure we mean he can’t easily tip it over. Common sense is important when deciding whether it is safe to leave your dog outside: a short coated dog or a companion dog that is bred to spend his life indoors will not be able to tolerate being left outside in a cold climate. Your dog care tips include:

Securing Your Yard

It may not make sense to you that the same dog that is so happy to see you when you get home may want to find his way out of the back yard to freedom, but many dogs are lost each year because of this. Most dogs do not have a good sense of the dangers cars represent. Once outside your yard, they may just follow interesting scents and be so focused on those they aren’t aware of approaching vehicles. They can also get frightened and run right into traffic. Many breeds are efficient diggers. They can tunnel under a wooden fence with ease. A back gate that is not latched properly can also give your dog an escape route. With smaller breeds, only a few inch gap between slats can be enough for them to squeeze through. Think of this in the positive way: your dog is not trying to escape from your house, he is perhaps trying to find you.

The first thing you need to do is check the perimeter of your yard for any gaps in the fence. One easy solution is to dig down six inches below ground and affix narrow gage wire fencing material to your existing fence. You can hold the fencing in place below ground by burying bricks, rocks or pavers. This will make it more difficult for your dog to tunnel under, and have the added benefit or making it harder for rodents or snakes to get into your yard. You may also want to padlock your gate. A strong dog may try to push open the gate, and some gates with loose latches can even be blown open by the wind. Keeping your fence in good repair is important. If the dog can find a loose or weak slat to chew through, he will.

Safety Inside The Yard

Your beautiful back yard with the trees, flowers, grass and vegetable garden may seem like paradise to you, and your dog will certainly enjoy romping around back there, but there are safety considerations as well, and you will want to make sure your tender plants are protected from your dog.

Again, dogs love to dig. Some breeds, in fact, simply have to dig. For them, it is part of the joy of being alive. They don’t care if what they are digging up is a prized flower garden, or the spinach crop you have been carefully tending since early spring. And a dog doesn’t at all mind taking a short cut through the flower beds trampling them as he goes. You may want to consider fencing off areas of your yard to protect your plants. This is particularly the case with frisky young pups. As your dog grows you will be able to train him to stay out the flower or vegetable garden, but to a puppy, it all looks like a playground.

Your dog care tips will keep your dog safe in your backyard.

If you’re a dog owner, no doubt your dog is part of the family. As your dog gets older, he or she may have needs that were not present when younger. Old dog care is an important part of your dog’s life as he or she approaches the senior years.

Different breeds of dogs age at different rates, and oftentimes, those who are “mutts” are in general hardier than purebred breeds. However, no matter the breed, at some point, a dog is going to exhibit signs of aging, and you have to be ready for this so that your beloved pet can receive the care required for an older dog.

Just like human medicine, veterinary medicine has made great strides in geriatric care, so that our pets can live longer than they ever have before. With a little bit of effort, you can provide your old dog care suitable for your faithful companion, so that he or she has a comfortable and pleasant old age.

The Aging Process

Some signs you may notice that show Fido is showing his age may include: sleeping more; eating less; being startled by noises, bright lights, or lots of activity; not coming immediately when you call (may indicate hearing loss or physical difficulties such as arthritis); a duller coat; skin with less elasticity; eyes that are not as bright or may be clouded (including the possibility of cataracts); or loss of bladder or bowel control in a dog that was previously well housetrained.

Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfy

You can provide proper old dog care so that your senior dog remains comfortable in his or her old age.

First, most dogs know, for example, that they should not be having accidents in the house. Therefore, make sure that you are soothing and comforting if your geriatric dog should happen to have an accident in the house. This is not a time to punish, because the dog is already going to feel that he or she did something very wrong. Instead, provide a comfortable spot for your old dog to lie on that’s easily washable, such as a bed or comfortable rug. That way, if an accident happens, it’s easily cleaned up. If your dog must stay out of places, such as a favorite room, where accidents simply can’t happen, use a baby gate to keep him out of that particular spot.

Second, old dog care should include regular veterinary visits to make sure your dog is up on his or her shots, and that everything is being done to make sure he or she remains healthy. One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to make sure that his or her teeth are clean and healthy. Get your dog’s teeth cleaned on a regular basis if necessary. Not only does an unhealthy mouth cause things like gingivitis, soreness, or tooth loss, but it can actually also cause other systemic problems like heart problems and arthritis.

Third, make sure you provide the proper diet for your dog. Your veterinarian can give you proper foods that are more appropriate for older digestive systems, as well as for dogs with such problems as kidney failure, heart failure, or for those who have trouble chewing.

Fourth, make sure your dog stays safe. As hearing and eyesight fail, and as coordination becomes less trustworthy, your pet may have trouble with things like stairs, and can actually fall and injure himself. Strategically placed baby gates by stairs can help ensure that your dog doesn’t take a tumble.

Fifth and finally, make sure you provide lots and lots of love to your aging pet as part of your old dog care. Remember that your pet is the same loving dog he or she always has been, with just a little more gray hair and a little less agility. Shower him or her with lots of attention just as you always have, so that he or she still feels like part of the family.

There are many aspects involved with dog care and making sure you cover them all can be daunting. Dogs are subject to allergies but they catch them from the air. Proper allergy care involves not only treating the symptoms but also prevention. You should bath your dog regularly and rinse their feet after they have been outside to remove any allergens on your dog’s skin.

Dog dental care can also be done at home and is very easy but also critical to your dogs health. Proper dental care provides for more than clean breath, it also keeps your dogs organs healthy as bacterial buildup on the teeth can spread throughout your pets whole system and cause illness and disease.

As with your own dental care you only need a few tools in order to care for your dog’s teeth, these are dental clens solution, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental treats or toys or a dental cleaning dog kit. It may take your dog a few days or even weeks to get used to the dental care procedure but their teeth and gums will be much healthier and not have as many problems as before.

Ear care is particularly important for dogs, especially during the summer. A build up of moisture in the ear canals can cause problems as well as favorable conditions for ear infections. There are many products that can be used to care for your dogs ears including ear powders to keep ears dry, ear miticide to kill ear mites and other ear cleaning solutions that rinse away dirt and loosens waxy build up.

Keeping your dogs eyes clean is also important as this can prevent infections. The most common eye infection for dogs is conjunctivitis. To prevent infections you should use eye cleaning solutions or protective ointments that protect eyes from irritation as well as killing bacteria. You can trim hair from around your pet’s eyes to prevent infection, make sure the corners of their eyes are mucous free, and try to keep your pets away form activities or surroundings where they may get eye trauma. When doing any cleaning or cutting around your dogs eyes, you want to use the utmost care so as to avoid poking your dog in the eye!

As your dog ages there is some additional dog care needs that you should be aware of. Your dog should still exercise but at a lower intensity and for shorter periods of time. Older dogs should use a foam bed to protect their joints when sleeping. You should also take advantage of senior dog food as it will contain important vitamins and nutrients that older dogs may need more of. As dogs age you need to keep a closer eye out for changes in behavior as these can be signs of problems. You should take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any changes.

Proper dog care also constitutes regular veterinary visits. This way you can be assured that you are providing your pet with everything he needs to be happy, healthy and long lived.

Dog care may come in all forms, depending on the requirements of your pet, but thanks to modern veterinary medicines, dogs are now living healthier well through their golden ages. dog care is much like extending your dogs life through providing healthier lifestyle and productive maintenance, given that they are affected with environmental and genetical factors.

Smaller dogs have greater life expectancy than that of the bigger breeds, actually, a large breed is already considered senior if they have reached the age of five, on the other hand it would take ten to thirteen years before a small dog comes into its prime age.

Dog care is an essential part of a dog’s life. If not properly attended, they may acquire certain diseases that are undisputedly shortening their lives. Some of these may include diabetes, tumors, liver cancer, kidney diseases, joint pains, obesity, and many dental problems. In these, it is very important that you manage your senior dog’s health through ensuring necessary dog care.

Senior dog ailments may be controlled if preventive dog care measures are observed. Dog care routines must include vitamin supplements, regular visits to the veterinarian, nutrition checks, and a regimen of exercises.

Additionally, dog care may come in forms included in the general grooming of your dog like:

· eliminating the dog fleas and ticks on your pet’s coat,

· bathing once in a month or as frequently as needed,

· providing your pet with quality dog foods,

· giving him his necessary vitamins and food supplements,

· vaccinations,

· nail trimming, and

· for some, dressing their pets

Whatever dog care methods may be applied so long as they have the common aim of maintaining the dog’s over-all well being.

When your concern is the infestation of fleas on your pet’s coat, it is not always recommendable that you employ the use of poison powders or sprays. It commonly observed that flea combs work well in eliminating the fleas on your pets, not to mention the enjoyment your dog gets with this form of dog care.

However, there is now a popular medication available in the market, which your veterinarian may recommend. This is called the Program, which in general may prove worth the use. On the other side, maintaining the cleanliness of your home may be one of the best ways of eliminating these pests. A vacuum once every two days will keep them off fr many days.

Moreover, dog care may apply also with your yard, meaning the use of pesticides sprayed throughout your yard may prove beneficial for you and your pet. Pesticides which come in liquid forms such as the malathion, duisban and the likes are most commonly applied as they not only reduce the number of fleas in your place but also kill other pests as well.

Ultimately, dog care reduces the chance of your dog having acquired diseases, some of which may be fatal. An example is the heartworms. They are known to kill many dogs and it is best if you have your dog checked by a veterinarian every year to give him corresponding medications. Vaccinations as part of your dog care routine would significantly affect his over-all health.

Your dog’s diet must also be watched. Many generic and commercially produced dog foods may contain harmful ingredients to your dog. To carefully ensure productive diet for your dog, it is best that you give him foods that are scientifically formulated.

Dogs are man’s best friend. Like children, dogs are to be taken cared for just like people are. It takes a lot of responsibility to take care of your pooch. The proper dog care must be applied to your pet so he or she remains to be healthy and free of any diseases. Dogs are loyal to their human counterpart. In return, we must provide them with the appropriate dog care essentials.

We should provide them healthy food, water, exercise and veterinary care like vaccinations. Reading books for the best dog care information and health tips are useful for dog owners who need more education in maintaining a pet. While dogs offer unconditional love to their owners, the owners themselves must show their dogs how much they care for them.

Day To Day Dog Care Needs

The basic everyday need of a dog is obviously food. As an owner, one must feed the dog regularly with healthy food that is excessive in protein. Grooming is another part of proper dog care. Bathing your dog regularly relieves them of fleas and ticks.

“Big and small dogs need exercise daily, big dogs more than smaller ones”

You can bathe them at least once a week for them not to have that foul smell. Grooming your dog gives you the bonding between owner and pet; and this can also emphasize your authority towards him. Brushing the dog’s fur is relaxing in their part, they enjoy the strokes of the brush on their hair as you do it slowly.

Dogs should have vitamins too. Vitamin E can cure skin ailments. You can apply vitamin E oil to their skin to cure dry skin and any other skin ailments. You can save some money if you try conventional and natural ways in giving the right dog care for your pets. Acidophilus in yogurt is not only good for humans but for dogs as well. Consult with the veterinarian first if you plan on doing this because there are some factors that can harm them.

The Dog Care Supplies

Dog care provisions are classified as functional, basic and pampering. The fundamental dog supplies comprise of dog leashes, grooming kits, sleeping pads, dog house and most especially, food.

“It is not only people who will benefit from natural care but also our dogs. Natural pet care is now a growing trend that shows pet owners how to take care of their dogs in a way that is not harmful”

The practical but functional dog materials consist of doors, fences, and gates. The pampering kit is usually composed of toys, massage oils and treats for your dogs.

One of the most ascendant basic supplies provided is dog beds. It helps keep the dog’s bones healthy and strong. Several pet shops have supplies such as training equipment and aid to make practices much easier for your dog to follow. Some may even include dog collars which are made to punish dogs for inappropriate behavior.

Kennels are also sold in the supplies too; and they come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Choosing a good one would mean picking out something that ‘ s spacious enough for your dogs to easily move about. For better dog care, grooming kits are available in a variety of options too. The products include shampoos, nail clippers, brush, combs, and even conditioners. Hygiene supplies are also made available for the best dog care that you can render.

Dog ownership carries with it the burden of a number of other purchases. To properly care for a dog and to comply with certain local laws, the owner must have a number of dog accessories in your arsenal. Some of these are needed, others are merely conveniences. It is important to know exactly what you’ll need to properly care for your dog.

The Essentials

Most truly necessary elements for dog care are fairly obvious. If you’ve got a dog you’ll need bowls for dog food and water. Medium to large dogs have a habit of moving their food bowls around the room, and to eat. This can be very noisy and can sometimes be messy too, as the bowl may even tip over.  The problem can be solved by using a heavy ceramic bowl that is difficult for the dog to move. A sturdy plastic bowl with a rubber coating on the bottom can be useful too. The rubber on the bottom prevents the bowl from sliding around as your pet enjoys his meal.

For taking the dog for a walk you’ll need a leash and collar or harness. These can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, but of course you will need to consider the size and strength of your dog when making your selections. The neck can (and should) be adorned with a license tag or at least an identification tag that provides your name and contact information in case your dog gets lost.

If you live in a big city like New York (Manhattan), Chicago, or another urban area, you need to buy the miracle of modern comfort, the little dog pooper scooper. Most cities have laws against owners simply allowing their dogs mess on the sidewalk or leave little Poodle bombs around the city park. In some cities there is a heavy fine for such uncaring behavior.

Optional Accessories

There are literally thousands of optional supplies available for people to buy for use with their dogs. Some of these elements, such as gravity refillable water dishes and bowls, serve a useful purpose, while other items, such as a decorative dog handkerchief, serve no real purpose and are mostly just to please the eyes.

Dog booties are of course useful for dog owners that live in areas that are cooler or that experience snow in the winter, but they can even be useful for people that live in warm climates. The dog booties, while they may seem to only be decorative, actually do serve to protect the sensitive pads of a dog’s feet. This is true whether the terrain is rocky or simply hot pavement. Anyone that lives in hotter climates understands that the pavements can reach extremely high temperatures that can cause burns.

Unfortunately, dealing with diarrhea is a problem that most dog owners face on occasion. This is a very common condition and perhaps the reason it is so prevalent is that most do owners are not aware of the many varieties and causes.

One of the most common causes of diarrhea is a change in diet. Some dogs are more sensitive to changes than others. A dog that has been conditioned by being fed a wide variety of foods, such as table scrapes, is less likely to be bothered by a change than a dog that has always eaten a particular brand of dog food. The fact is that even the change in drinking water, such as when traveling, can result in temporary diarrhea.

Puppies have especially sensitive intestinal tracts. Therefore it is essential that any changes in their diets be made very gradually. If you purchased your puppy from a breeder you probably received a sample of the dog food that he was eating while there. That is the food your puppy should begin eating when you take him home.

If you want to change to something else you should make the change gradually. Begin by mixing 3 parts of the original food to 1 part of the new. If your puppy tolerates that then after about a week you can change the mixture to about half and half. Feed that concoction for about a week. If all goes well then you can move it up to 1 part of the original food from the breeder and 3 parts new. Once again, you should feed that mixture for about a week. And finally, your puppy will totally be on the food of your choice.

Underfeeding and overfeeding can also result in diarrhea. An underfed dog will eat to the point of illness when it finally has the opportunity. This often results in diarrhea. Feeding schedules should be adjusted to meet the needs of particular dogs according to their age, etc. Most breeders and many vets recommend self-feeding, in which dry food is always available for the dog. Others suggest that the full day’s food be divided into two servings; one early in the day and the other late in the day.

Excessive water consumption can also result in diarrhea. The truth is that when a dog is drinking copious amounts of water there are often underlying causes that require medical attention and a visit to the veterinarian is in order.

Spoiled food, whether it is food that was actually given to the pet or food that he found in a garbage can, etc. can often cause diarrhea. Food from garbage cans in itself may be safe but the fact is that garbage cans are likely to hold many contaminates that the dog may encounter as he digs for the food. Those culprits may lead to serious digestive problems.

Parasites, such as whip or hook worms can cause diarrhea, and there are a variety of illnesses including distemper in which diarrhea is a symptom. But in most cases, diarrhea is not a major health risk. It usually has something to do with the dog’s diet and within a day or two the problems subside. If it lasts more than a day or two, or if your dog is showing other signs of distress, don’t take a chance, visit your veterinarian.

A friend of mine recently told me about the day that he and his wife brought their new baby boy home from the hospital. He said they had both been worried about how Roscoe (their Akita) would react. Roscoe had been the ‘baby’ of the family for 3 years and he seemed to like it that way.

Fortunately for my friend and his family, Roscoe seemed to love the new baby as much as his parents did. The only problem was that he was a little too curious about this little creature. But as time went on Roscoe adjusted and there have never been any real problems. In fact, Roscoe seemed to attempt to ‘babysit’ while the baby slept and when he cried Roscoe assumed that it was his duty to alert the parents.

For this family all things worked out well. But in other cases there are sometimes problems when a new baby comes. The fact is that there are some steps you can take to help prepare a dog for the change that is about to take place. This preparation can save a lot of problems for you and your family – the good news is that the preparation is simple.

Include Your Dog In The Preparation

First of all you need to think about things from your dog’s perspective. He doesn’t know exactly what is happening. He only knows that something is happening. He may see new things coming into the home or a room being painted, or even a room that he used to hang out in now being off limits. But he doesn’t understand why.

Planning ahead for your baby includes lots of things – including the fact that you have a dog that will be around. So if you are not already in the habit of keeping your dog groomed now is the time to work on that. After a nice bath and brushing take your dog into the nursery and allow him to look around and smell the scent of the new items. Help him to understand what is happening.

Plans For Helping Your Dog Adjust To A New Routine

As a new parent your schedule will change because your baby will decide when it is time to sleep and eat. That’s just how it is. This is usually not a problem for most dogs to adjust to – that is, except for younger dogs, puppies and teenage dogs. These dogs are full of energy and they do not necessarily adjust to taking naps when the baby does. This can work out well though, because it can mean that while the baby naps you can spend more time you’re your dog.

If your dog is older and somewhat set in his ways you may want to provide a quiet corner for his bed, so he can continue with his naps undisturbed. Remember that this transition is totally new for him.

Before Bringing The Baby In

Please don’t make the mistake of simply walking in the dog ‘unannounced’ to your dog upon return home from the hospital with your new baby. He will have missed you and he will be expecting to spend time with you – he will also expect that he will be the center of your attention.

Before you come in with the baby have someone else take in a blanket or other item that the baby has touched so the dog can smell it. But be sure to lavish the dog with praise, hugs, and even a treat. This will help him associate the baby’s smell with good things.

No matter how mild tempered you think your little (or big) dog is, DO NOT leave him alone with your newborn baby. Your dog still isn’t quite sure what this little thing is all about. He doesn’t know that the baby is here to stay – and if he did he may not like the idea.

Small babies often move in little jerks which can set off instincts in dogs. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be the instinct to chase and kill animals. Keep a close watch on how your dog behaves around the baby for the first few days. Let him know that he has not been forgotten just as you would an older sibling of the new baby.

With a little planning and effort the family dog will love the new baby as much as he loves his parents. In fact, in most cases, the family dog ends up behaving as though he is the baby’s third parent!

Dogs truly have become man and woman’s best friends. We welcome them into our homes and they become a part of the family. They are loyal and loving and they bring joy to our lives. That is, until we find our dog and our homes infested with fleas.

These pesky little parasites are not only annoying to our pets but they can actually cause real health problems. Fleas not only bite our pets, they literally suck the blood from them. This results in an irritation and the dog will scratch, bite and dig at the sites. If the dog accidentally eats a flea internal worms can develop.

Dog owners have to be alert to early signs of fleas if they are to avoid an infestation on their pets. If you notice your pet scratching more than usual there is a good chance he is suffering with fleas. In which case, a simple check of his skin should provide evidence of the parasites. You are likely to find fleas or perhaps the flea’s droppings.

Flea droppings or excrement will look much like dirt particles. But if moistened this dirt will turn reddish – that red color is from the blood of your dog!

Don’t panic though. There are several ways that you can deal with this problem. You do need to be aware that when your pet scratches he may be distributing fleas. You also need to know that fleas multiply very quickly so in order to prevent an infestation in your home you will need to take some extra steps.

It’s a good idea to talk with your veterinarian about the problem. He is likely to have the perfect solution suitable for you and your pet. There are many chemically-based sprays and shampoos available. Some are only available through a veterinarian and others can be purchased at a pet shop or even a grocery store. Always follow the directions precisely as instructed because misuse of these products can result in allergic reactions or serious medical problems.

Your veterinarian will also be able to guide you in using natural, nonchemical solutions. These options are safe and environmentally friendly. When it comes to your home you can begin with an easy ‘treatment’ that consists of a thorough cleaning of the dog’s bedding and other favorite areas. Regular vacuuming can go a long way in collecting fleas and their eggs that may be in carpet or on furniture; just be sure to empty the bag after each use and dispose of it outdoors. There are also sprays and ‘foggers’ available that act to kill any fleas in a given area.

Early detection is key to preventing a flea infestation. Be alert to your dog’s scratching and explore the possibility that he may have fleas. If you find that he does immediately take steps to eradicate the pests from your pet and your home. Your dog will be more comfortable and you will be able to enjoy your little companion without worry that he is depositing fleas in your home or on you.

Sometimes unpreventable tragedies happen – whether it is due to an injury, illness, or even old age, some dogs end up with disabilities and as their owners we must deal with it. These are heartbreaking situations because we watch our pet go through the adjustment period and we want nothing more than to take away his misery.

According to dog specialists, during this initial adjustment time we should allow our pets to do as much as they can on their own. If we are overly sympathetic and protective our dogs are likely to become excessively dependent on our help – even when it’s not necessary.

A typical handicap of dogs is that of a missing limb. This often is a result of a dog getting hit by a car. Believe it or not, dogs adjust very quickly to three limbs. The remaining limbs seem to grow stronger in order to compensate.

The loss or impairment of vision is another common handicap that many dogs have to adjust to. Once again, when a loss occurs the other senses are more keenly used, thus allowing the dog to continue to function in an almost normal fashion. As the owner you can help your dog by maintaining the furniture arrangement he is used to and never leaving him in harm’s way. This would include keeping a close watch over him when he is outdoors as well as in.

When a dog has lost his hearing, or it is greatly diminished, he will learn to use vibrations to sense noises. For example, as his owner, instead of calling his name you could tap on the floor.

You have probably seen dogs with their hind quarters in small carts. These are referred to as doxie carts. While they can be used for various injuries they are often used for dogs that are paralyzed in the hind quarters (commonly associated with inter-vertebral disc disease). Although this can be quite confusing for the dog he is generally not in any discomfort.

Another problem for many dog breeds is idiopathic epilepsy. Convulsions can be as often as several times a day or as infrequent as two or three times a year. If possible it is best to record the dog’s seizures and show that to your veterinarian. This will help him provide the appropriate treatment.

It is important for dog owners to know that in most cases dogs can adjust to whatever disability is thrown their way; that is, as long as they have your love and support. Remember also that as dogs they do not feel any stigma associated with being handicapped; they are not embarrassed to go to the park and play – even if they have three legs instead of four. The reality is that in almost every case your dog will adjust to the problem quicker than you will. After all, we love our dogs like we love our children and when they hurt we hurt more.

To a pet lover there is nothing more beautiful than a dog with a magnificent shiny coat. We admire those creatures and wonder what those dog owners know that we don’t know. We speculate about what we could do differently to improve our dog’s coat.

First of all, it’s important to know that a shiny coat, as beautiful as it is, is much more about being healthy than it is about beauty. But in this case, as in many others, health and beauty seem to go hand in hand. Your dog’s coat will not look its best if his health is suffering.

In essence there are five things you can provide or do to contribute to your dog’s beautiful coat:

- Good Nutrition
- Keep Him Parasite-Free
- Use A Good Conditioner
- Buy Him His Own Shampoo
- Brush Regularly

Being a responsible dog owner means providing proper nutrition for your pet. And believe it or not, just because you pay a lot for a dog food does not always mean your dog is getting everything he needs in his diet. Check with your veterinarian about your pet’s specific needs and learn to read the labels on the pet food products you purchase. Compare the ingredients from one product to another.

If you feed your pet home-cooked foods you may need to add a quality supplement to insure that he is getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary. Your veterinarian can guide you in making wise decisions about a supplement choice.

Most dogs end up getting at least some fleas during their lifetime. It’s up to the owner to see that this problem never becomes an infestation. Some dogs are more sensitive than others to fleas and flea bites. These dogs are likely to bite at themselves, sometimes to the point of developing sores or even losing hair, in the areas where the fleas are or have bitten the dog.

Routine fur and skin checks can keep a problem from developing. Some dog owners prefer to use flea prevention medications year round so they never have to deal with the problem at all.

While we all agree that dogs do not need to bathe as regularly as humans there is some disagreement about just how often is right for our pets. In general, dogs should not be bathed more often than once per week unless there are special circumstances. But of course, some breeds need to be bathed more often than others simply because of their lifestyle.

Additionally, dog fur is not exactly like human hair so it should not be treated the same way. Specially formulated shampoos and conditioners will work to make the dog’s coat shiny and help to keep it tangle free which makes it easier to brush. Another important point is that while these products are strong enough to be effective, they are gentle to your pet’s skin and his eyes, if you should accidentally get the product in them.

The last thing I want to mention is probably the most basic and the most obvious. Brushing your dog’s hair will help distribute natural oils and help remove dander and loose fur. The result will be a shinier and healthier looking coat. Every dog should be brushed at least once or twice a week, but some breeds, such as a Shih Tzu, should be brushed daily.

Every dog owner finds that there are times that a leash or dog lead is a useful and important part of his dog supplies. After all, we love having our best friends with us as often as possible and many places now have leash laws. That means besides our own yard, there are few places that we can let our pets run free.

While dog leads are a simple concept, a strap or chain intended to restrain the animal, there is much more to choosing the one that is right for you and your dog than you may think. This becomes obvious as you begin shopping for a dog leash. Even the smallest pet shop will carry a variety of leads, in varying lengths and made of anything from plastic to metal.

To determine which one is right for you and your pet you should begin with determining your specific needs. If you plan to use your lead for walking your dog as you stroll through the neighborhood for example, a nylon leash (4 – 6 feet long) is ideal. These leads have a clip for attaching to a harness or collar at one end and a loop handle at the other.

The proper length needed is determined by the height of the dog and by how much freedom you want to allow him. As you can imagine, the shorter the leash, the less freedom the dog will have to stray. Short leads are used during dog shows because they can provide greater control of the animal during competitions.

Most dog trainers agree that a 4 ft. lead made of soft braided leather works best for dog training. These leads also have a clip at one end and a loop handle at the other. The trainer can have a tight grip on the leash, which is often needed during training, and at the same time, the lead can easily be folded into a shorter length if the need arises.

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where you can safely allow your dog a little more freedom during walks, you will probably want to use a retractable lead. These leads are 15 – 25 feet long. They have a plastic handle and a thin rope (sometimes made of wire) that retracts automatically. This allows your pet freedom while keeping you in control.

There are also extended length dog leads made of nylon rope. These can range in length from 12 to 30 feet and they can be ideal for training a puppy to fetch or for tracking sessions.

Some dogs are used for special purposes, such as Guide Dogs (Seeing Eye Dogs) and other special assistance needs. Many of these dogs use leads that are specifically designed for that unique purpose.

Leads range in price from about $5 up to about $50. Knowing what you will be using the leash for will make your shopping much easier. Once in the store you should look for a leash that is made of quality material and that has secured stitches. Whether the lead is made of leather or nylon, it’s a good idea to look for one that feels soft. You and your pet will appreciate the flexibility. And finally, the clip should be sturdy. Check it out and consider the fact that it will be used repeatedly. Therefore, the clip should be made of a durable metal that will hold up to many uses.

One of the most controversial subjects in the field of dog training is the question of debarking surgery.  Debarking surgery is a procedure designed to minimize the volume of a dog’s bark.  It is generally used by those with dogs who have both a loud bark and a tendency to bark incessantly.  The procedure is most commonly used on very loud larger dog breeds.  Shetlands and collies, for instance, make up a large percentage of those dogs subjected to the surgery. The procedure generally requires the use of a general anesthesia and involves punching, cutting or otherwise manipulating the tissue around a dog’s vocal chords to soften or significantly reduce his ability to bark.  Access the areas targeted during the surgery can come either through the dog’s mouth or via an incision on the dog’s neck.

Debarking does not, usually, complete eliminate dog’s bark.  The volume of the bark is decreased substantially by the surgery, but most dogs will still have some bit of “bark” left subsequent to surgery.  It is sometimes referred to a bark softening for this reason. 

Not surprisingly, debarking is a very contentious issue, with experts having lined up on each side of the argument.  Some advocate debarking as a helpful last-resort for incessant barkers while others maintain the process is cruel and unnecessary.

The Debarking Advocates

Those who support the continued use of debarking procedures argue that it is generally pursued only in egregious circumstances.  Only dogs who have been resistant to alternative methods of reducing their excessive barking tend to be subject to the procedure.  The surgery is reserved, the say, for problematic pets when no workable alternative exists and when the nature of the dog’s bark makes them a legitimate nuisance—not merely an inconvenience.

They argue that the debarking surgery, if conducted by a properly trained veterinarian creates a more pleasant life for the dog.  No longer subject to constant criticism and correction for his barking, the dog’s quality of life is enhanced. 

Some have even maintained that the debarking process saves dogs’ lives.  They state that dogs with constant barking issues are often abandoned by owners or given to shelters and eventually euthanised as result of a barking problem that can be surgically corrected.  Proponents of debarking see the surgery as a form of behavior modification can be a great benefit to frustrated humans as well as the dogs themselves.

The Debarking Detractors

Those who oppose debarking operations often do so on the grounds of inhumanity.  They object to the surgery on principle, noting the dog has no ability to consent to the action and that since it is not a health-related matter, the elimination of a dog’s bark via surgery is simply moral wrong.  There is no justification to expose the dog to the risk of surgery for the mere sake of convenience, they will argue.

Additionally, they note that the surgery does nothing to eliminate the underlying reasons for the dog’s constant barking.  The dog is likely to continue to “bark” albeit silently or at a lower volume because root causes of the unappreciated behavior are not addressed.  This cuts against the potential benefits of the surgery as the real nature of the dog’s life is not changed—they still suffer from the same issues as before.  Post-surgery, however, they suffer in relative silence, which decreases the owner’s impetus to explore what problems led to the errant behavior in the first place.

Those who reject the procedure also note the medical risk inherent in any major surgery and any procedure requiring use of a general anesthetic.  This line of thought purports that the risks associated with the procedure outweigh the minor benefits that may it may possibly produce.

The question of whether or not a dog should be considered a prospect for a debarking procedure remains a highly personal one.  There are many who would argue that, under the right circumstances, a dog and owner can both benefit from the procedure.  There are just as many who reject the procedure out of hand as a wasteful act of inhumanity.

Debarking surgery remains a controversial and divisive issue within the dog community and it is not likely that a consensus will soon emerge either for or against the procedure.  There are reasons to support the practice often seemingly solvent act debarking, yet many reasons to be distrustful of the procedure, its true efficacy and moral justifications.

Protecting Your Dog From Holiday Dangers

It’s not uncommon for us to want to share a wonderful holiday meal with our dog. After all, we want them to enjoy the season just like we do, right? The problem is that a meal high in fat content can cause pancreatitis in dogs. This is especially true with obese dogs. An example of such a meal would include such food items as the traditional holiday ham or gravy.

The symptoms may not be apparent and therefore the condition may go unnoticed. In fact, some dogs have died of pancreatitis without showing signs of the problem. Just to be on the safe side it is wise to avoid being overly generous with your holiday meals. Keep the fatty table scraps for compost and let your dog eat his regular food. And please remember that turkey bones should never be given to a dog because they splinter – which means they can cause serious problems for your dog.

Many of the desserts and treats we indulge in at holiday time not only contain too many calories for our pets (and us!), but in some cases, they are very dangerous for our pets. A good example of this is chocolate. Chocolate has been known to cause everything from vomiting to coma and even death. Raisins can also be detrimental to dogs. This can include even a few raisins so dogs should not eat treats that contain raisins.

Many of the decorative items used at Christmas time are dangerous to dogs. Snow globes are one example. Although the newer globes are usually filled with a safe liquid, many of the older ones are said to be filled with a poisonous fluid. Since it is almost impossible to be sure if your snow globe is safe or not, it is wise to insure that it is in a safe location.

The Poinsettia plant can make a dog very ill if eaten. Although the illness is usually short-lived, it is very uncomfortable. Mistletoe and Holly can cause more serious problems.

When it comes to Christmas and decorating we leave no stone unturned. We hang wreaths on the doors and put trees up in our homes. We then drape sparkling tinsel over our lovely tree, which of course, is another hazard to our little pets. In addition to the tinsel we light our tree up which means we have electrical cords attached to it. Once again, this can be another dangerous item for a dog.

If we are using a live tree we may add chemicals to the water in the tree stand to extend the life of the tree. If our dog drinks that water he could become very ill.

As we enjoy the holidays many of us relax with alcohol or even recreational drugs. A word of caution: some dogs like the taste of alcohol, but for safety reasons, dogs should never be allowed to consume alcohol. Dogs seem to be very susceptible to marijuana. The effects can last for up to two days and they can be severe.

During the holidays and all other times, insure that your home is safe for your pet. Don’t allow him to be around things that pose a threat to him. Remember, your dog’s safety is your responsibility, he depends on you.