Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, Cataracts in Dogs, Cataracts in Dogs and Dog Vision Problems, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, dog cataracts, Dog Collar, Dog Grooming, Dog Health, Dog Vision Problems, doggy, dogs, owner, tips, Tips and Advice
Cataracts are one of the more common vision problems that occur in dogs, humans and many other animals. Dog health issues such as cataracts and other vision issues can be corrected through a variety of treatments including drug therapies, surgery and genetic testing to prevent dogs with the hereditary condition from reproducing or being used in breeding programs. Since veterinary ophthalmology and general research into cataracts and vision problems in dogs continues to be high priority, this condition is one of the best understood vision problems within the canine population.
What Are Dog Cataracts?
Cataracts are the gradual clouding over or development of an opaque rather than clear lens in the eye. Cataracts can develop in one eye or both and they can range from small areas of the lens to the complete lens, which is the form that results in blindness. Small areas of opacity on the lens typically do not cause blindness and may or may not continue to expand to include the whole lens.
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Posted in Dog Health
Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Collar, Dog Dental Care, Dog Dental Care And Nail Care, Dog Grooming, Dog Health, Dog Nail Care, dog nail clippers, doggy, dogs, good dog, Nail Care, owner, Psychology & Training, tips, Tips and Advice
It is now standard practice for owners to focus on both dental care as well as care for their dog's nails. This wasn't always so, however researchers and vets have proven that dogs with good dental care routines are less likely to have early tooth loss, digestive problems and problems with bad doggy breath. In addition good care of the nails helps to prevent lameness, infections of the feet and also skin infections that can develop with pressure from long nails and nails that scratch or cut the skin's surface.
Posted in Dog Health
Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: Basic, Basic Grooming For Short Haired Dog Breeds, Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, dog, Dog Bathing, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Collar, Dog Grooming, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, Grooming, owner, Psychology & Training, Short Haired Dog Breeds, tips, Tips and Advice
Short haired dog breeds may not look like they shed as much and may not require as much grooming as longer haired breeds, but this is a true misconception. Often the dog grooming requirements of short haired breeds are just as demanding as longer haired breeds, especially those that have a double coat and "blow" each spring and fall. Blowing the coat refers to those breeds that shed out the inner coat over the hot summer months.
Posted in Dog Health
Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: Basic, Basic Dog Grooming For Long Haired Dog Breeds, Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, dog, Dog Bathing, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Collar, Dog Grooming, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, Long Haired Dog Breeds, owner, tips, Tips and Advice
Long haired dog breeds do need more consistent dog grooming routines than their short haired counterparts. This is simply because longer hair is more likely to tangle and mat, making grooming a priority for owners. Mats and tangles in the hair are more than just a cosmetic issue, they can lead to skin irritations, lesions and infections, especially if they are on the underside, leg and belly areas. This is because the knots and tangles rub against the skin when the dog is sleeping or sitting, resulting in what would be the equivalent of bedsores on a person.
Posted in Dog Health
Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, Dog Care, Dog Collar, doggy, dogs, find the toy, good dog, Let The Games Begin!, owner, tips, Tips and Advice
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“I’m bored.”
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“There’s nothing to do.”
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“I’m tired of staying in the house.”
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“I want you to play with me!”
If you have kids these are familiar complaints. If you have a dog these are also familiar complaints, you just don’t hear them in these words. A long winter, a rainy spring, anything that keeps you and your canine cooped up in the house can lead to boredom.
There are lots of indoor games you can play with your dog when you can’t go outside for one reason or another. All it takes is some creativity, a sense of fun, and a few doggie treats.
Hide and Seek
This is an easy game to teach your dog. Start by having him sit/stay in one room while you go into another room and hide – in plain sight to start with. Call his name and when he comes to you give him a treat and lots of praise. Repeat the process several times; as your dog gets the hang of it try hiding in different rooms and more difficult-to-find places.
Treasure Hunt
You’d get bored eating the same food out of the same bowl every day, and it’s no different for your dog. For a fun change divide her food up into smaller portions and put them in different hiding spots around the room. Start with easy places, then as she gets the hang of it you can make it more interesting by using different rooms and different hiding places.
Find The Toy
This variation on Hide and Seek teaches your dog to search out a specific toy instead of a person. The first step is to select one toy and give it a name. Take away all of the other toys and place just the selected toy in the middle of the room. Tell your dog to “Get the (whatever it is)” then give him a treat and lots of praise when he gets it. As he gets better and better at it, hide the toy in increasingly difficult places.
Advanced Find The Toy
This is fun for your dog and is sure to impress your friends. Using the same process as Find The Toy, teach your dog to recognize other toys. Pick a second toy, give it a name, and teach her to find it. Once she knows two toys, you can hide them both and change up which one you tell her to get. The variations on this game grow in number as your dog learns to recognize more and more toys.
Before you know it, you and your pet will be playing all sorts of games together, coming up with new ways to play and enjoying every minute of it. Teaching your dog to play games helps relieve boredom during times of confinement and more importantly, strengthens the bond between you and your best friends.
Posted in Featured, Ownership Advice
Posted on 28 December 2009. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Care Essentials, Dog Collar, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, Essentials, Senior, Senior Dogs, Senior Dogs – Dog Care Essentials, tips, Tips and Advice, Train Your Dog
Senior dogs can require specialized dog care routines and additional attention to dog health issues. Some breeds of dogs will stay very healthy, youthful and spry into their mid teens, while other start acting more sedate and older even before they reach the age of ten. A good generalization with regards to this type of behavior is that an active young dog tends to stay an active senior dog, while a relaxed and laid back young dog will only get more so as he or she matures.
Senior Dogs and Dog Care
Like people, senior dogs are more at risk for joint and muscle pains, stiffness, and conditions such as arthritis. While there are not always cures for these conditions, good nutrition, appropriate routine exercise and lots of love and attention for your elderly canine are all important aspects of senior dog health. Since getting up and down and moving after being sedate are often the biggest problems, make sure your senior dog is always in an area where he or she has solid, non-slip footing. Don't use dog mats and area carpets that will bunch and slide as the dog tries to stand up or sit down. Use mats and carpets with rubberized backs that will stick to the floor, giving maximum support and traction. Avoid having your senior dog sleep, eat or walk around on tiles, hardwood or other slippery surfaces whenever possible.
Sleeping on Furniture
If your dog has always slept on the couch, your bed or sat on your lap while you read the paper it is not fair to expect that they won't still want to the same even when they are not physically fit enough to jump up and down. Senior dogs often don't realize that they will hurt themselves by jumping up and down, so either build or buy a pet ramp or a set of doggy stairs they can use, or start teaching your dog to stay off the furniture at a young age.
Exercise
Many senior dogs simply don't self-exercise, so planning moderate levels of appropriate exercise for your dog is part of good senior dog care. Dog health does depend on regular movement so a good walk in the morning at one in the evening has to be a must. If your senior dog has other dogs in the house that are younger, monitor the level of play and don't allow the older dog to overtax himself or herself physically, this will increase stiffness and muscle problems.
Dental Care
A very important part of senior dog care and dog health management is to monitor their teeth and gums. Tooth loss can lead to problems in chewing and eating, in turn causing digestive problems and poor nutrition. Always check your dog's teeth in grooming routines and keep brushing to remove tartar and keep gums healthy. If you are concerned about the dog not eating due to dental issues, talk to your vet and consider moistening dry kibble slightly with beef or chicken broth to make it easier to chew.
Senior dogs can lead very full, happy and healthy lives. Taking a bit of time and effort to consider dog health issues and how you can help with senior dog care in the home makes a big difference to your pet.
Posted in Dog Health
US $37.25
