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/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, dog coat, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, owner, Skin Care, Skin Care and What Your Dog Coat Can Tell You, tips, Tips and Advice, What Your Dog Coat Can Tell You
When owners groom their dogs, they always love to see a shiny and lustrous dog, coat colors vivid and glossy, after they are done. They want the dog coat to look healthy and this can only be accomplished by providing the correct dog vitamins in the food and maintaining good skin care. The skin and coats of dogs are like a red flag to illness, allergies, skin conditions, flea bites, mites, feeding problems - which are always in addition to the fact they love to roll and play in the dirt, straw, and hay.
The skin of a dog is thinner and more easily injured than our own human skin. The dog coat is determined by many factors: bathing, cleanliness, nutrition, genetics, hormones, medical conditions, etc. In addition dogs that live outdoor have a much heavier coat grown for insulation and protection against the elements.
The Fur Of A Dog Coat
A dog coat is made up of different types of fur. They can be double-coated or single-coated. Double-coated dogs have a soft undercoat and a coarser topcoat; single-coated dogs only have one type, the topcoat. Most dogs shed in the early spring when it begins to warm up, and will develop a heavier, thicker coat of fur in the fall. This re-growing of fur in the fall is referred to as “blowing the coat.” Samoyed females blow their coats twice a year, while males blow it once around their birth dates. My American Eskimos and Cairn Terriers also blow their coats, with the females blowing their coats around the heat cycle. This period requires extensive grooming and brushing, line combing, etc. in order to remove the old dead coats. A bath does wonders about a week later to not only improve how they feel, but to finish the shedding process. If the old hair remains, those areas will become “hot spots” which become extensive itching areas to the dog, eventually forming sores and open area.
Domesticated dogs we have as pets shed twice a year, with many breeds fur resembling our own hair, as it grows longer and longer, requiring continuous trimming. An example would be a poodle – without a trim they look like a fuzzy bushman!
When judging a dog’s coat look for several things including:
- The length of hair
- It’s texture
- Markings
- Color – different breed standards have specific colors
Natural Shampoos
Many dog owners go to discount stores or grocery stores, purchasing the cheapest dog shampoo they can. Owners may not realize that these shampoos will harm the fur as they don't supply the dog vitamins and essential pH levels needed to keep the dog coat healthy and shiny looking.
About $10 a quart/$30 a gallon, the Veriuni line (http://www.dogshampoo.brigitterecommends.com ) of natural products are probably one of the best lines you can purchase for you dog, and you can purchase either a similar product line or this one, for the utmost safest quality care for your dog:
- It is non-toxic
- The ingredients are biodegradable, breaking down into harmless natural elements
- Contains no hazardous ingredients per OSHA regulation
- No petroleum distillates, EDTA, NTA, Ammonia, Benzene, Grain proteins, Enzymes or formaldehyde
- Free of all known or suspected carcinogens
- Biodegradable without effluent treatment processes
LINKS TO NATURAL CARE FOR YOUR DOGS
All Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats - http://www.herb-doc.com/petcare.htm
Botanical Dog - http://www.botanicaldog.com/
Dog Services - http://www.dogservices.co.uk/list.php?ID=17
Dr. Goodpet - http://www.goodpet.com/
Only Natural Pet Store - http://search.onlynaturalpet.com/
Open Directory Project - http://dmoz.org/Shopping/Pets/Supplies/Health/
Finding the right products to promote a healthy dog coat, adding dog vitamins as needed for good skin care and maintaining regular bathing and grooming routines will help your pet stay in tip top appearance, even if they are just a companion and not a show dog.
Posted in Dog Health
Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, dog, Dog Bathing, Dog Bathing - The Right Way, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, owner, The Right Way, tips, Tips and Advice
No matter how large or small your dog is, regular dog bathing needs to be a part of the grooming routine. Dog grooming isn't just about brushing, it is also about keeping the skin and coat healthy and well managed. Brushing your dog is a major part of the routine, however don't forget that a bath helps to remove dirt and oils close to the skin, plus it can help relieve itching and even help with dry skin problems if done correctly.
Dog Bathing And Breeds
First and foremost owners need to realize that frequent dog bathing is not essential, nor is it healthy or recommended for most breeds of dogs. This would include all terriers, most of the working, hunting and herding dogs. Nature has provided these dogs, for the most part, with one of two types of coats. One type is the double coat, a longer, thicker, slightly oily water resistant or repelling outer coat and a downy, soft insulating undercoat. The other type is more typically of the terriers, a wiry, harsh coarse coat that repels water plus also protects the rest of the body from brambles and bushes.
Washing these dogs will strip the natural oils from the coat, resulting in limp, flat and dull looking hair. The other possibility is dry, frizzy hair that looks like it has been subjected to a bad perm! Always check with your breeder or do some research on the breed to find out how often to bathe as part of your dog grooming routine.
Dog Grooming Products
Only use dog bathing products that are formulated for dogs. Never use human hair care products on dogs. Human hair products including shampoos and conditioners are developed for human hair pH, which is different than that of dogs. In addition human products are full of perfumes and additives that can trigger skin allergies in many different dogs, regardless of their breed. If you don't have dog shampoo for some reason, diluted baby shampoo can be used in a pinch, however a dog shampoo and conditioner really is the best option.
There are special herbal and natural shampoos and conditioners that can be used to help with dull coats, dry skin, hot spots, allergies and helping to control odors. There are also medicated shampoos for dogs that may be needed to control insects, fleas or parasites on the skin. Read all labels carefully and if you have any questions talk to your vet before using it on the dog.
Rinse, Rinse, Rinse
The biggest mistake that people make when starting out on a dog bathing routine is that they simply don't rinse all the shampoo or conditioner out of the dog's coat. This leaves the coat looking dull and greasy, plus it will lead to itching and scratching. Rinse your dog completely, from neck to tail, paying particular attention to the underside of the dog. Keep rinsing until the water runs from the body completely free from soap or bubbles, then rinse one more time to make sure.
Dog bathing needs to be fun for both the dog and the people, so add a few treats and plan to spend time praising and petting your dog in this part of the dog grooming routine.
Posted in Dog Health
US $13.95
