Doggy Mad!

Dogs Health Measures

It is easy to adopt a dog, you can do it whenever you want, but it is vital to provide them a proper healthy endurance. From the day we adopt the dog it is a must to have a regular medical check up. If the dogs are bought from the breeders or rescue centres we must not hesitate to enquire regarding the medical fitness of the dogs. We must ensure whether they have given proper vaccines and shots and also if previously treated for any diseases or physical abnormalities.

Mostly dogs are at a higher risk to obtain several diseases like human beigns. Usually dogs will have joint arthritis problems, hip dysplasia, OCD and other deformity issues with shoulders, elbows and hocks. We must be keen in watching our dogs for they are less active or have difficulty in walk etc to find indication of these joint diseases. These diseases must be treated in the initial stage by providing them proper medication or surgery with the guidance of our vets. If left uncared our dogs will have to endure with these degenerative problems and often with much pain.

Dog’s health is often affected by some infectious diseases like rabies, viral disease, bacterial diseases, fungal diseases, skin diseases, tumors and cancer, eye disease, intestinal tract disease, heart disease, and other genetic diseases that are inborn. A dog health is the most vital factor that we must be cautious and provide them with timely treatment to enhance their existence. A fit dog is a fulfilled dog. To guarantee our dog’s health we must feed them with dietary food.

It is also important to take care of the dog health as they are very close to humans they must be prevented from spreading certain infections. Similar to human health issues, some dog illnesses, injuries and physical sickness are severe. At present, fortunately there are plenty of medicines, treatments and surgeries that are available for curing the dog’s diseases. As animals cannot convey their difficulties directly it is our duty to observe them carefully for any of their illness and provide proper medication to assist their health condition.

If our dogs exhibit any of the indications that we have recognized for various diseases and physical deformities, we must immediately go to the vet and arrange for the treatments of our dog for quick and total recovery. It is difficult or rare to find a pet without any health issues. In general the dogs will face atleast any one of the health problem in their existence. Dog’s health conditions may vary from minor to severe like injuries, illness, infection, invasion etc.

Some of the most common dog health problems are allergies, immune system reaction to food stuffs, plants, parasites, pollens, mites, molds, etc. Some dogs will suffer from obesity which is due to the food habit they are practised. This will make them less active and at times will lead to death, but this is generally caused by the owner. Some hereditary diseases like heart issues, cancer, infertility, canine diabetes, canine epilepsy etc can be hardly treated and so you should make their time with you as comfortable as possible. In case of diarrhoea, constipation, bowel obstructions we can alter their nutrition track and check for their response and if still the condition persists we must carry them to the vet for treatments.

It is always advisable to guarantee that our dog gets plenty of exercise to maintain their energy levels. We must provide them proper food and supplements to enhance their strength and stability. It is must for us to follow our vet’s sterilizing suggestions, and annual medical evaluations for our dogs. We can also check our dog regularly for intestinal worms and heartworms to protect them during peak season.

We must groom and brush our dog regularly to avoid skin infection and parasitic infections. Above all we must always provide our pets with plenty of love and concern however train them to be obedient, as an obedient dog will be a happy one!

From ancient days till today dog plays a vital role in being a companion, guardian, protector and a best pal of man merely more than an animal. So it is must for us to maintain and care them in a proper way to enhance their life and service. There are several methods that are to be accessed in providing a better care for our dear pets like nutritional care, regular vet care, kennel boarding, grooming, vitamins and supplements, treats, play things, health care, etc.

It is somewhat costlier to maintain a dog as they need high quality food, medication, dwelling etc. They also need habitual immunizations and vet care to maintain their health and fitness. At present there are plenty of dog care training centres which offer us best service in training us regarding their daily requirements. All the pet dogs will need us to spare some time and our offer our love and care to them.

The foremost factor that we must remember is to choose a dog that will entirely suit our lifestyle so that we will find it easy to handle them. Then we can get thorough knowledge in training and caring them from some skilled persons or by reading books or e-books. Thus we can obtain details in caring our pets in a most excellent method to sustain them a healthy endurance.

We must be always responsible in caring for our dogs, in case if we are not able to care them in a proper way it is better to hand them to somebody or dwell them in dog care centres or arrange someone to take care of them. Above all it is must for us to spend some time with our dogs as we have decided to raise them.

A proper food care must be given to the dog to maintain their health and stamina. The feeding process differs according to the size of the dogs. An adult dog will need to be fed two times a day and the small pups need more feedings to enhance their growth. It is vital to provide our dogs a well-balanced nutritious diet which can be started after consulting with our vets. In addition vitamins and supplements can be given periodically to improve their workability and appearance. The dietary (protein and cultured carbohydrates rich foods) food will help our dog to be fit without any diseases like obesity, diarrhoea and other bowel diseases.

Grooming our dog will enable them to get rid of mites and tangles and maintain clean and soft coat that provides them from skin infections. It is also vital to provide our dog’s regular baths with some high quality shampoos meant for them. We must also clip their nails habitually to avert dirt collection in the nails. We can use combs to rid the loosen hairs in their coat. It is better to use separate towels to wipe them after baths. All these basic needs can be done by our own or with the help of professionals as this will help our dog to be physically fit.

The dogs must be trained to regular workouts or exercising sessions which will enhance their energy and working capacities. This can avert certain health problems such as lameness, diabetes, intestinal disorders etc. It is not advisable to tie up our dogs frequently as this will make them lazy and tempered.

Dogs need fundamental training in obedience and must be immunized properly to guarantee them a safe and secure public relationship. We can take them to a walk on daily basis to make them mingle with other people. We can probably use collars to train them in a much efficient manner. So keeping all the above factors we can easily care a dog at a much reasonable cost and utmost care.

Robert Scott asked:


It is said that dog is man’s best friend……. And sometimes more than it, it takes a place in your heart and becomes an integral part of your life. In fact, it stays with you through your thick and thin and protects you against all the odds of life. Moreover, you always want to pay him back, sometimes by loving it or getting him a present, but have you ever thought of buying him a dog health insurance plan for those wonderful years that are yet to come.

Dog health insurance above all saves a fortune for you by offering ample of services for your pet. It covers the cost of the veterinary, as vet’s fee has rapidly increased in recent times. For your information, dog health insurance covers things like visits, prescriptions, diagnostic tests, X-rays, lab fees and more. The aim of such products is to provide benefits to your beloved dog. The plans also cover reimbursements for preventive care, including physical examinations, flea and heartworm treatment and medication, vaccinations, spay and neuter, dental cleaning, blood screening and much more. So do not wait and apply online for health insurance for your beloved dog as quickly as possible. However, you will agree with the fact that in normal circumstances, all these things will hurt your pocket, so to get rid of such expenses, why not get some help in the form of dog health insurance. Hence, do not wait anymore and apply for the wonderful product that keeps your finances intact and your dog happy for forever.

However, dog insurance policy depends upon the breed of the dog. So while deciding upon a health policy for your pet, make sure that you have chosen the right kind of premium. These health policies come in an array of categories you can always choose from, whether you want to invest in for more coverage or a lower monthly payment. These dog health insurance policies also offer you routine care option services. However, the policy goes into effect in three days for accident cover and takes another 14 days for illness cover. If you have opted for routine care option, then it goes into effect in 14 days or more. However, if you have more than one dog, then the policy providers usually reduce the interest rate after the first policy. The dog health insurance deductibles vary and the minimum deductible amount could be about $100.

The advantage attached to such policies is that you can purchase policies based on your dog’s pre-existing medical conditions also. However, the age of the dog can severely affect the insurance coverage. Generally, such health plans begin coverage when the pet is 6 to 8 months old, but usually many insurers offer services when the dog is much younger. It is, however, advisable to seek assistance from people who have already insured their pets in various health related plans and schemes or you can approach pet insurance agencies for a better perspective on coverages. So do not wait and apply for dog health insurance immediately for a healthy future of your beloved pet.



Dog tips!

Douglas Hanna asked:


Health care for dogs is not inexpensive. Yearly pysical exams, blood tests, vaccines, antiparasitics,and good food can cost a lot of money. However, preventative medicine is always cheaper than treating a disease Overall health care costs for your dog will be reduced if you invest in preventative health measures.

For example, a year of heartworm preventative for a small dog can cost on average $72 dollars, but treatments for heartworm can cost up to $600 dollars. It is always cheaper to avoid a disease than to treat it, and of course your dog will have the best chance for a long life if it lives a healthy lifestyle.

While the cost of health care for dogs has increased, there are now many different types of dog health insurance plans available.

Talk with your veterinarian about insurance plans. You should also check Internet websites for health plans that may work for you and your dog. Health insurance for animals is becoming a more popular choice for pet owners as these plans are becoming more comprehensive and cost effective. Take the time to research these plans, and you may find a plan that will save you money and help you to care for your dog.

Prevention And Early Diagnosis

Prevention and early diagnosis are the two factors your dog the best chance for a long, healthy life. Always pay attention to your dog’s behavior, and never take a ‘wait and see’ approach. If you feel that there may be something rong with your dog, take it to a veterinarian immediately.

Take precautions to keep your dog safe in and around your home as well. Owning a dog is a lot like having small children as they like to explore, taste, smell and touch whatever they can get their paws on. ‘Doggy proof’ your home by keeping poisonous products out of reach. Always store medications far out of reach, Pay particular attention to pills that are left on a counter, in a purse, or in an accessible drawer. These are some of the more frequently reported incidences of dog overdoses).

The Dangers Of Poor Dog Health

While many of the dangers to your dog’s health discussed in this article are not always lethal, they can cause damage to your dog’s body that will harm your dog’s chances of living a long life. One infection may not harm your dog. But repeated infections combined with such things as parasitic infections or poor nutrition can add up to damage over time.

Try to take all measures possible to keep your dog healthy from the very start. Good nutrition, owner vigilance, and parasite control will help keep your dog strong and healthy for years to come.

A Long And Healthy Life

As a dog ages, it is important to provide the problems that come with increased age. It is not enough for most owners that their dog live a long life. They want it to be healthy and happy as well. if you want your dog to lead a long and healthy life, you will need to increase its veterinary care and yearly screenings. Pay particular attention your senior dog’s diet needs and watch for any changes in behavior.

Support your aging dog with pain control medications and adjust its surroundings so that i will be more comfortable. For example, put extra padding on the bed, and use a higher doggy dish to avoid neck pain in case yur dog has arthritis. You might also get a sturdy, movable ramp that will help your senior dog get up short flights of stairs or climb into the car.



Dog tips!

John Hinkle asked:


Like all animals, as dogs age they tend to develop health problems unique to older dogs. Many dog owners have a difficult time accepting this fact and think that their lively pooch is not an older dog and will not have health problems.

Dogs can, however, show signs of aging as early as seven years old. Older dog health problems generally affect larger breeds earlier than small breeds that tend to show signs of aging around 10 to 12 years of age. The fact is that senior dog health problems will eventually be a concern for every dog owner.

Common Health Problems Facing Older Dogs

All dogs are different and, depending on their size, breed and activity level, will exhibit health problems differently. However, there are common health issues that may manifest in all senior dogs including the following:

Joint and bone problems

-An overall reduction in their metabolism

-Difficulty with their eyes and ears

-Liver and kidney dysfunctions

-Skin becomes thin and less pliable while the coat becomes mottled and patchy

-Problems with teeth and gums

Unlike a little puppy who has an endless supply of energy, an older dog will tend to slow down and take longer to lay down or stand up. Instead of bounding up the stairs your senior dog might take each stair one at a time.

Your dog may develop arthritis, an inflammation of the joints causing pain and discomfort, which is generally the cause of this slowing down. There are a host of anti-inflammatory drugs that your veterinarian can suggest to reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis.

In many cases, an older dog will have problems with their eyes as they develop cataracts or even glaucoma. A cataract will become obvious to the owner as the eyes have a cloudy appearance and tend to reflect light. Senior dogs may also develop glaucoma, an increased amount of pressure on the eyes, and can cause more serious problems if left untreated.

The entire circulation system and many of the major organs are taxed in older dogs. The heart, lungs, liver and kidneys all become less efficient and the immune systems can become weak and vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.

Serious health problems may develop in your senior dog as some of the symptoms develop gradually. It is your responsibility to maintain your older dog’s health and remain informed of the possible senior dog health problems that commonly arise.

Helping Your Older Dog Overcome Health Problems

As an aging dog inevitably develops health problems, you can help alleviate many of the symptoms and keep your pet comfortable. The most basic thing you can do is simply pay more attention to your senior dog making sure you’re aware of the changes taking place. Brush your dog’s coat daily and ask your vet if there are special shampoos to help with her skin and coat. Spend time rubbing your hands on his coat feeling for bumps or lesions.

Be patient when your dog needs a little extra time walking up the stairs or jumping up into the car. Make sure you make regular visits to your vet and stay current on vaccinations. Brush your senior dog’s teeth regularly and have them professionally cleaned occasionally. Provide regular exercise while also making adjustments needed for your dog as she ages.

As your older dog slows down, you might have to adjust her diet to help compensate for the reduction of energy for both her weight as well as her coat and her circulation system.

Not only must the overall calorie intake be reduced, but you can also feed your senior dog specially formulated foods made to fit their particular needs. Try to purchase the most expensive, best quality food you can afford and avoid greasy table scraps.

It’s an inevitable fact that dogs age, but you can make a difference in helping your older dog overcome health problems. Keep in mind that in the last eighty years or so the average lifespan of dogs has increased from 7 years to 12. Expanding your knowledge and paying attention to your dogs health will help ensure your dog lives a long and comfortable life.



Dog tips!

Judy Wellsworth asked:


Melena is the number one cause of dog health problems bloody stool issues. Melena and hematochezia cause the dog to have bloody stool. Melena is blood that the dog digested, and looks dark in color. Hematochezia is considered fresh blood in the stool and is considered minor compared to melena. Many health reasons result in a bloody stool and most tests by a veterinarian will confirm the problem.

This health problem causes a lack of energy and sometimes incontinence, as accidents happen due to the inability to move outdoors quickly. By restricting food, the dog will eventually stop the diarrhea and give the intestines time to heal. If the diarrhea results from infection or parasite, the problem will persist until proper medical is received. This condition affects all sizes and breeds of dogs no matter what you do to prevent it.

Causes of Dog Health Problems Bloody Stool Issues

Medications, infections, cancer and foreign objects digested by the dog. A metabolic disorder or hemorrhagic gastro enteritis may cause a dog to have a bloody stool. Some heavy metal or blood ingestion and gastrointetestinal ischemia are all causes of melena in dogs. Metabolic diseases cause ulcers of the stomach or intestines and can result from many different causes. If your dog health problems bloody stool issues arise with such signs as pale gums, frequent ********* and thirst, lack of appetite and weight loss are all signs of problems along with dark black stools. For more inf see http://www.aboutdoghealth.org/dogbreedhealth/Pomeranian.html on pomeranian dog health.

If the dog continues to have diarrhea for more than twenty-four hours, medical treatment is required. The first thing you can try is a bland diet of rice and potato instead of their regular food. This may help, but in case it does not, you may need to have a veterinarian determine the cause.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dog Melena

When you notice black or dark colored stools, you need to contact the vet for further tests. These tests will include urinalysis, a biochemical work up, stool sample diagnosis, blood work up, ultrasound and chest/abdominal x-rays. After these tests are concluded, the vet will determine the exact cause of the dog health problems bloody stool issues and discuss treatment with you.

If the dog does not have a severe health condition, they may be treated at home instead of an overnight stay at an animal clinic. A special diet of a bland diet that is specified by the vet and any medications prescribed by the veterinarian need to be dealt with at home in order to treat the dog health problem bloody stool issues. In most cases, medications are needed to block stomach acids and coat the intestines. If you do not see any improvement, you need to contact the vet for further treatments. .

Get treatment for your dog if this problem persists and stick to a strict diet and medication schedule for proper treatment of a sick dog. The dog will need plenty of rest and a calm environment in order to heal and come back to health.



Dog tips!

Mike LaVallee asked:


There are many advantages to owning a dog. The dog gives you loyalty and love. Yet so many people neglect dog health as a way to return that love and affection. Preventative dog health care goes a long way to ensuring that your friend stays healthy for years to come. If you decide to get a dog, then do him a favor and become educated on how to protect his health.

Dog health begins the very minute you take ownership of your canine companion. Before you even think about beginning puppy training you must make sure that you know what type of medication it takes to ensure dog health. Shots such as Distemper, Rabies, and Parvo are absolutely essential to a long and healthy life for your dog. There are other medications such as heart worm medicine and flea medicines that are important as well.

If you are unsure as to what is involved in dog health, check out dog forums for answers on some common questions. The best advice before buying or getting a pet is to do a thorough research to determine if having a pet is right for you. There are some questions to ask yourself before you commit to owning a dog or any pet. The first is how much time do you have to devote to the pet? Do you have enough space to accommodate a dog? Is the dog health absolutely important to you? Do you have the money to devote to puppy training and to making sure that he or she receives regular veterinarian visits to ensure proper dog health?

A dog is a big responsibility. If you are unsure of any of the above questions then now is the time to carefully ponder whether or not you are ready for a pet. Dogs cost money and this responsibility lies with the pet owner. The puppy or dog is dependent on you for everything they need. This includes their emotional well-being as well. Humans and dogs are alike in that they need love and support. You, as the owner, must be that network of love and support for them.

Dog health is important to having a fully functioning family. Dog’s can bring many things to their owner. They bring love and unfailing loyalty. They deserve to have that returned to them by an owner that truly wants what is best for them. Before you go collect your new dog, take the time to become educated. You should talk to other pet owners and then make that life altering decision.



Dog tips!

Amelie Mag asked:


Dog health is a domain that has developed considerably. Specialists have traced new affections and have established new, corresponding treatments. Meals should provide your pet with all the necessary vitamins, proteins, carbs, minerals etc. in order for the dog to develop harmoniously and grow up to be healthy. Dog food has come a long way and the newly appeared products on the market are the results of years of research of the necessities of canines.

Most people consider that a dog eats almost anything and there is no need to pay special attention to what they put in the pet’s bowl. Some still feed their dogs with leftovers from their own meals and expect it to be enough. Sadly, it is this kind of reasoning that leads to common dog health problems such as obesity, malnutrition and various malfunctions like arthritis, lack of energy, or hypersensitivity. A dog diet should comprise all the elements that make a human organism work, including water. Water is underrated when it comes to animals, but what these people do not know is that animals can resist for some time without food, but they resist a lot less without water. Since their body includes water too, in quite a high percentage, people must remember that water is essential for a dog’s health.

Along the years, dog food has evolved. Now, those who care associate it to how many calories the dog needs to make it through the day. Depending on the type of activities that the dog undertakes in a day’s time, its meals will contain more proteins or more vitamins etc. Usually, nowadays, a common dog diet includes mostly dry food. Served in the appropriate amount and at the right time, this type of dog food can be the complete meal for the dog.

The amount of food that should be fed to a dog, per day, is calculated considering the dog’s weight, health and physiological condition. Therefore, things are not so simple and leftovers are not the right type of dog food. The physiological condition refers to how active the dog is, how much exercise it does, what stage of life it is in and other factors such as breeding. After the evaluation of all these things, one is likely to be able to compose a proper dog diet. The dog health system can do so much for you and your pet. In order to get all these equations interpreted correctly, as a pet owner, you should undoubtedly visit the vet. At the vet’s office, you can have a complete check up for the dog and buy your dog the food recommended by the specialist. Maintaining a permanent contact with the vet can help you have a great looking and healthy dog.

Many companies produce dog food and all sorts of products under one label. This is to emphasize that each dog is different and needs a personalized dog health program. It is important to observe your dog’s weight and do your best to help it avoid obesity. This has become a widely spread problem among the canines. Usually, one should be able to feel the dog’s ribs and easily mark out the waistline and hips. In case this is not possible, you should probably know that your dog suffers from obesity.

If your dog is lazy, refuses to jump, oversleeps, and there are changes in the alertness, you can suspect arthritis, a dog health problem not related strictly to age, as believed. One can maintain carefully the dog’s health by a close collaboration with a veterinarian. The program for recovering from arthritis is complex and it involves keeping your dog’s weight in-between normal limits, the walks – regular and short; the dog’s bed should be soft and warm and besides all this, there are therapies and drugs that you should administer to your pet. This illness does not have a direct connection to the dog’s food, but the right amount and composition of dog food can help prevent obesity conditions that bear a relation to arthritis.



Dog tips!

Ethan Parker asked:


Wouldn’t you rather learn how to deal with minor dog health problems BEFORE they become major ones?  I know I would, because let’s face it, dogs are part of your family, and no one wants to see a part of your family get sick or even die.

Even if you’ve got the most easy-care dog in the world, she’ll still need some attention to be paid to her appearance every once in a while – so it’s worth spending a bit of time learning the best techniques for easy, stress-free grooming.

Here is some of the valuable advice I got from one of my favorite sites for dog health care solutions, The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.

WHY SHOULD I BOTHER GROOMING MY DOG?

Not so long ago, the average American’s approach to canine grooming was somewhat cavalier. Dogs were seen as something that lived in the yard (usually in a dusty, hard-floored kennel), ate whatever was put in their bowls, and existed as a sometime-playmate for the household’s children.

Today, we tend to care for our dogs a lot more, and view them more as members of the household than the Thing in the Yard.

Ever since this rise in the estimation of our beloved pooches became widespread, grooming has been increasingly recognized as an important facet of your dog’s regular health-care. It ensures that any skin-care problems are minimized (because grooming distributes the natural skin-oils evenly throughout the coat), and assists you in monitoring your dog’s overall condition – if you groom on a regular basis, you can’t help but notice the presence of any unusual lumps or bumps.

This preventative action has saved many a canine life. Our dogs can’t tell us where it hurts, but taking just a little bit of time every so often to check them over ourselves can save a lot of grief in the long run.

The trick is getting your dog to tolerate (and even enjoy!) the process …

THE FIRST STEP IN THE GROOMING PROCESS

Something that many owners lack experience in is how to wash their dogs. Dry-grooming (brushing and ‘buffing’ the coat) seems to present little problem for most people; the rot tends to set in when water is introduced to the mix.

Most dogs have a strong dislike of being bathed, and in many cases will become utterly panic-stricken when the tub comes out.

This article is going to deal with the basics of how to wash your dog in a way that’ll keep both of you relaxed and happy.

PREPARING YOUR DOG FOR GROOMING

First of all, the absolute most important thing you can do is to accustom your dog to the grooming process. Now, starting this in puppyhood is the ideal way to handle the situation, but of course not all of us have this luxury; if you’ve got an adult dog, you’ll probably need to move a little slower, but you should still start getting her used to being touched and handled all over as soon as you can.

As your puppy or dog gets used to the sensation of being rubbed and handled, she’ll slowly come to enjoy it. Dogs are social creatures by instinct, and physical affection and contact is a big part of their lives – it shouldn’t take long before she begins to trust you, and allows herself to get some pleasure out of your touch.

All you have to do is start rubbing her slowly all over. Fondle her ears, touch her cheeks and neck, rub her back and belly, pick up her paws and – if she’ll let you – give each one a gentle squeeze (treating and praising her whenever she lets you do this, since paw touching is generally a pretty big deal for most dogs). If she has a tail, rub it between your fingers; get her to roll over on her back so you can rub and stroke her belly and hocks.

This might not seem like such a big deal, but it’s actually a really important part of the grooming process: the more your dog enjoys it, the less stressful the whole event will be for both of you, and so the more often you’re likely to groom her – which increases the health benefits for her.

HOW TO WASH YOUR DOG

Bathing always comes before dry-grooming, since it makes brushing and trimming a lot easier as well as a lot more effective (there’s not much point in brushing a tangled, dirty coat!)

You will need some basic tools: a tub, a non-slip mat, a plastic jug, some warm water, a small sponge, and some canine shampoo (not human shampoo: the pH is all wrong for dogs, and will give her dry and flaky skin.)

Stand her in the tub, on the non-slip mat. If she’s a large or unruly dog, you may want to wash her outside to minimize mess – either that, or you can restrain her by tying one end of a light nylon leash to her collar, and the other end to the faucet.

Pour jugs of warm water all over her until she’s good and wet. This breaks down the grease in her fur, and ensures a thorough shampooing.

Mix a little shampoo with another jug of warm water, and rub it thoroughly into your dog’s fur. Start off with her back and rub it into a good lather (but don’t be too harsh!)

Now you can move on to her head and face. Be very careful here – dogs’ eyes are sensitive too, and if you get any water in her ears, she’ll probably get an ear infection. (You can plug her ears with a small twist of cotton wool to help stop this from happening, if you like.)

Remember to clean under her tail before you wash her off – dip the sponge into the shampoo mixture to do this properly.

Now it’s time to rinse: using the jug and some clean, warm, shampoo-free water, carefully tip it all over her and use your fingers to help disperse the lather from her coat. Rinse her off thoroughly at least twice, since any residue that remains will irritate her skin.

Now you’ll need to dry her off: if she’s got short fur, you can use a towel (an old one will do just fine, although big dogs generally need two); for dogs with longer fur, give her a gentle toweling-off first, and then use a hair dryer to get rid of the last dampness. Be certain that it’s set on low heat, and hold it far away from your dog’s fur to prevent burning either the skin or the fur.

KEEP YOURSELF CALM

Remember that most dogs have an inherent dislike of being bathed, which can cause anxiety and even outright panic.

Your dog takes a lot of her emotional cues from you, so make sure you act like a good role model for the occasion. Reassure your dog frequently, keeping your voice well-modulated, low, and even; keep your movements slow and deliberate; praise her lavishly for good behavior, and give her a couple of treats throughout the process to make it more enjoyable for her.

The more she enjoys the process, the easier it’ll be for you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Grooming your dog is just one tiny aspect of maintaining overall health and happiness. For a complete, encyclopedic survival guide to all aspects of dog health, from preventative care to choosing a vet to doggie First Aid (even the canine Heimlich maneuver!), you should take a look at The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.

A survival guide for knowledgeable, effective, and life-saving dog care, this manual keeps your dog’s health and wellbeing firmly within your control – which is exactly where you want it to be.

It can’t hurt to look.



Dog tips!

Doggie, Want to Go For a Walk? asked:


My dog used to bite his paw and the white hair around turned pink. I started giving him yogurt every day and after about 2 weeks, his fur that has been growing in has stayed white rather than pink. (the pink is from red yeast growing in wet fur).

I am sure it’s the yogurt as nothing else has changed. Has anyone else experienced and improvement in your dog’s health as a result of feeding yogurt or anything else you were told was good for your dog?

Dog tips!