Benefits of Regular Grooming

Grooming your dog offers an ideal opportunity to also check its nails, teeth, ears and eyes, and to check for any lumps or scabs which may have developed since last time. Many dogs do not visibly need grooming on a regular basis except when they are shedding their coat. However, some breeds of dogs require extensive grooming on a regular basis to avoid widespread knotting of the hair and possible sores on the skin. You must think about how much time you are prepared to spend doing this before you choose what breed of dog to buy.

Grooming Requirements Differ between Breeds

Long-haired breeds will need grooming every day to avoid build up of knots and tangles. These include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands and Bearded Collies Breeds such as the Standard Poodle do not shed their coat, which means their hair needs to be cut to keep it in check. This does not mean that they do not need grooming however. Breeds such as Irish Setters and Springer Spaniels have what is called 'Silky' hair. This means that the dead hair has to be removed by hand. Otherwise, the hair will become matted and the dog will develop sores if left unchecked. Getting your dog used to grooming at a young age is especially important with breeds that do require a lot of work. The most time-consuming are wire-haired breeds like the Schnauzer. Their coats will need to be hand 'stripped' at least twice a year. In addition, their coats need to be groomed as often as is possible.

First Steps

The first stage in grooming is to vigorously run your hands through the dog's hair. Not only does this acclimatize your dog to the feeling of being groomed, but it will also show you which areas need the most attention. Run your hands all over the dog - including behind the ears and under the belly. Your dog is likely to really enjoy this invigorating feeling, and it also helps to stimulate the natural oils of the skin.

After this, you can begin to use the grooming tools, which may be different depending on what breed you have. You will usually need a good strong comb (its best to use a metal one), a pair of scissors, and a comb with sharp edges instead of prongs. Special areas to attend to include the hair behind the ears, the hair around the genitals, the hair along the muzzle and the hair between the toes.

Bathing Your Dog

If you are planning on bathing your dog, you should groom it first. This is because the shampoo will not get through the whole coat unless you have removed matting first. You should not bath your dog more often than necessary, since shampoos will remove the natural oils that protect your dogs skin and hair. When shampooing, you should not use everyday soaps or cleaners.

You can get advice about dog shampoos from your vet or from good stockists. Dog shampoos produce less lather, which is very useful if your dog does not like being rinsed! If your dog experiences any skin reaction after bathing, consult your vet about the shampoo you are using - you may need to purchase a medicated shampoo.

If you are not taking your dog to a professional groomer (who will usually bath your dog for you), you can use your bath at home. Be sure to put a non-slip mat in the bath to prevent your dog from slipping and hurting itself. This also prevents scratching to the enamel. When your dog is secure in the bath, gently introduce the water. This is best by use of an extendible shower head.

The water should be warm, and avoid spraying the water straight at his face, ears or genitals. Wet the dog all over, talking to and massaging your dog as you go. Next introduce the shampoo, working from the top of the body down and finishing at the face. Dog shampoo will probably not sting the dog's eyes but you should still be careful.

When you are sure your dog is thoroughly covered in shampoo, it is time to start rinsing. Again, start from the top. When you are sure that all shampoo has been removed, switch off the water and squeeze the hair with your hands to remove the excess. Do this before the dog gets out of the bath! Then give your dog a good rub down with an old towel to remove excess dampness. If your dog can tolerate a hairdryer, be sure not to put it too close to the skin. If not, then you will need a couple more towels.

How did it go?

To finish off the process, give the hair a brief run through with a good brush. The hair should be soft and silky, and free of matting and knots. If you find that this process is too stressful for you or your dog, you can hire a professional to do it. You may even be able to get enough tips from them to be confident of trying it again next time round.

By Karen Peak

Basically bred for hunting and killing vermin, Terrier dogs are now known to offer wide spectrum of features and characters that you might find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not be as intelligent like other breeds but they set off these lacks with various things that only they can offer.

Let us discuss in brief some of the terrier dog types that you may find interesting...

Less aggressive but definitely not timid. This best describes Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are definitely alert and very spirited, but when the call for steadiness arrives, they are sure to show you some air of confidence and steady disposition.

This dog type too is gifted with intelligence which makes them very responsive with obedience training.

Parson Russell Terrier is a dog type that exhibits boldness, cleverness, affection and exuberant disposition. While many may find this a playful pal, it is still not advisable for everyone to take Parson Russell home. In fact, formal obedience training is a must for owners since this dog type is more likely to display mischievousness and too much playfulness that make this a very independent pet. For people with active lifestyles and those who can tolerate explorative disposition, this scamp is the best for you.

The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, is a type of dog that resulted from breeding small Terriers with other smaller breeds, possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Maintenance of Norwich Terrier is minimal and they are content with modest living quarters. They have active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. Additionally, they are also known to display stocky and happy personalities which make them ideal pals.

Much like the Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers are also well-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for game. While both may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears.

Basically workman-like dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which was originally black during puppyhood.

Wire Fox Terriers are of great interest since they display power through its excellent endurance capabilities and speed. Alertness and quick movements are the dominant expressions of this dog type. It is advisable though that the owner trains this dog and should be given enough doses of daily exercises.

Meanwhile, Smooth Fox Terriers are the frolic and lively types of dogs that are ideal in both country and city living. Displaying intelligence and cleverness, this dog makes good trainees and must be well credited by that. They are also likely to show great affection towards their owners.

These are just some of the many terrier dog types that can be considered as your next pets. In general, this dog type has good dispositions and makes ideal home pets. While some may display obscure aggressiveness, this still does not negate the fact that most types have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dog types in this breed can be very playful and should be given enough amount of attention and time during obedience training and exercises.

By: Gustavo Wilcox

Are you considering bringing a dog into your home, but just can't decide which one best suits you? Get some help making this important decision with this personalized guide. It's simple: You provide us with some answers about your preferences, and in return we'll match you with a list of dog breeds, in ranked order, that best meet your requirements.

Dog beds come in so many shapes and sizes, how do you know which is the best one for your dog? With so many beds to choose from, and so many things to take into consideration, here are tips to consider before making your purchase…

Selecting the right dog bed is important because it is where your dog calls home. Your favorite pet will spend a great deal of time sleeping, relaxing and resting in his dog bed so finding one that suits him well will help to make him more comfortable in his new home.

Some owners already have an idea of what they are looking for in a dog bed, but other owners are unsure of even where to begin looking for one. While it may seem as easy as just going to a local store and selecting a bed, there are actually a large variety to consider, and with this comes a variety of different factors to take into consideration before purchasing a bed.

Pet Size
There are a large variety of dog breeds from very small to extra large and with this comes a wide variety of different dog bed sizes available. One of the most important factors to consider when selecting one is the size of your dog. Although you might simply think a small dog will need a small bed and a large dog will need a larger one, it isn’t always this simple. Remember that if you are looking at the same bed in two different sizes, it is quite possible that the larger bed will cost a substantial amount more than the smaller bed, simply because it costs more for the extra materials.

Often small dogs like to feel snuggly and warm while large dogs will most likely want to stretch out. With this in mind small dogs often feel most comfortable in a bed with bumpers that they can snuggle up against at night. On the other hand, large dogs would be extremely uncomfortable in a bed with borders and will instead be most comfortable on a flat feather pillow bed.

Pet Health
Orthopedic dog beds are available that add extra support for older pets or pets with joint injuries, such as hip problems, disc problems, knee problems or are just old and have trouble getting around. Most orthopedic beds are made from similar materials as human orthopedic beds, with high-density foam that allows for extra support on the joints and makes it much easier to go from sitting to standing.

Remember that because you will be paying for extra padding and extra support, the cost of an orthopedic bed is likely to be substantially more expensive than a regular dog bed. As well, you may have to special order an orthopedic bed from the pet store or through your local vet.

Choice of Fabric
Believe it or not, dog beds are available in canvas, denim, fleece, cotton, suede and even upholstery material. Your choice of fabric will be dependent on the type of dog you own and the climate you live in. For dog owners with a long-haired dog or an outdoor dog like a Siberian Husky, you will want to select a cool cotton or canvas, so they won’t overheat while staying inside the house.

For owners of small or short haired dogs that might get cold more easily, you should look towards a warmer material that will help keep them warm year round. A great choice for these dogs would be a fleece, suede or even couch like upholstery material.

You may also want to consider a bed cover that is machine washable, especially if you have a dog that sheds a great deal or that gets dirty easily. You may also want to consider a fabric that can be washed easily without fading or shrinking.

Location of the Bed
Where you plan on placing the dog bed in your home is probably the most important factor when selecting one. Consider whether the dog likes to sleep in the owner’s bedroom, in a spare bedroom, in a crate in the kitchen or in the living room. Remember to select a location that is large enough for the dog’s bed, but that will also make them feel safe at night.

Although it may seem silly, you will also want to consider the location of a bed so that you can purchase one that matches your interior decorating. Purchasing a red dog bed and putting it in a green and black room might be a bit of an eyesore. Find something that blends in well, if at all possible.

Keep in mind that if you will have a dog that will be crated at nighttime, there are specific crate beds, which are long and can easily be placed in the crate to provide your dog with comfort while they sleep at night.

Price
One price does not fit all when it comes to beds for dogs. Similar to human beds, there are a variety of different brands and costs. Believe it or not, there are even designer and luxury dog beds available! These will offer extra cushioning, extra support and extra room. Many of them actually resemble a couch while others look similar to a human bed. Some designer dog beds that are specially ordered will even be personalized with the dog’s name.

Because of the wide range in dog beds, there is a large fluctuation in as well. Owners can select a basic one for around $20-$30 for a small dog and $50-$60 for a large dog, all the way up to designer or luxury dog beds that can run as high as $150-$250.

When author Richard Livitski isn't busy catching up on his own sleep, he's busy searching for more unique, cool and funny dog names for http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.

By Richard Livitski

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Wysong develops state of the art, nutraceutically enhanced natural dog food, cat food, ferret and horse foods and pet supplements with a view to long term prevention and staving off the long-latency diseases pets often fall victim to.

Wysong pet products have been fed to tens of thousands of pets through multiple generations for thirty years with remarkable health benefits.

The Chihuahua is energetic and loving. Chihuahuas are often seen licking their owners face and while they love to give affection they also love to receive it. Most Chihuahuas will bond with their owner and be wary of strangers and other animals. If you want your Chihuahua to get along good with people and animals you should socialize him from an early age and be sure he's handled by lots of people. Chihuahuas do seem to like other Chihuahuas however, so if you want more than one pet you might consider getting two Chihuahuas! As you might imagine Chihuahuas need to be weary of other moving objects as they are so tiny and can easily be hurt. For this reason Chihuahuas and small children are not a good mix. The Chihuahua, although he may seem feisty, is very delicate and can easily hurt by a small child that doesn't know any better. Although Chihuahuas are very smart they may be a little difficult to train especially when it comes to housebreaking. Many owners simply paper train them or you could use a dog litter box as they are tiny enough to make this worthwhile. But being as they are intelligent they can learn many tricks and obedience if you take the time to train them with positive reinforcement. Chihuahuas, or any dog for that matter, do not respond well to yelling and hitting and this should never be used as a method of training. The Chihuahua can be a bit noisy and is also aggressive even for its tiny size. As you can imagine a larger dog may seem very threatening to your tiny Chihuahua but he will stand up to it with great courage. Therefore you should protect your Chihuahua from such threats even if the other dog is friendly. Although Chihuahuas are tiny and they do make good apartment pets they do need some exercise. Playing with your Chihuahua and taking him for a walk will help him remain fit and in good health. When walking your Chihuahua it's best to use a harness as opposed to a collar said their tiny wind pipes can become crushed with a collar. Just remember, if it is cold out, please dress your Chihuahua in a sweater as these dogs do not take well to the cold.

Chihuahuas are long-lived for small dogs and can live up to 15 years with the proper care. Since their eyes are large care needs to be taken that they don't become damaged and Chihuahuas can also be prone to glaucoma and dryness of the eyes. Due to a short snout the Chihuahua can also be wheezy. You also need to be careful with these tiny dogs that you do not overfeed them and you do not feed them anything that is toxic as a little teeny bit of chocolate or fertilizer or anything toxic can have drastic results. Not to mention that a little bit of overfeeding can result in an overweight and unhealthy dog. The short coated dogs are easy to groom and care for and shed very little. You should brush your Chihuahua every week or so and give him a bath to keep them smelling great. Make sure to give your dog the appropriate vet care including yearly checkups and immunizations and you will have a loyal and affectionate friend  for many years to come.

By: Lee Dobbins

Always Have Drinking Water Available
Perhaps the most important thing to remember during the scorching days of summer is to keep water out for your dog to prevent dehydration. Fill the bowl whenever you see it’s empty. If you have a big dog or multiple dogs consider one of those devices that has a water reservoir that drips down into a dish. Just like human beings dogs need lots of water to stay hydrated in the heat.

Give Your Dog a Trim
Some dogs with longer hair can benefit from a trim during the summer. You don’t have to shave them bald. If you don’t want to do a full shave try cutting the long hairs on the belly and legs and clipping the hair inside the ears. Clipping hair in the ears can also help lessen moisture retention which can breed bacteria and infection. Trimming you dog can also help prevent hot spots, open sores which can be very painful for a dog.

Never Leave your Dog in a Car
Just like you would never leave your baby in a hot car, please don’t leave your dog in the car during the summer. Temperatures can soar above 120° Fahrenheit very quickly, and your dog may even die if you leave him out there too long. Leaving the window open is not an option either. Your dog may manage to get out, and the breeze is usually not enough to cool the car down sufficiently. If you cannot take your pup with you, then just leave him at home.

Leave your Dog in a Pen Rather than a Crate
Many of us have to leave our dogs during the day while we work. Instead of putting your canine companion in a crate for the day, try leaving him in a pen. A crate can be very close and stifling, whereas a pen allows for air flow and a little movement. If your house is constantly climate controlled this may not be an issue, but not everyone has central air.

Get Your Dog a Swimming Pool
Fido doesn’t need an Olympic sized pool, but he sure would like a wading pool! Even if your dog doesn’t like to swim, chances are he’ll love walking and lying in the water to cool down. And if you have a water-loving breed like a Labrador, well, good luck getting him out. There are expensive pools made "just for dogs", but Fido doesn’t care. Just get him the $15 plastic pool from the big box store and he’ll have a wonderful time and be cool as a cucumber to boot.

In Extreme Heat, Keep your Dog Indoors
Sometimes, if you live in certain parts of the country, the heat just gets to be too much for everyone. Above 95° Fahrenheit a lot of dogs have trouble coping, especially breeds originally intended for temperate climates. Sometimes you simply have to keep your dog indoors with air conditioning for the better part of the day.

The dog days of summer can be full of fun in the sun for everyone, but we have to take precautions as well. Make sure your canine companion doesn’t get dehydrated or overheated by following the tips above and using your common sense. Also, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the company of the most loyal friend you’ll ever have!

By: Ron Ayalon

In this fast paced world we live in, we, at times, have no choice but to do everything at a seconds notice and as quickly as possible in order to keep up with the pace of the rest of the planet. What we get for our loved ones during these times, in a lot of ways, determines how much love we have for our loved ones, based on whether or not we can take a second for ourselves to get something heartfelt and not just for appeasable reasons. Our pets should be no different, being loved ones, themselves! Dog treats and dog toys fall under the same categories as tennis bracelets and the newest fishing equipment for us. Do we buy dog treats and dog toys that resemble sticks and stones, or dog treats and dog toys that stimulate the natural instincts and senses of our furry friends? Do the dog treats and dog toys have any special benefits to our dogs? How much do we actually love our dogs?

Imagine the disappointment you would feel if, after dashing to your Christmas stocking to receive and embrace the long awaited bounty of it, you actually received a lump of coal! Well, this is how our dogs feel when we bring home dog treats and dog toys that don’t exactly tickle their fancies. Dogs, like people, can, will and do, after time, begin to prefer certain dog treats and dog toys above others. Who are we to deny them of such preferences? Of course, we care enough about our dogs to want to make sure they’re receiving the dog treats and dog toys that benefits their health above all things, but does this mean that these things have to be undesirable? Yes, some manufacturers do, indeed, produce dog treats and dog toys that meet all required specifications and requirements to improve and stabilize our dog’s health, so why not spend that couple of extra dollars to make sure our dogs enjoy our gifts to them. Making sure our dogs are healthy and remain as such proves, all in all, that we love our dogs, does it not? Then, how much more love does it show our dogs for us to not only buy them dog treats and dog toys that promote a healthy lifestyle, but also promotes our love toward their carnal instincts and natural senses? How much do we actually love our dogs?

If our dogs were able to shop for themselves, which dog treats and dog toys do you think they would probably buy for themselves? Companies that specialize in the manufacturing of dog treats and dog toys are well aware of the fact that dogs need certain dog treats and dog toys that are not only going to stimulate their basic senses, but also promote health by exercise. It may cost a little bit more, but since when do we base our love on price? It only seems right that if any person truly loves their dog, they’re going to take that extra step to pay that extra dollar to please their dog and not be too concerned with their wallet.

By Thierry Babineaux