Take your Best Shot at Dog Care

May 30th, 2009 by Thomas

Dog care includes vet care, which includes regular dog vaccinations, right? That’s what good dog parents have always done, haven’t they? They take their dogs for vet dog care check ups and make sure dog vaccinations are up to date.

Well, that may be what good dog parents have done in the past, but times are changing. Or they’ve already changed.

Barking, uh, breaking news: All 27 North American veterinary schools are changing their dog vaccination protocols. Good dog care no long requires regular dog vaccinations.

Here’s why:

Dog immune systems are fully mature by the time a dog is six months old. If a vaccine (which is a live virus given in a dose that activates the dog’s immune system for that virus), is given after the dog is six months old, the immunity produced by that vaccine lasts for the rest of the dog’s life.

According to veterinary specialists, if another dog vaccination is given a year later (or at other regular intervals as we’ve been told our dogs need), the antibodies from the first vaccine will wipe out the antigens from the second vaccine. In other words, the second vaccine will have very little to no effect at all. There is no “boost” given by the second dog vaccination.

This is why regular dog vaccinations aren’t necessary. And not only is this kind of dog care unnecessary, it’s also risky. Annual dog vaccinations put a dog at risk of allergic reactions and an illness called immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia.

So when exactly should you get your dog vaccinations?

You don’t want to wait until your dog is six months old because your this puts your dog at risk. Although puppies do get antibodies from their mother’s milk, this natural immunity lasts only 8 to 14 weeks. During the first 8 weeks of a puppy’s life, the puppy shouldn’t be vaccinated because the immunity from his mom’s milk will neutralize the vaccine.

The best vaccination schedule, as outlined by veterinarians using this new dog vaccination protocol, is a series of vaccinations given at 8 weeks, then another set once a month up until 16 weeks (4 months) of age. After that, another set of vaccinations should be given after 6 months of age (veterinarians usually suggest waiting until your dog is a year old).

This last dog vaccination is all your dog needs then for the rest of her life. These early vaccinations provide lifetime immunity.

So how’s that for good news? Good dog care no longer requires regular dog vaccinations. You’ll be providing your dog better dog care if you don’t get regular vaccinations. And you’ll be saving a little money too on dog care.

Better Steps For Proper Dog Care

May 30th, 2009 by Thomas

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.

Dog Care Products For The Long Haired Dog

May 28th, 2009 by Thomas

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.

Has anyone ever taken their dog to the PetSmart or Petco dog training classes? Did you like them?

May 25th, 2009 by Thomas

Which one is better? Is your dog still exhibiting training?

Benefits of Dogs

May 25th, 2009 by Thomas

Dogs are wonderful creatures and are favoured by millions all over the world for their good company, working ability or any number of the other reasons dogs are used for work or companions all around the world on a daily basis.

Discussing the benefits of dogs is a big topic and I’m sure there will be thousands of you wanting to comment on your personal experiences and bring these situations to light for all others to be persuaded to switch to owning a dog and caring for a new canine friend, but as this is not possible I’ll go through some of the more popular reasons for owning a dog and why it makes people happier.

The first is a sense of security, if you live alone or are alone wile other are at work or otherwise engaged then a pet for the feeling of being safe and secure is more then enough to make thousands if not millions of people want a dog.

With security comes a friend, and a constant need for your love and affection. Some people love to play with their dog and like to have them keep them company, humans bond especially well with dogs witch is where the saying ‘mans best friend’ comes from. Without a pet of some kind, life can be quite lonely and dull. Dogs bring a lot of excitement and interests to households, causing a feeling of happiness and comfort.

Dogs are also used on farms and security type jobs, although these dogs often seem vicious and angry in their job, in most cases they are loyal, well trained, obedient dogs coming from friendly protective and affectionate breeds.

These reasons are just a glimpse of what dogs are all about and to really understand the happiness or excitement effects a dog can have on you, you have to own your own canine friend. If you have time to give and are educated about the different commitments dogs need then acquiring a dog will be one of the best things you ever did.

Dog Traiing – Stray Dogs

May 25th, 2009 by Thomas

Hundreds if not thousands of stray dogs are found each year around the world with no one in sight and nowhere to go. These dogs are often in great danger whether it’s because of neglect on the owners’ behalf, or because of unforeseen circumstances causing the dog to become lost and scared.

What can be done in these situations can be a tricky choice, and a choice that will need to be done quickly. Simply driving past a suspected stray dog on the side of the road could end in the death of the dog minutes later.

What to do when you find a stray dog is different in almost every case, but there are guidelines to follow to help save the life of a scared stray, and put the mind of the loving owner at ease.

To begin you should always be aware that the dog in question may be very aggressive due to being scared, lost, and possibly very hungry, so approach with care. If you feel the dog is not a violent one then you should still be very careful not to startle or scare the dog in any way, a scared dog could easily run onto a busy road or dangerous area.

A good way to reassure the dog you are not there to harm them and to get them close is to use a strong smelling food such as tuna or other dog favourites as well as speaking gently and calmly to the dog.

When you finally get the dog under control and have no fears of aggressive behavior, reassuring the dog by stroking and talking to them will make it easier for others to deal with them. If you have leash or any other form of dog control with you then try and secure the dog with them, still being careful not to scare the dog.

When you have successfully captured the dog or if you have had other problems making it difficult to capture then you should phone for help from the local animal care or control authority to ensue the correct procedures are met and the safety of the animal will be secure.

Dog Care Tips : How to Give Your Dog a Massage

May 23rd, 2009 by Thomas

Give your dog a gentle massage by applying firm but gentle pressure starting across the bridge of the nose and then working to the ears, neck, down the back and then across the legs. Relax your dog and relieve arthritis or joint pain with a massage using instruction from a veterinarian in this free video on dog massage. Expert: Dr. James Talbott Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge…

Dog Training – How To Get Your Dog To Take His Meds

May 22nd, 2009 by Thomas

Easy way to get your dog to take his meds or vitamins without shoving them down your dog’s throat or getting your hands all gooey making a meatball. Don’t forget to rate this video, leave comments and subscribe to my channel. You can also get my FREE ebook “101 Ways To Improve Your Dog’s Behavior” at: http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com/ (more)

Dog Care Tips : How to Treat Dog Mange

May 18th, 2009 by Thomas

Treating dog mange requires visiting a veterinarian in order to get a variety of ointments or injectable anti-parasitics. Find out how different types of mange can cause a variety of skin conditions and infections with information from aveterinarian in this free video on dog care. Expert: Dr. James Talbott Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

Dog Care Basics

May 17th, 2009 by Thomas

As a pet owner, is it your job to ensure that you are giving good basic dog care to your pet? As a member of your family, you want your him or her to live a long and healthy life. Making sure that they are taken care of a good way to make that want a reality.

One part of basic dog care is dog grooming. It’s important not just for the look and smell of your four legged friend to keep him or her groomed but for his or her health too. Brushing your pooch every day will keep his or her coat smooth and shiny and can help him or her to avoid having dry and flaky skin as well, as brushing distributes natural oils in your pet’s fur. You also want to make sure that you are either trimming your pet’s nails yourself or having them professionally trimmed. If you don’t, your furry friend could have harmful growths on his or her feet that can cause him or her pain. This should be done about twice per month.

Dog care also involves making sure you are doing your best to keep your pet’s teeth healthy and clean. You should brush your mutt’s teeth at least once a week, and more often if possible. There are numerous kinds of tooth brushes available for pets on the market. The best is the finger brush, which slips over your finger so you can simply rub your furry friend’s teeth and gums. It’s best to start oral hygiene on your pet at an early age not only to prevent tooth decay but also because the earlier you start, the more likely her or she will become used to it and will not mind having his or her teeth brushed.

Another part of dental dog care is making sure your faithful companion’s teeth stay strong. One great way to do this is to provide your pooch with raw bones. While cooked bones can splinter and damage your companion’s mouth and digestive system, raw bones are soft and actually provide an excellent source of calcium. Be careful though, raw bones can be very messy and should typically be given to your pooch outside where they can cause a mess without the hassle of clean up.

You will need to take special dog care pains in the summer months to keep your furry friend’s cool and prevent him from being dehydrated and get heat exhaustion. Make sure you provide plenty of water so your he or she can dehydrate him or herself after losing water due to sweating. You’ll also want to make sure if your companion lives outside that there is plenty of shade for him or her to get away from the heat. Dogs will use their instincts to protect themselves from the heat if you provide adequate shade and water.

There are also special dog care rules for cold months as well. One tip is to make sure that you’re getting your furry friend extra indoor exercise. Many pets do not get enough exercise in the months that their walks are shortened due to adverse weather conditions. Make sure your dog care routine includes lots of play during the winter months so your he or she will be exercised.

How much does dog training generally cost? Mainly for obedience?

May 17th, 2009 by Thomas

I’d like to know how much dog obedience training usually costs

Or even where I could personally learn how to train and influence my dog’s behaviors.

Thank you for helping

Dog Trainign – Dog Bad Breath

May 11th, 2009 by Thomas

Bad dog breath can be a bad problem for your dog and you, at times a dogs breath an be unbearable and make bonding with your dog a chore you’d rather avoid at all costs. This may not be due to your dog and more down to the care you have not realized that your dog should have.

Dog’s bad breath like most other dog symptoms can be the cause of many different issues separately or together, this makes the cause hard to diagnose without a proper examination from a professional dog carer or vet.

Common causes of dog bad breathe –

Maybe your dog is finding it hard to eat or swallow which can lead to dog’s bad breath and other illnesses that are related.

Saliva drooling from your dog’s mouth may also be a cause of bad dog breath, as more saliva gets built up in your dog’s mouth is makes it easier for bacteria to breed resulting in bad breath.

The last and most common form of bacteria build up is from not cleaning or not properly cleaning your dog’s teeth, this enables tartar to form and make the bad odor you are forced to smell day in day out.

Many believe that food choice and what you feed your dog is a problem when dog breath is concerned, as this may be true to an extent this is more of a temporary short term problem and the reason above is more likely to be the problem cause.

There are plenty of dental hygiene products available in pet shops and online, some work better than others on different dogs but you best bet is to clean your dog’s teeth regularly to stop the bacteria build up, this is where the problem begins and where you should target your efforts.

If you fear the problem has got too far to recover or damage or the gums and teeth is visible you should contact your vet as soon as possible for help and a proper diagnosis of your pet.

Dog Care & Training : How to Use a Dog Whistle to Stop Barking

May 10th, 2009 by Thomas

To use a dog whistle to stop barking, interrupt the dog from barking by distracting him or her from barking with the sound of the whistle and then rewarding quiet behavior with a treat. Consider training the dog to understand the “quiet” command to stop barking withtips from a dog trainer in this free video on dog obedience. Expert: Nancy Frensley Contact: www.berkeleyhumane.org Bio: Nancy Frensley is a certified pet dog trainer. Filmmaker: Sam Lee

Dog Training – The Secret To Loose Leash Walking

May 10th, 2009 by Thomas

Leash walking is one og the commands that dog owners have difficulty with. In this video I share a simple secret to leash walking. Please leave a comment and you can get a free ebook “101 Ways To Improve Your Dog’s Behavior.” Go to http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com

Detection dog training

May 7th, 2009 by Thomas

http://ponderosakennels.com/blog Scent detection training. Pat Nolan And Fly of PonderosaKennels.com working using Randy Hare’scent boxes. We offer pick and delivery service for our dog obedience, dog behavior problem solving and retriever training customers in the following Maryland cities and in the surrounding areas: Annapolis, Arbutus Arnold, Aspen Hill, Baltimore, Bel Air, North Bel Air South, Bethesda, Bowie, Carney, Catonsville, Chillum, Clinton, Colesville, Columbia, Crofton …

Dog Care Tips for Grooming Your Dog

May 5th, 2009 by Thomas

The best way is start grooming your puppy is when he first comes home with you, but if you have an adult dog who balks at grooming here are a few dog care tips.

The first time you bring out the nail clippers hold the clippers in your hand next to the dog’s paw and give him a treat with praise. The next time hold the dog’s paw and place his nail in the nail clipper but don’t cut. Again praise him and reward with treats. When the dog calmly accepts you holding his paw and bringing the clipper to his nail, and placing the nail in the clipper, then cut the nail quickly and confidently. Don’t be nervous because your dog will pick up on that emotion. Praise your dog and give him a treat.

Do this with the other dog grooming tools as well. The dog will associate being groomed with praise and treats. Keep your first grooming sessions short. Right before his dinner is a good time. Your dog will be alert and hungry which means he’ll be more motivated. He’ll start to associate grooming with dinner as well as treats.

Don’t lose your temper. Keep a smile on your face and the sessions as pleasant as possible.

Most dogs don’t mind having their teeth brushed and actually like it. If your dog struggles, use the same method with the toothbrush as you did with the nail clippers. Your first session, hold a treat in one hand and the toothbrush with a bit of dog toothpaste by his mouth. Give him the treat and lots of praise. Then gently lift his lip, again reward with a treat and praise. Finally lift his lip and gently scrub his side teeth. The dog should get a taste of the toothpaste and your struggles will be over. Don’t overdo the toothpaste, a little is enough.

Veterinarians say that the most common pet health care problem is their teeth. If your dog has tarter it could turn into a serious problem resulting in infection, loss of teeth, and at the very least, very bad breath. Tarter is that yellowish soon to turn brownish hard build up next to the gum line. Prevention by brushing is much easier than getting rid of tarter. Most of the time that means a professional cleaning and it’s expensive. Dogs don’t sit still to have their teeth cleaned like people do, so they have to be under a general anesthetic and that’s costly.

One method that seems to work with some dogs to get rid of a mild case of tarter is gently swapping their teeth with a piece of gauze soaked in medicinal strength (not hair bleach strength) hydrogen peroxide every day.

When brushing your dog’s coat, hold the hair with one hand on the skin side of a tangle and use the brush with your other hand to brush out the tangle. That way your dog won’t feel the pull of the brush as much. Use a people hair detangling spray to make the brushing even easier.

Use these dog care tips for grooming your dog and the sessions should be fun for both of you.

Do anyone know a website with free dog training?

May 3rd, 2009 by Thomas

I need a great site that gives free dog training to the owner so I can go step by step so I can know exactly what to do thanks people that help I appreciate it alot!

Would training for service dog be tax deductible?

May 2nd, 2009 by Thomas

Hello my wife is deaf and partially blind we are forking out almost 5k on service dog training. Does anyone know or can reference anywhere I can find out if this would be tax deductible? Also does anyone know if Hearing aides are tax deductible?