Posts Tagged ‘care’
Caring For Dogs
Posted on: January 29, 2011
By David Beart
Anybody who decides to buy a dog has a responsibility to look after it. A healthy, well looked after animal doesn’t need a huge amount of work. But as a dog owner, you need to be aware of your responsibilities, because quite simply, dogs can’t do it themselves.
Think about how you care for yourself or the people who are close to you.
You:
• keep clean,
• eat,
• make sure your health needs are taken care of, and
• if you get sick or have an accident, you make sure they get the assistance that is needed.
If you can’t do this for your dog, don’t even consider getting one. And if you have one already and aren’t able to care for it properly, take steps to find someone who can and will care for it properly.
Dogs do dig and roll in sand and mud, and they often get ticks and fleas, and sometimes resultant skin conditions as well. But these problems can all be controlled by regular washing, as well as by treating the affected skin with proprietary products that get rid of ticks and fleas, and medication that clears up rashes. Dogs with allergic reactions might also need special diets or supplements that help avoid these problems.
But generally caring for dogs is a fairly simple task.
Dogs can get lots of diseases, but generally they don’t. If they do become off-colour and obviously ill, you’ll need to call in a veterinarian, just as you would call in a doctor if you got really sick.
You first visit to the vet will be to make sure your puppy gets the required inoculations. Usually a pup will be inoculated or vaccinated before being separated from its mother, but follow-up inoculations will need to be done later. Breeders and organizations that find homes for puppies and dogs will usually supply some sort of “passport”, health record card or vaccination certificate that indicates what is needed. This may also have space for a veterinary history, sterilization certificate, as well as a deworming schedule.
Regular deworming is essential because dogs can be infected by a range of internal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Diet is also extremely important, but today there are well balanced dog food products that are formulated to provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals a dog needs. You must just be sure to provide a proper diet at regular hours. Puppies are fed more frequently than adult dogs that usually have just two meals a day.
All dogs need somewhere clean and preferably comfortable to sleep. You will need to decide whether your dog sleeps inside or outside, although be warned that some breeds become miserable if left outdoors. Some dogs will also bark constantly if left outside, even if you provide them with a kennel. Some dogs simply won’t sleep in a kennel.
Dogs also need regular exercise, and they should be groomed regularly, especially those with long coats. The environment your dog lives in will determine to a large extent whether it gets fleas or ticks. If you keep the dog clean, and use a dip or a proprietary treatment (usually applied to the back of its neck), you can control these external parasites with very little effort.
Some dogs are prone to skin conditions and you should be aware if you dog scratches a lot. If you find reddish spots, or hot spots where there is no hair and the skin seems to ooze, visit your local veterinarian and get something to treat it with.
Also check their eyes and ears regularly. Remove any discharge from eyes and if it persists, visit your vet. Dogs’ ears produce wax just like ours do, and you may need to remove it. But be gentle and don’t probe into the ear. A dog that scratches its ears frequently might have an ear infection of some sort, or possibly mites in the ears. Again, a vet will be able diagnose the problem and tell you what to use to get rid of it.
We clip or file our nails, and we usually have to clip dogs’ nails too. The exception is when a dog has plenty of exercise on a hard surface that wears the claws away naturally. You will need specially designed clippers, available from most pet shops, to be able to clip your dog’s claws. Be careful not to remove too much of the claw because if you cut into the quick, it will bleed and be painful.
As dogs get older they may need special care, for example if their eye sight begins to fail or they begin to go deaf. Remember that even old dogs need exercise, although not as much as younger animals. You should also change their diet and buy a dog food intended for old dogs.
Above all, remember that dogs need love and companionship which they will usually return a thousand fold.
About the Author: David Beart is the owner of the PetYak. Our site covers pet related topics such as dog information, cat health, birds and tropical fish.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=390738&ca=Pets
By Donna Boras
Aging dogs that are happy and comfortable are a beautiful sight. It means that someone has done an excellent job of taking care of their dog and made his life worthwhile; it says very good things about the dog’s owner.
Arthritis in dogs is common as they age, they suffer from the same inconveniences that old humans do: Their joints get stiff, energy levels diminish, their hearing lessens and eyesight becomes less acute. Dog incontinence may also be a problem in old dogs. Fortunately a dog’s sense of smell seems to be most resistant to aging changes.
There are many products in today’s world to make your aging dog more comfortable.
Caring for Older Dogs
An Old dog appreciates a warm, comfortable bed. An orthopedic bed is a good choice, they provide maximum support and are specifically made to cushion joints and bones. For arthritic dogs this is ideal and they are available in various styles. For added comfort consider a heated dog bed, bed warmer or a heated blanket for your aging best friend. The combination of a supportive bed and heat will have a very therapeutic affect on your dog. Place the bed in an area free of drafts.
Choose food for an elderly dog carefully. Older dogs tend to put on extra pounds because of reduced activity and they burn calories less efficiently. They do best on fewer calories because they use less energy. But do not reduce the amount of food for your aging dog; just choose lower-calorie foods. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on diet and a vitamin/mineral regimen based on your dog’s health. It may make a difference to his energy level. Be sure your senior dog has plenty of water at all times. Older dogs can become dehydrated more easily then younger ones.
Exercise is important but do not over tax your best buddy. Let him smell the flowers or the “fire hydrant.” Short walks several times a day, rather than one long one may be a good idea.
Regular checkups are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and health checkups, pay special attention to dental care. He is likely to lose some teeth and may develop bad breath. Keep his teeth clean and free of plaque build up and have his teeth routinely checked. This will decrease the chance that he will develop serious problems, such as heart disease resulting from tooth decay or gum disease.
Incontinence is sometimes a problem for old dogs. The causes are many. Do not scold him for something that is not his fault. Do see your veterinarian, it may be treatable. A temporary way of dealing with urination caused by incontinence is the use of doggy diapers and training pads to eliminate those messes in your home. Diapers for dogs are available is several sizes and styles designed for male and female dogs. Training pads may be placed under your dog to protect carpet, furniture and his bed.
Finally, good grooming for your senior dog is useful. Brush daily to keep the coat healthy and to discover any problems such as dry skin, sore spots, body odor, fleas and ticks. Check your dog’s ears for odor or discharge produced by infection.
Genetics do play a part. Generally speaking; small dogs (20 lbs) live longer and don’t show signs of aging until around 12 years of age. While with medium sized dogs (20 – 50 lbs), the affects of aging will be seen around 10 years. For larger breeds (90 lbs and up) aging generally begins to show around 8 years of age. There are exceptions to this, of course. With advances in geriatric veterinary care, good nutrition and excellent care for aging dogs, the process of aging may be slowed down.
About the Author: Donna Boras is the webmaster of http://dog-beds-n-beyond.com and a life long dog lover. For more information on orthopedic dog beds – http://www.dog-beds-n-beyond.com/orthopedicdogbeds.html heated dog beds – http://www.dog-beds-n-beyond.com/heateddogbeds.html and
advice on caring for your dog and product review.Copyright Dog-Beds-n-Beyond. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full as long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.
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Designer Dogs And Pampered Dogs
Posted on: January 29, 2011
By Donna Boras
What are designer dogs? The biggest trend in dogs isn’t purebreds, but specially created hybrids (puggles, pookimos, Jack-a-bees). Dogs that fall under the designer category include boxers, doxies, dachshunds, beagles, poodles, and more. The list of what is considered to be a hybrid is long; however; if your pet doesn’t make it on this list, it doesn’t mean that he is not a designer dog. This descriptive name also refers to pampered pets and any pet can be treated like royalty.
Pampering your dog has become a very popular trend, and shows no sign of slowing down. Treating your dog as one of the family and providing a better life for your best friend is no longer a novelty or luxury but a lifestyle.
Hollywood’s Influence on Dog Fashions
You have probably seen the pampered pooches many celebrities of the moment are sporting like the latest accessories. Often seen carrying their toy sized dogs at red carpet events or just out on the town for the evening. Since American life can reflect Hollywood trends, being accompanied by a dog has become a fashion statement.
Spending for Upscale Dog Products and Services
There are about 73 million pet dogs in the United States. Mans best friend is the most popular pet with 43.5% of US households owning a dog. The American Pet Manufacturers Association estimates that in 2007 pet owners spent $41 billion on their furry friends. High-end and luxury product account for a growing percentage of the total spent on posh pooches.
Sales of dietary supplements and healthcare products formulated specifically for pets have benefited as well. With more families seeing their dog as a member of the family and deserving of the attention and care this entails coupled with the increase in the number of older and overweight dogs.
This trend continues in other parts of the world such as Canada and the UK. In the UK 11% of the people said they would re-mortgage their home to pay for a vital vet bill! There is no question we have gone to the dogs.
Designer Dog Carriers
The world of doggy fashions does cater to the small dog. Handbags for ladies to carry their beloved friends wherever they go. A dog tote bag for every occasion from casual to very elegant with designer tags attached. These carriers are not only attractive but functional in styles such as over the shoulder, purse designs and hands free front and backpacks.
Dog Beds
Chances are your four legged friend’s secret obsession is a comfy bed to dream on. Dogs love to laze around on an extra cushiony and snuggly bed. There is no shortage of designs where fashion meets functionality that will cater to the style conscious canine, no matter what breed you own. Designer and fancy dog beds and furniture are abundant with seriously supportive padding and luxurious fabric choices that will complement your home decor.
“Canine couture” is the new buzz word in the doggy fashion world. Designer doggy wear for every occasion from casual to the most formal, casual parkas, active wear, backpacks, hats, hiking boots, sun visors, evening wear, faux furcoats, jewelry, fancy dog collars,leads and footwear. Your haute hound will need a walk-in closet to accommodate all these clothes and accessories.
Here is a rundown of the hot trends:
1. Bridal registries for high end doggy items.
2. Some hair care giants have launched lines of pet grooming products.
3. Gourmet pet treats.
4. Exclusive hotel chains welcome small dog and pamper them with gourmet meals, plush beds and spa style treatments.
5. Doggie daycare is not just a bowl of food served in a kennel. Pets are now treated to exercise and training programs.
6. Pet spas are replacing a simple shampoo and clip with full salon treatments, including hair conditioning, highlights, nail color and care, massage and body treatments.
In summary, the pet care industry has experienced growth every year, which happily has provided a greater variety and better quality of merchandise for your designer dogs. Browse the virtual shelves, you might just find something that your four legged friend can’t live without.
About the Author: Donna Boras is the webmaster of
http://www.dog-beds-n-beyond.com/bestdogbed.html
and a life long dog lover. For more information on designer dogs, designer dog carriers, advice on caring for your dog and dog product reviews please visit our website.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=259989&ca=Pets
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