Top Dog Accessories for a Clean and Healthy Pet
By · CommentsThe pet accessories market has expanded significantly in recent years, making it confusing for pet owners to decide which accessories are essential or optional.
Enlightened consumers usually break down their purchases into three categories:
· Must have
· Nice to have
· Can have, provided it doesn’t break the budget
We can apply the same rule when buying accessories for our dog. The guiding theme should be: purchase only those accessories that will keep your pet clean and healthy. Unless you take your pet to dog shows regularly to show him off, you need buy only those products that will help him stay clean and healthy.
We have selected dog accessories that fall under the “must have” category:
Dog Beds
Your dog’s bed should provide adequate body support. Make sure that materials are hypoallergenic and that no toxic elements were used in the manufacturing of the bed. Choose a brand that will prevent bunching or shifting so that your dog’s comfort is ensured 100%.
A suggestion for a dog bed is one that has an exterior made of eco-friendly recycled cotton which is more gentle on your dog’s skin and is machine washable. You can also check if the product or brand has been endorsed by reputable veterinarian associations or dog health organizations.
Dog Tent
If you like to take your dog outdoors during extremely hot and cold weather, a portable tent that can be used outdoors, indoors and inside the van will come in handy and will protect your dog from the elements. It is an umbrella-like mechanism that props up at the flick of a button. A dog tent serves as an extension of your dog’s house or bed; most dog tents come with claw-proof windows made of soft mesh material and a “porch” in the front. This makes travelling with your dog easier, particularly when your car breaks down in extreme weather conditions and you’re waiting for help to come.
Pain Relief
If you have an older dog, their joints and muscles can suffer from pain and swelling. Obesity, seniority and a sedentary lifestyle can trigger arthritic symptoms. Note that young dogs can also have pain symptoms. Choose a product that is made mostly of natural ingredients and which has been tested for effectiveness.
A pain relief product for your dog is your “first aid” chest. Select a product that also has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Use it when your pet is injured and is bleeding, has swollen joints or itchy skin.
Bathing Products
If your pet is suffering from even the most minor of skin irritations, use gentle coat shampoos that will not have an abrasive effect on skin. You can choose a shampoo that not only cleans but also disinfects your pet against flea dermatitis or infestation including hives, hot spots, odours, ringworms, thrush, wounds and sunburn.
Thousands of pet owners prefer natural oatmeal preparations for their pet’s shampoo because it does not irritate dry skin. You may also buy shampoo and body wash products that will untangle hair and give it a good shine.
Grooming Accessories
You want a stripping comb that will cover large areas of hair to quickly remove loose and falling hair especially if your dog has a thick undercoat. You may also want to consider a lava stripping stone which helps eliminate dead hair to improve the look of your dog’s coat.
Ear and Mouth Wipes
Like humans, dogs are susceptible to dirt and wax build-up in their ears. There are ear wipes that are made with non-allergenic ingredients so that you need not worry about whether the wipes are safe and natural. You need a brand that is hypo-allergenic, is free from soap ingredients and by-products, contains no parabens, sulfates or artificial colours and are bio-degradable.
And dogs, like humans, can also have bad breath. Pet owners tend to overlook this; they become worried only when they kiss their dog and smell a foul odour. Enter mouth wipes. Choose mouth wipes that have been pre-moistened with botanical ingredients to keep your dog’s gums healthy and to give him or her fresher breath. Most mouth wipes are flavoured with peppermint for long lasting freshness.
Reflective Dog Collars
If your dog likes to wander around at night and has a dark coat, reflective dog collars are true life savers. Dog collars are inexpensive and are a good investment. Choose brands that are soft to the skin so they don’t hurt your dog’s neck, and collars that are odor-resistant.
Given recent innovations in pet products, you can now buy dog collars that are made with a special kind of material. There are some materials that have tiny invisible chamber holes to absorb water and to provide proper airing, preventing the formation of mildew.
Mike Cole
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/top-dog-accessories-for-a-clean-and-healthy-pet-741271.html
Vizsla Puppy And Dog Information
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This dog comes from Hungary where the word Vizsla actually means alert. This dog is known to be responsive and gentle. They do need a lot of exercise so a properly fenced in year, making note that they can jump high, would be ideal. They are generally good with other pets, dogs and well behaved children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Vizsla is 22.5 to 25 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 48.5 to 66 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Vizsla is no exception. Be on the look out for skin problems, epilepsy (common in dogs) and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Vizsla has a short, dense, and smooth easy to care for coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her nails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The Vizsla can live between 11 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Vizsla come from Hungary where they were used to hunt game birds. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1960.
Some Registries:
* Vizsla Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 6 to 8 Vizsla puppies
Category:: Sporting, Gundog
Terms To Describe: Distinguished, robust, drive, power, affectionate, companion, gentle, lively, sensitive, fearless.
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
They make a good watch dog.
Highly intelligent.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
They make a poor guard dog.
May need an experienced owner.
Can be difficult to housebreak.
Excellent jumpers so watch that fence.
*Other Names Known By: Hungarian Vizsla, Hungarian Pointer, Magyar Vizsla
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/vizsla-puppy-and-dog-information-94051.html
The Havanese is the National dog of Cuba. He was once called the Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle mainly because of the coat being like raw silk floss, profuse but extremely light and soft. In its native country of Cuba the coat was never clipped and the hair never tied into a topknot. The Cubans believed the hair falling over the eyes of the Havanese protected them from harsh sun.
The Havanese was brought to Europe in the 18th century where it found favor in the courts of Spain, France and England. By the mid-eighteenth century Queen Victoria owned two Havanese and Charles Dickens had one. In Cuba during this same time period the Havanese became the family dog, playmate of children, a watchdog, and herder of the family poultry flock.
Only a handful of Havanese found their way to the United States after the Cuban revolution. All the Havanese in the world today, except those from the iron curtain countries and those remaining in Cuba come from those 11 Havanese immigrants. Havanese type has remained almost unchanged from that of the dogs painted in the 18th century.
Health Problems of the Havanese
Cataracts in Havanese can develop early or late. They can cause blindness or be slow in growth and not progress to blindness. To date, all the early onset, blinding cataracts have been found in Havanese with chondrodysplasia.
Surgical correction of cataracts (removal) is best done before they become mature. For this reason, annual CERF exams are highly recommended for the Havanese.
Orthopedic abnormalities such as Chondrosysplasia are literally “faulty cartilage.” It can be manifested in a variety of ways:
• By premature closure of the growth plates of long bones either symmetrically or asymmetrically which can result in shorts legs (dwarfism0 that are straight or bowed either unilaterally or bilaterally.
• Chondrodysplastic Havanese dogs can also have legs of normal length but deviated unilaterally or bilaterally.
Treatment for Chondrosysplasia is surgical in cases where deviations are severe enough to interfere with function. Surgical treatment consists of straightening the leg.
Luxating patellas is also a concern in the Havanese breed. It is one of the defects that is considered genetic by the AKC. Surgical correction renders the Havanese ineligible to compete in conformation shows. It is also not recommended to breed a Havanese with luxating patellas as this can be passed into future generations.
Legg-Calve-Perthes results when the blood supply to the femoral head is interrupted resulting in avascular necrosis or death of the bone cells. This also is considered genetic and it is recommended that Havanese dogs affected with LCP not be used in breeding programs.
Treatment for LCP involves removal of the head of the femur and the femoral neck on the affected side.
The incidences of hip dysplasia in Havanese are not known because of the low numbers of dogs that have been checked.
There appears to be a significant number of heart murmurs showing up in the Havanese breed. Treatment of cardiac problems may include drugs, diet and/or surgery.
Deafness has been found in the Havanese breed. Deafness can be diagnosed in Havanese pups as young as 5 weeks of age by use of BAER testing. The incidence in Havanese is not known as testing has not been widespread or consistent.
Other conditions with lower incidences found in Havanese include, but not limited to, seizures, kidney dysplasia, hypothyroidism and skin problems including sebaceous adenitis.
All these problems can be screened in breeding dogs. While there is no guarantee that health problems will not crop up, good, reputable breeders can certainly tip the odds in their favor by screening their breeding dogs for health issues in order to make intelligent breeding decisions.
Connie Limon
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/an-overview-of-some-of-the-health-problems-common-to-the-little-havanese-dog-from-cuba-77522.html
Dog is a part of your family and it is your prerogative to take care of his entire needs. With the old age, dogs also go through the agony of arthritis like human being. This trouble is all the more prevalent among male dogs. In case of animals, it is hard to discover as dogs cannot complaint regarding the pain they experience. Some of the common symptoms of this are slow walking and inability to run, lazy behaviour, change in temperament and may even not like sleeping on the same bed. You have to closely notice in order to find any such symptoms in your pet, so that effective measures can be taken within due time to cure this disorder. A simple way to cope with this problem of your pet is to bring orthopedic dog bed for your pet. Here is all you should know about cheap dog beds .
First and foremost, you should seek advice from veterinarian who would give the most appropriate suggestions regarding your pet’s diet. He may recommend some medications, as well. He may also suggest you to spend some money for the well being of your dear dog and buy him an orthopedic dog bed. In any such situation take complete care of the fact that your dog gets proper rest and orthopedic dog bed is an amazing way to make him sleep better. These beds are quite firm and makes it easier for your pet to get in to and get out. Apart from dogs suffering from pain of arthritis, it is ideal for dogs that have gone through surgery, accidents or some other handicap. Orthopedic dog beds bring a reason to make most of their declining age. Never overlook the pain in the eyes of your dear and bring comfort in his hours of pain.
Orthopedic dog beds are made up of medical grade foam that is crafted for human beings suffering from the same issue. It is easily accessible through a large number of online and offline ways. If you can find a pet store near your home that offers orthopedic dog beds, then take your dog and let him decide. If not, search through online mode and keep the needs of your dog in mind while choosing a bed for your pet.
Mark Joness
http://www.articlesbase.com/shopping-articles/orthopedic-dog-beds-bring-therapeutic-comfort-to-your-suffering-pet-685948.html
Many canines need basic dog obedience training because, like humans, dogs are not born with manners. Some canines display aggressive dog behavior, while others are constantly barking or whining. Behavior problems in dogs are very common, so if you have an unruly dog, do not panic; you are not alone. A typical dilemma faced by dog owners is dog aggression. This, like many other bad dog behaviors, can be prevented. However, in order to stop dog behavior problems, you first need to be able to understand their underlying causes.
Correcting aggressive dogs calls upon you to discover the root of the aggression. Does you dog behave aggressively towards members of the family, strangers, or both? You must ask yourself this critical question. The answer will influence treatment of the problem.
If your pet only exhibits aggressive dog behavior in the presence of strangers, then you need to: learn how to socialize your dog and why socialization is the first, most important step of aggressive dog training. If your dog is aggressive towards family members, then you need to understand why resource guarding and dog pack behavior have a tremendous influence on your dog’s actions. A dog may also show aggression towards members of the family if he is mishandled or mistreated. It is important for each family member to learn what type handling/treatment can trigger aggression.
Aggressive dog training is a hard job to do without some form of help. Books on dog behavior are an excellent resource that can guide you through basic dog obedience training and help you learn how to stop dog behavior problems (for example, dog aggression). So, if you want to train your dog in the house and don’t want to spend a ton of money on training lessons, then a book on dog behavior is an excellent investment!
Five Suggestions you need to start correcting aggressive dogs:
- Bring your puppy to meet a bunch of different people and expose him to new surroundings.
- Give your puppy lots of physical contact so he can get used to being handled.
- Show your dog that it is you who rules the coop.
- Obedience training lessons should never be too long, inconsistent, or sporadic.
- Reward your dog with treats or attention when he obeys you, and seclude him when he fails to.
J. Walden
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/5-ways-to-stop-dog-aggression-aggressive-dog-training-exposed-749240.html
Is Your Dog At Risk Of Canine Influenza?
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Canine influenza is a fairly recent addition to the list of things we have to worry about when it comes to our dogs. Although the widespread epidemic of suggested by the media does not exist, it is certainly a disease that is spreading and that we should be aware of if we live or work with dogs.
It was discovered in Florida during research into the causes of kennel cough amongst greyhounds, and is thought to be a variation of horse influenza. It is an airborne disease and is most likely to be found where many dogs are housed in close proximity to each other. Roughly 16% of dogs who are exposed to the disease develop symptoms, and of these cases, about 6% prove fatal.
The symptoms of canine influenza are a high fever, coughing and sneezing, a runny nose, excessive lethargy or depression and a lack of appetite. Of course, many other illnesses are characterised by coughing and sneezing so you shouldn’t immediately assume your dog has influenza, but if you are concerned you should consult your veterinarian, particularly of your dog’s temperature reaches 106 degrees.
Canine influenza is a virus and therefore does not respond to antibiotics. In severe cases, the damage to the respiratory system leads to a secondary pneumonia infection, and it is this that usually causes deaths. Pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics and a high fluid intake, so the number of fatal cases of influenza can be reduced. Research into a vaccine for canine influenza is currently in progress, but it may not be available for another couple of years.
If you are planning on leaving your dog in kennels you should check their policy on respiratory infections. Ask whether they isolate any dog that develops an infection, whether it is influenza or something less harmful such as kennel cough. Also make sure that they will inform you if your dog has come into contact with another dog with a respiratory infection.
A recent case in Pittsburgh saw the high quality boarding facility, Misty Pines, temporarily closed because thirty of their dogs developed canine influenza. None of the dogs died and the facility was reopened once the infection had run its course. Canine influenza is only infectious for ten days and has an incubation period of two to five days so it is perfectly safe for dogs to board there again now the infection has gone.
Although the infection is more common in places where dogs are grouped together, you shouldn’t let this put you off buying a dog from a shelter. You will, however, want to check the shelter’s policy on new arrivals. Do they isolate them for the first few days to ensure they don’t have the infection? If you already have a dog at home, you may want to keep your new pet separate from them for a few days just to be on the safe side.
Canine influenza does not pose any risk to humans as they cannot become infected. However it is believed that humans can carry the virus on their hands, clothes and shoes so you should be aware of this. In some cases it is believed that employees of dog shelters or kennels have transmitted the virus to their own dogs in this way.
Although canine influenza is clearly an issue that you should be aware of, and take precautions against, you should not let it stop your dog from living life as usual. And you should not stop using your usual pet facilities. If you want to find out about any outbreaks of the virus in your area contact your local veterinarian or the state veterinary medical association, who will be able to give you local information and some peace of mind.
Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/is-your-dog-at-risk-of-canine-influenza-124408.html
Bouvier des Flandres Puppy And Dog Information
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The Bouvier des Flandres makes a great family pet for those who would like to have a watch dog and guard dog combination. She can be relatively inactive indoors and can be exercised via many walks. A better situation for her is a properly fenced in exercise area. She is good with other dogs and pets, especially if she has been socialized with them early on. She is generally good with children but may have a problem with their friends. Just as a reminder, never leave young children alone with any puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Bouvier des Flandres ranges from 24 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 75 to 90 pounds and the females run from 22 to 27 inches to the withers and 60 to 80 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Bouvier des Flandres is no exception. Be on the look out for bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat.
Also be aware of canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), Laryngeal Paralysis (muscular narrowing of the airway especially during exercise) and eye problems. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Bouvier des Flandres has a rough coat with a dense undercoat that requires plenty of attention. She needs to be brushed regularly, bathed infrequently and trimmed professionally several times a year. The pads of her feel will need to be trimmed also.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. When you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
*Life Span. The Bouvier des Flandres can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Bouvier des Flandres originated from Flanders, Belgium around the sixteenth century. They were bred to drive cattle and pull carts. The name Bouvier means driver of oxen. They were almost lost during World War I. They came to the United States around 1930. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1931.
Some Registries:
*American Bouvier des Flandres Club.
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 5 to 10 Bouvier des Flandres puppies
Category: Herding.
Terms To Describe: Intelligent, trainable, powerful, agile, bold, spirited, fearless, alert, brilliant, well behaved, serene, calm, gentle
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Very good watch dog.
Very good guard dog.
Generally will stay home, not roam.
Good with children but maybe not their friends.
Can tolerate cold.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
May be aggressive to other dogs.
High pain threshold. Hard too tell if they are hurting.
She needs an experienced owner.
Slow to mature.
May be suspicious of strangers.
*Other Names Known By: Belgian Cattle Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/bouvier-des-flandres-puppy-and-dog-information-78025.html
7 Dog Health Benefits From Leash Training your Dog
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Everyone knows that dogs love to go for a walk, but did you know your dog receives 7 important health benefits every time you snap on the leash? These important health benefits make it worth your time to leash train your dog.
Since many of our dogs are just as overweight and out of shape as their owners, taking your dog for a walk will give him all the same fitness benefits that people get from a walking program. The fact that you care enough about your dog to want him to keep him healthy will keep you on your own exercise program, too.
In addition to the fitness benefits, walking can also improve moods, for both people and dogs. Walking causes your brain to produce more serotonin, a mood enhancing chemical. Walking also causes your brain to produce less cortisol, a stress hormone. When the brain chemicals are re-balanced this way, both you and your dog be calmer and less anxious and less stressed out.
In other words, walking regularly will make both you and your dog happier, healthier, and perhaps even more enjoyable to be around.
Since a dog’s normal lifespan is so much shorter than ours, the effect of a sedentary lifestyle and too much food has an even more devastating effect on dogs than on people. The stress of excess weight and too much fat can cut a dog’s life short by as much as two years, according to Marty Becker, DVM, the author of The Healing Power of Pets. Walking daily will prevent many of the more common health problem in dogs.
Regular exercise, including a daily walk, will tone your dog’s muscles, improve his digestion, and make him feel happily tired. It may also boost his immune system. And it could even prolong his life, because excess weight leads to chronic illnesses in dogs, such as heart disease and diabetes. Getting regular exercise helps your dog keep his weight down, so he can stay healthy.
Once you establish a regular walking program, your dog may experience some or all the following benefits:
1. A regular walking program will help your overweight dog lose the extra pounds, which will help him feel more energetic and enthusiastic about life.
2. The weight loss could help him live longer, and the regular, gentle exercise could help reduce any pain he now feels from arthritis, hip displasia, or simple inactivity. (Remember, if your dog has any problems with his joints, or any illnesses that affect his breathing or movement, talk to his vet before beginning any exercise program.)
3. The increased fitness could reduce the chance that he will get one of the chronic diseases associated with excess weight, such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
4. Your dog will look up to you as the real leader of the household, and the two of you will form a strong, natural bond.
5. Some disciplinary problems may go away on their own when your dog starts getting the exercise he really needs and when he can use his brain and creative intelligence while discovering the world outside.
6. He’ll probably feel calmer, more content, and more playful because he feels better, and because his internal chemistry has adjusted to more normal levels.
7. He’ll sleep better, and snore less. This may not seem like a big deal unless you’ve become accustomed to waking up many times in the night because your dog just can’t get comfortable. Overweight dogs (like overweight people) tend to snore.
So get out and walk every day with your dog. It will make both of you happier, and healthier.
Jonni Good
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/7-dog-health-benefits-from-leash-training-your-dog-79554.html
What Is The Most Important Dog Grooming Tool
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You have several dogs that you love to groom, and you’re always on the lookout for new dog grooming tools that will make the process comfortable for both you and your dogs. However, believe it or not, the most important dog grooming tool is your hands.
The Bond Between a Dog and Its Owner
The bond between a dog and its owner is a unique relationship. Dogs are loyal and protective of their owners, and their owners in turn make sure that they take care of them too, by giving them food, toys, shelter, and by grooming them with the right dog grooming tools.
Many owners think that the right do grooming tools have to include such things as brushes, clippers, and scissors, and this is true. However, there is more to grooming that just those basic dog grooming tools. In order to successfully groom a dog, the owner has to build up that trust factor.
The trust factor should ideally be established between a dog and its owner when the dog is a puppy. By feeding and bathing the puppy from such an early age, the puppy begins to think of the owner as its “mother.” As such, the dog will trust its owner implicitly.
Dogs are hands-on animals, and the thing that they react to the most is touch. This is why hands are the most important dog grooming tools. If the owner grooms the dos with a heavy hand, the dog will associate that with the experience of being groomed. If the owner grooms the dog gently, the dog twill be most more amenable to the idea of being groomed.
Owners that are grooming their dogs should constantly pat them during the process, because unless the dog is used to being groomed, chances are that the dog will be stressed. Provide a relaxed atmosphere for the dog by shampooing it by gently massaging the shampoo into the dog’s coat.
Grooming can also be beneficial for the owner too. For example, if the owner has mild arthritis in the hands, the warm water and the massaging motions of applying the shampoo on the dog’s coat can actually be soothing. So, the next time an owner goes to groom their dog, they should remember that while it is important to have the necessary dog grooming tool, the most important dog grooming tool is their own hands.
John Mailer
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/what-is-the-most-important-dog-grooming-tool-101931.html
She limps a lot because of her arthritis and sometimes i even rub her shoulders…its not like im pampering her its just that i want her to be able to climb our stairs. haha. So does anyone know any good dog foods for arthritis?…for dogs
English Springer Spaniel Type: Showdog NOT field dog
No. There are foods that have glucosamine in them but nowhere near enough to make even the slightest difference to a dog with arthritis.
What your dog needs is a trip to the vet for x-rays to determine how bad her arthritis is. The vet can then tell you if she needs prescription meds to keep her pain free or if you can give her glucosamine chondroitin with MSM and how much.
She deserves the best care and doesn’t have to be in pain – just take her to her vet.
