First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘dog care’

Dog grooming is a vital element of dog care. Dog grooming consists of a number of different jobs. Routine brushing and combing to eliminate dead hair, skin and general flotsam and jetsam. Bathing and nail trimming, as well as caring for your dog’s ears, eyes and mouth.
Whilst routine dog grooming is key to your dogs health, it is also a great moment for quality time and bonding with your dog. Your dog will see it as another form of attention. Dog grooming must be commenced early in the dogs life, build a daily routine, do at the same time, same location and how. When starting dog grooming, be soft, but decisive, that way he will not be anxious, but knows where he stands.
The brushing and combing will care for your dog’s coat, taking out all sorts of potential skin irritant and pests, giving a healthier and more brilliant coat. The specific type of grooming needed depends on the type of dog, the below is non-specific and suitable for most dogs, but either check with the breeder who supplied the dog, or find more information on the web, or your dog sitter should be able to help.
Bathing
Bathing is a crucial part of dog grooming. There is no consensus on how often a given dog or breed must be bathed. The trade off discussion revolve around normal self grooming preserves natural body oils. Whilst bathing, even with specific dog shampoos will bathe the natural essential oils away. So many people wait until the dog is dirty prior to washing. There could be a man / woman thing, with the ladies generally preferring to wash regularly and more frequently. Normally bathing about every couple of months or so should be planned.
It is easier to introduce them to bathing at an early age, so they are at ease, and even enjoy it. Before a planned bathing of the dog it is a good idea to brush the dog well.
It is a good idea to plan the dog bath well, collect and place everything ready and at hand prior to getting the dog. Bathing is especially difficult for those in large cities, with insufficient space and without the delights of shower rooms and utility rooms by the garden. For us town dwellers, we often have to take the dog up to the bathroom.
Keeping a secure footing is important, so place the rubber mat in your bath. To evade ear problems, shield the ears with the use of cotton wool in the dog’s ears to prevent water entering into the ears. Some dogs with open ears such as collies can be especially susceptible to ear problems.
You do not want to shock your dog so use warm water to rinse your dog. It is great to use a shower or spray hose. Keep the nozzle head close to the fur and do not spray onto the dog’s face, as this could shock him.
There are specially formulated dog shampoos which are specially formulated to meet their special needs. Do not use too much and commence with the head and top and work downward and toward the tail. Be careful to avoid the eyes. Important areas to spend time on bathing well are around the chin, especially if he is a messy eater, behind the ears, be thorough with the toes and the rectum.
Finish by rinsing with warm water, ensuring all the shampoo is washed out.
The dog will remove a lot of the water by shaking, so watch out!, after this you can rub him down. You may like to use a hair dryer, mainly women again! This is not really needed unless you are needing to take him out. Let him finish drying off naturally inside.

The other jobs of dog grooming and dog care will be dealt with later, including coat care, nail trimming, ear and teeth care

What Your Dog Says With His Eyes

Your dog has emotions and feelings just like you. At any given time, he’ll try to communicate them with his body language and expressions. Most owners never learn to identify these signs; the fact that their pooch is sad, anxious, mad, or happy completely escapes them. As a result, they often fail to give the attention their pets need or crave.

The good news is that you can easily recognize the emotions your canine is feeling by watching his eyes. If you know what to look for, not only will you be able to recognize signals, but you’ll also be able to interpret them accurately. In this article, we’ll give you a crash course on how to read and decipher what your pooch is trying to tell you with his looks.

Looking For Signals

Most of us are accustomed to inferring intention and meaning from watching the faces of our friends and family. Slight changes or nuances alert us to specific feelings. For the most part, this is a learned trait. You can learn to do the same by identifying the nonverbal signals your pooch uses to express his feelings.

In the same way people can open their eyes wide and shut them, so too, can your canine. Remember that shape varies according to breed. If your dog opens his eyes wide, it is usually a sign that he feels vulnerable. That can include feeling stressed or scared regarding something he finds threatening. He might express these same emotions by squinting a bit, though this might also suggest that he is being submissive to you.

The manner in which he is looking at – or away – from you will also suggest emotions and intent. If a canine stares at you with an anxious, intense look, it usually means he considers you a threat. This should not be mistaken for a friendly dog that is looking at his owner and craves his attention. If a canine looks away from you, that usually signals he wants to be submissive.

If he is looking at you from the corners of his eyes and you notice a large amount of white, be wary. He quite possibly could be agitated, or even worse, see you as a threat. In both cases, he might respond aggressively. It’s common for dogs to do this when you approach them while they’re eating or playing with their favorite toy. This is another signal that is often misinterpreted. If your canine is looking up at you or from the side, seeing the sclera (the white area) of his eyes may not connote aggression. It is easy to tell the difference – his body will not be tense.

Owners who take the time to learn how to read their dogs’ eyes will benefit from understanding their feelings. Remember, the only way your pooch can communicate with you is through nonverbal means. Learning how to identify them will strengthen the friendship you share. Remember to give your dog health dog treats and dog chews

The Havanese is a Bichon Group breed, that includes Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Coton de Tulear, Lowchen and Maltese The Havanese is a good-humoured small dog, toy dog that were bred to be good companions, so are good with children. They love to have attention and will do many things to attract it. This love for notice does not make them an ideal choice for a working couple. They love following owners around the house, however they are not possessive of their “ people”, so are superb with other animals and dogs. They often like to eat with someone in the room, so stay there when they are eating, otherwise they may take their food with them and eat it as they walk, which can be messy. They are a “real dog”, playing games such as football with gusto. Not the greatest walkers in the world, often liking breaks with games or just watching the world go by. Professional dog trainers such as London Dog Training love them, as they are so responsive to positive reinforcement.

For dog care they are straightforward. One advantage of the Havanese is that they do not shed much. You may see on lists that they do not shed, this misleading as all hair follicles will have a cycle of growing and dying, shedding it hair, but this is variable and not often, so there is no strong cycle of hair shedding. The coat catches the hair and dander internally, so many people think it is non-allergenic, but they all release dander that can aggravate allergies. If you have an allergy sufferer in the house, have one to stay for a few days to check.

The Havanese has a slight wavy double coat, which is soft and light, with a heavier undercoat.

The Havanese should be groomed daily, as they have the tendency for their fur to mat. If you are not showing the dog, you can have the coat trimmed. Whilst they have fur, it is a coat to keep the hot sun off the body, not warmth inside, so in some areas you may need to buy sweaters for them.

It is advisable to dry them after a bath with towels, rather than a hair drier, which can make their skin too dry and prone to infections. It is a breed that for showing needs to keep a natural look, but for everyday looks and practicality may benefit from bows etc..

The original Harvanese were white, but now they occur in all types of coat colours and patterns.
Whilst the Havanese is a toy dog, it is solid and sturdy. They have a weight range of four to six Kgs ( normally 12 lbs). Its height measured at the withers is roughly two hundred and fifty mm( 9-11 inches). The back raises from the withers to the rump which is unusual in dogs.

The Havanese move with an agile springy gait. Whilst they are relatively good swimmers, they generally shire away from water, but careful when near waterparticularly if there are birds for them to run after.

They have almond eyes, with average sized ears that are well covered and hang down. The Havanese are disposed to ear infections, so regularly inspect their ears and clean them. From time to time they may require their inner hairs to be pulled by hand or tweezers. The tail arches over the back and is also well covered. The Havanese have a great sense of smell and are trained in some countries for search. They are easily trainable so are often used in circus shows, tracking, hearing assistance dogs, mould, termite and drug search.

The Havanese routinely live fourteen to sixteen years. Like many other pure breeds they suffer from a few genetically-linked disorders. The most common being liver disease, heart disease, cataracts and retinal dysplasia (dots and streak on the retina). It is advisable only to buy Havanese from parent dogs who have clear eye certificates. Havanese may develop brown tear stains, this is more obvious on the lighter coloured dogs.

The dog originated from the now extent Bichon Tenerife and was taken to Cuba by original settlers and traders. Being popular in Havana in Cuba. Globally the Havanese is a new breed, rapidly growing in the 1970s from only 10 dogs in the United States. Though they were common prior to the Cuban Revolution, they, like many trappings of aristocracy were culled. Rapid growth in popularity now makes it difficult to find a puppy.

A great family dog that is well worth considering.

Boxers are a wonderful for any energetic family or individual. They are a very devoted, energetic, inquisitive and social breed. This loyalty makes Boxers wonderful guard dogs.
They may be inflexible, resulting in more difficult training than for other breeds.  United with their lively nature makes obedience training crucial. For this reason professional dog walking companies such as London dog walkers are often asked to help Boxers react better to positive reinforcement techniques such as training with a clicker. Though a caring and protective dog, they are powerful so supervise carefully with children. Boxers can become easily bored and are likely to suffer from separation anxiety, this and the heavy demands for exercise means they are not the dog for busy people and households.
They evolved from an old fighting breed known as the Assyrian Molossian, that was fought in battles. This dog reached Germany in the eighteenth century this was known as the Bullenbeisser and was known for its strength, even in bear and boar hunting. It became a general utility dog. When the English Bulldog was bred with the Bullenbeisser  in the 1900s  the resultant offspring was the Boxer. The name Boxer was coined because of the way they pawed at the ground or air during play.
Boxers are a very popular dog, constantly in the top ten dogs in all countries.
They are strongly built and are seventy centimetres  ( 24 inches) at the withers and weigh on average 30-35 kgs (sixty-eighty pounds). As a breed Boxers are part of the Working dog group.
Boxers heads are the distinctive feature, with short broad skulls with very strong jaws and a square muzzle. The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. Boxers often had docked tails and cropped ears, which is now prohibited in most countries. A naturally short tailed breed exists in the UK, accepted by the Kennel club in the UK, this trait is often a disqualifier in other countries.
Boxers are easy to groom with their somewhat short hair and that they shed little, resulting in the requirement for brushing only a couple of times a week. The [normal~ typical] hair colours are brindle and fawn, with a white or paler underbelly and the front paws, which can extend to all four feet and the neck or face. If they have more then a third white, they are known as white boxers. White boxers are about a quarter of all births. These Boxers are not albinos, but these Boxers do have an increased risk of sunburn and associated skin cancers. Being observant of the condition of the dog, the faeces and skin is key to dog care. The extreme piebald white marking gene, also leads to deafness, with eighteen percent of white boxers suffering from deafness. Boxer clubs prohibit white boxers from breeding and cannot be shown.
Boxers have a life expectancy of ten to twelve years on average.
They suffer from heart and hip related hereditary problems. In addition they have a far higher likelihood to suffer from cancer than other breeds, with a UK survey showing that nearly 40 % of Boxer deaths were due to cancer.
They are a superb breed so if you have the time and energy for them, go find one!

If you were to ask pet owners to guess the number one reason canines end up in the emergency room, most would guess incorrectly. Some would say bites from other animals. Others would confidently claim that getting hit by vehicles tops the list. Still others would speculate about a number of health issues. The most common reason owners take their pooches to the ER is vomiting. Many things can cause it and sometimes it's hard to tell whether the problem is minor or the sign of a more serious condition.

In this article, we'll describe a few factors that can cause your pooch to vomit. We'll also explain how veterinarians treat the condition. The topic might not be pleasant, but it is worth discussing so that you can be prepared in the event your dog gets sick.

What Causes Vomiting In Canines?

Vomiting occurs when something triggers the expulsion of your dog's stomach contents through his mouth. Many stimuli can cause this. A gastrointestinal virus can trigger a vomit reflex. Vomiting can also be triggered if your pooch eats foods that don’t agree with his stomach, or if he eats too quickly and exercises too vigorously immediately afterward.

You might be able to identify whether the problem is serious or minor simply by observing your dog’s behavior after he vomits. If he does it once, seems active afterward, and has a routine bowel movement, you can be reasonably confident that the problem is minor. But, if your dog has recurring bouts, seems listless, or loses his appetite, make sure to call your veterinarian. The vomiting could be a sign of a more serious health issue.

Forms Of Treatment

If a veterinarian determines the condition is minor, he or she will often administer subcutaneous fluids (for example, Plasmalyte and 0.9% saline) and medications to reduce any nausea. The vet will also suggest that you review your canine’s diet and eating patterns, including any plants and foreign substances he may be consuming.

If your dog is apathetic or has diarrhea, your vet might choose a different tretment path. He or she may decide to administer intravenous fluids as well as one or more forms of drug therapy.

You can help your pooch avoid suffering bouts of vomiting by restricting the items he eats. Remember that dogs instinctively chew foreign objects. That can include plants, trash, and even feces. The more exposure he has to such things, the greater the likelihood he’ll eat something that causes him to vomit. Limit his exposure to these items. Avoid feeding table scraps to him; keep trash cans securely closed; watch him closely to discourage his eating plants and other items. In doing so, you’ll dramatically reduce his susceptibility to vomiting.

Kids have always been drawn toward dogs. It seems that dogs and children connect automatically - children are very attracted to a dog's playful nature. Child psychologists have noted that many young people display higher levels of empathy when they are exposed to a pooch within their household. In many cases, kids who grow up with a pet also develop a heightened skill for communicating and interpreting non-verbal signals.

While these advantages are significant (especially for young people), it’s worth noting that the relationship between canines and children is unique. There are undercurrents of intense loyalty and friendship.

Below, we’ll offer a few tips that will help you choose a canine companion for your child. We'll also clarify important elements for ensuring the bond between them remains strong. Lastly, we'll explain how to ease your child's pain in the event her pooch dies or becomes lost.

Selecting The Proper Companion

All breeds exhibit characteristic temperaments; some are more suitable for children than others. For example, pit bulls, dobermans, and chow chows are generally considered poor choices for pets in homes with young kids. On the other hand, golden retrievers, Irish setters, and collies are especially family-friendly.

Some parents mistakenly assume that smaller dogs are more appropriate for a child than large dogs. In truth, a lot of smaller breeds are easily unnerved by young people and as a result, are apt to nip and bite them. By contrast, many larger breeds are extremely gentle and protective of their young family members. They view themselves at caretakes - always lookig out for their well-being.

Maintaining A Healthy Bond

One of the first things you must do is to establish household hierarchy for your canine. Besides defining yourself as the pack leader, you must clearly communicate to your canine that your child has higher rank and authority than him. Professional training classes can help enormously. If your pooch exhibits any signs of aggression, take action immediately.

If you have a toddler in your home, do not leave him alone with your dog. Dogs are easily excitable and can mouth your children - injuring them in the process. You should also strongly encourage your kids to participate in feeding and walking your pooch. Doing so strengthens the bond between them and helps to clarify the proper hierarchy.

Dealing With Loss

Children tend to internalize their feelings when dogs pass away or disappear. They’ll recall instances during which they neglected or mistreated them. If their regret is not addressed, it can fester and prevent them from enjoying the companionship of dogs in the future. Be honest with your child. Give her an opportunity to communicate her feelings about the loss. That will help her release any regrets she feels.

The companionship that emerges between a child and a dog is as strong as it is unique. You can lay the foundation for your kids by selecting the right breed and encouraging habits that support the friendship. You’ll find that doing so can strengthen a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Your dog loves your companionship and looks forward to every moment he gets to spend with you. When you leave the house without him, he’ll miss your company. When you return, he’ll greet you happily. Almost all dogs behave in a similar manner to their owners, assuming there are no issues of abuse or gross neglect. Some dogs actually grow intensely anxious when they are separated from their owners.

Dogs can suffer from separation anxiety for a number of reasons. For example, your pooch might fear that you’ll never return because a past owner abandoned him. Or, he might be unfamiliar with his surroundings (for example, after a recent relocation). He might also feel anxious if he has spent his entire life at your side and you're leaving him for the first time.

To demonstrate his fear, discontent, and depression, your canine might chew on your clothes or furniture, dig holes in your yard, or eliminate in your home. Here we will provide three tips that will help minimize your dog's seperation anxiety.

#1 - Make Sure He Knows You're Coming Back

Your dog might feel anxious when you leave because he does not know what to expect. Many professional trainers suggest creating a signal or cue that communicates your intention to return. This can be a verbal indicator, such as “I’ll be back!” or another prompt. For example, turn a radio on softly whenever you leave. When you return, turn it off. Your dog will eventually grow comfortable with your absence if he hears the radio.

#2 – Leave Something Behind

If you intend to leave your canine behind for a short period, give him a shirt that you have recently worn and haven’t put into the laundry. His sense of smell is keen and your scent will comfort him while you're gone.

#3 – Prepare For Departure

If your pooch’s separation anxiety is more severe, you’ll need to desensitize him to your leaving. You might notice that he becomes anxious when he hears your car keys or observes you putting on your shoes. He might show anxiety when he hears the door leading to your garage – and your car – open.

You can desensitize him by helping him gradually achieve higher levels of comfort with the signs of your leaving. For example, grab your keys and shake them until you have his attention. Then, sit down without leaving. Or, open the door leading to your garage and car, step through it, and close it for a few seconds. Then, come back inside where he’s waiting. By repeating the departing motions over and over, you will help him grow accustomed to them. Eventually, they won’t make him feel anxious.  Treats are always nice, as well.

Dogs seldom enjoy being apart from their owners. Some become extremely nervous when they’re left alone. If your canine is showing signs of separation anxiety, use the tips above to help him slowly grow more comfortable with your absence.

When you adopt a dog, you must give him time to adjust to his new life as a member of your family. Try to see things from his point of view. He’s in an unfamiliar home and surrounded by unfamiliar people. Those who fed him in the past are gone. His future (again, from his perspective) is uncertain. It might take him a few weeks to grow accustomed to the environment.

There are several things you can do ahead of time to help your new pooch make the transition. In this article, we’ll provide a list of items you can use to prepare your home for your new canine companion.

Make A Veterinary Appointment

It is impossible for animal shelters to completely eliminate the possibility of diseases and viruses from their populations. Many of the animals that come to their facility are homeless and have not been properly vaccinated. After you bring your new dog home, take him to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if you have other pets under your roof. The veterinarian will provide the necessary vaccinations and give your pooch a clean bill of health.

Assert Your Authority

Because canines are pack animals, they need a clearly-defined hierarchy of authority in order to feel comfortable. Many owners neglect to establish themselves as the leaders of the house in their dogs’ eyes. As a result, their canines will often challenge their authority by showing aggression or displaying other behavioral issues. Establish your authority early. Apply discipline when your pooch misbehaves, and praise him when he follows your commands.

Provide A Crate

Crating is valuable for a few reasons. First, it is an effective method for housetraining your dog. Second, he’ll come to view his crate as his personal sanctuary to which he can withdraw when he chooses. Even though dogs enjoy the company of their owners, a busy environment can overwhelm and tire them. A crate provides refuge.

Get The Essentials Before You Bring Him Home

Your canine companion will need a variety of supplies, including food and water bowls, bedding, ID tags, treats, a few toys, and a leash for going on walks. Purchase these items before bringing him home. He’ll feel more comfortable with his place and role within your household.

In the beginning, your newly-adopted dog will seem hesitant in your home. He won’t fully understand his place or the rules of his new environment. He’ll want to explore, but may be uncertain regarding the flexibility he has to do so. Give him time to adjust. Canines are incredibly adaptable, and they grow accustomed to new environments quickly. Having said that, you can pave the way for a seamless transition by using the suggestions above. With a little love and patience, you’ll discover that your new pooch will quickly become a trusted and loyal companion.

A growing number of communities are organizing dog parks for local pet owners. There are areas designed for exercise and areas designed for socialization. Some of these parks are organized by a consortium of dog owners who just want to provide designated spaces for their pets to roam freely. In other cases, they are for-profit enterprises. The group which operates the facility often serves as a liaison between owners, the city, and zoning authorities.

In this article, we’ll describe the advantages that your canine will enjoy by visiting dog parks as well as a few advantages that you’ll gain. We’ll also explain proper etiquette and the rules of engagement between you, your pet, and others.

How it Benefits Your Canine

A dog's natural instinct as a pack animal is to seek companionship with his own kind. Long ago, that need was fulfilled through herding and hunting responsibilities. Today, canines are often kept indoors, which prevents them from interacting with other pets and people.

When you take your pooch to a doggy park, you’re giving him an opportunity to spend time with his own kind. The socialization is valuable. He can roam freely and play with other pets off-leash, an experience that is all but impossible outside these specially-designated spaces. He can also enjoy physical activity. Too often, owners neglect to give their pets enough exercise, which takes a toll on their physical and mental health. This is one of the reasons pooches often become obese or ill-mannered.

Advantages For You

As many benefits as your dog enjoys at these facilities, there is also plenty of value for you. You’ll have a chance to meet and socialize with other people who have brought their own pets. It’s not uncommon for long-lasting friendships to emerge over time as owners plan weekly visits. If you're not able to take your dogs for walks because of age, disability, etc.), this type of facility offers a practical alternative.

The Rules Of Engagement

In order to ensure these doggy parks remain open to the public, it’s important to abide by specific rules of etiquette. First, make sure that you clean up after your pooch. Second, never leave your canine unattended. You must be present in case there is a need for you to restrain or remove him from the premises (for example, if he gets into a fight with another dog). Third, if you bring young children to the facility, prevent them from chasing the animals. The behavior might be interpreted as a threat, which can trigger an aggressive reaction.

Dog parks offer a valuable opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. You’ll also provide him with a useful outlet through which he gets the exercise he needs in order to stay healthy. As your dog enjoys playing with his new friends you will have a chance to talk to other dog owners. Most people discover that the experience is beneficial for both them and their canines.

Dog only have a certain number of ways to communicate with people and other animals. This is one reason why people get so confused when a canine acts aggressively. They don’t understand what is going through his head or what is motivating his behavior. As a result, an aggressive mutt is often labeled unfriendly, ill-mannered, or worse, a danger to others.

You must understand the dog's perspective. From his point of view, there may be many reasons to respond to others aggressively. Other people or pets may be encroaching upon his territory or challenging his authority. In some cases, he may simply be reacting out of fear. In this article, we’ll explore each of these forms of aggression in more detail.

Protecting His Territory

Your pooch is a pack animal. He is genetically programmed to protect anything he considers to be a resource. That might include his food, water, and yard. It can include his toys. If he urinates on trees and bushes while you take him for walks, he’ll likely grow to perceive them as “his” property. When other animals venture too closely, there's a good chance he'll react aggressively. This type of behavior may manifest if he suspects other people or animals are threatening you.

Showing His Dominance

Few canines are satisfied with being the low man on the totem pole within their pack. If a challenge to a higher-ranking dog is issued an aggresive response will likely ensue. From your dog’s perspective, he is part of a pack within your home. You and your family are also part of that pack. This is the reason some canines react aggressively to their owners; they are challenging their authority (they are not being schizophrenic as some people believe).

Reacting To Fear

Fear plays an important role in a canine’s life. As a pack animal, it is one of the most reliable ways for him to stay alive. A dog who fears being harmed will decide within a split second whether or not he will flee or respond aggressively. This can manifest when he is around larger animals.

He might also react with aggression if he misinterprets a message. If a young child approaches your dog quickly, the dog might think that he's being attacked.

Seeking Professional Help

Dog owners routinely misunderstand why their canines act with aggression toward other pets, people, and even toward them. Depending upon the circumstances, one of several catalysts can trigger the behavior. So, these issues with territorial protection, pack-related dominance, and fear can cause your dog to react aggressively. If you notice this type of behavior recurring, consider seeking the help of an animal behavioral expert. Using positive reinforcement methods, he or she can help diffuse the behavior before you, your family, or others are injured.