Archive for the ‘Dog Care’ Category

Hypoallergenic Dog Myth Exposed!

Potuguese Water DogWith all the talk about the new Obama dog being hypoallergenic, I thoughtI’d try to define what they mean by hypoallergenic and what breeds seemto be labeled as allergy-friendly. Just for clarification though:
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) tried
Wednesday to correct misconceptions about the matter, with the announcement that there is “no truly hypoallergenic dog.”

“It is a common misconception that people are allergic to a dog’s hair, and
it is falsely believed that dogs that shed less will not cause a reaction,”
the academy said.

“However, allergies to pets are caused by protein found in the animal’s
saliva and skin glands which gets deposited on the hair. These proteins are
carried on microscopic particles through the air as an invisible aerosol.
When inhaled, they trigger reactions in allergic people. As all dogs
secrete these proteins, there is no allergy-free dog.”.

That said, there are dogs that lend themselves, if groomed correctly and in
a timely manner, to less shedding, less hair dander flying around, and then
, as a result, a reduced occurrence of the offending proteins and saliva in
the environment.

As a side note, these dogs do require more frequent grooming. Because many
of these breeds have hair that keeps growing like humans (versus falling
out once it reaches a certain length), it must be brushed or cut often or
it will get horribly matted.

Some of the breeds that are labeled as hypoallergenic are:

  • Basenji
  • Poodle
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Portuguese Water Dog Bichon Frise
  • Puli
  • Chinese Crested
  • Schnauzer
  • Coton de Tulear
  • Shih Tzu
  • Havanese
  • Wheaten
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Maltese

In addition, we now have the “hybrid” dogs like the labradoodle,
goldendoodle, etc. These dogs are a mix of the known “hypo” dogs and the
traditional dog. As with any mutt, it is impossible to determine how much
of each breed (parent) will be in the end result (puppy). It is
recommended that an allergy sufferer spend time with the breed considered
to check for an allergic reaction. Breeding for a hybrid is not a perfect
science by any means.

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A Few Valuable Guidelines For Taking Care Of Your Little Dog

You should find that owning a small dog, similar to owning a larger breed. Having said that, there are certain points you need to be made aware of when looking after a small dog. Just

Small Dog chihuahua

Small Dog chihuahua

think about some of the everyday events that may need to be looked at when considering their needs.

When it comes to feeding: zetia 10mg

Of course eating is the most obvious daily activity but the average kibble available from the grocery may be over-sized for your dog. You have to ensure that the kibble is convenient to be used by his minute mouth and these are easily procurable among some of the premium brands of dog food. Although if you feed you dog with canned food this should not present a problem.

Having a place for them to exercise:

Most dogs just require a properly fenced in yard for them to be safe – well that’s what the general belief is. Smaller dogs are much more nimble that larger dogs and what might be a secure environment for one is not necessarily for the other. Another problem is safety from above because it has been known for large birds of prey to swop down and carry of tiny dogs without any problem whatsoever. A covered kennel run might better meet your pet’s needs.

Training methodologies:

The problem with this is that most tiny dogs are spoilt by their owners even though they should not be any harder to train – according to dog experts. No matter if he fits in a purse or a pocket, your small dog still sees the world in terms of pack behavior, and if you’re not leading the pack, he is. One of the most important aspects of training is that the dog must imperatively be house trained even if the mess seems insignificant. Dogs are naturally working creatures with many types bred purely for this function so this should also refer to your pet too. By this it means teaching them to run and fetch, to sit and lay down etc.

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Buying dog collars:

When shopping for new small dog collars you want to make sure you are getting a dog collar that matches you and your dogs personality. The local pet store has some small dog collars but to get a wide selection you should browse some of the online stores. When fitting your dog with a small dog collar you will want to make certain it is not too lose or too tight. If you can fit your pinkie finger between the collar and the dogs neck you should be ok.

Their appearance and smell:

Small dog care includes some special grooming needs you’ll need to keep in mind. Firstly, as they do not get the same type of outdoor exercise that a larger dog does whereby their nails are trimmed automatically, tiny dogs require their nails trimmed on a more regular small canines do not get the same sort of regular outdoor exercise on rough surfaces that controls their nail growth like a larger dog so they will need to be trimmed more often. Brushing his teeth twice a week is mandatory, especially if he is on soft canned foods. As is evident from the above, caring for a small dog is very much the same for any dog of any size. These may seem like inconsequential points but they can and will make a big difference to your pets health and happiness.

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Bringing Home a Puppy or Dog For The First Time

Choosing a Puppy

Bringing home a puppy or even an adult dog for the first time is an exhilarating experience. For the puppy or dog it can be a time of extreme anxiety and stress.
So preparing for this exciting event is of the utmost importance, for you and your dog.
Preparing your home for his or her arrival
Deciding what type of character and personality is best suited to your lifestyle.
How much space do you have? This may determine the size of dog you should choose.
These and many other things have to be taken in to consideration before taking that all important step in to the canine world.
One thing is for sure that once you make that decision it is most definitely a commitment for life.
Whether you choose a puppy while foods coumadin avoid to on or a mature dog he or she is for life and is for sure a canine extension to your family.
Considering a dog from a rescue shelter should be high on your list, as this is effectively saving a dogs life.
Whatever your choice is, your new dog or puppy will without question give you in return, unconditional love, loyalty and years and years of fun and enjoyment.
This commitment, however, also comes with a suitcase full of challenges and if it’s your first time, a whole new learning curve.
Here are just a few things you will need to be ready for;
Dog Health and care –

  • Vaccinations every year
  • Dental Care
  • Bathing and Grooming
  • Preparing against those summer nasties, Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes
  • Food, diet and nutrition
  • Regular inspections of the ears and nether regions

And of course throughout their lives there will be many other things that will need your attention.
However, on the more fun side of things there are, nowadays, lots of dog activities that you can do

such as;

  • Agility
  • Fun racing
  • Lure coursing
  • Showing
  • Flyball (new), which fast growing and tremendously exciting
  • Line Dancing, yes, I said line dancing. This is very popular and great to watch

All of these are very exciting and entertaining and of course will very much help you to build a bond with your dog.
The last thing I will talk about now is the dreaded dog behaviour training.
There are many books, courses and videos on this subject and I have very particular views on this subject.
This and of course the other things I have mentioned, I will be going in to in great detail on this blog. Therefore, my views, advise and recommendations will be well documented.
But, just to cover this subject briefly, you don’t want your new companion peeing on your new rug, eating your brand new 500 dollar Gucci watch or leaving teeth marks in your rear. So behaviour coaching, teaching your canine newcomer some of the family protocols is going to be necessary.
Dogs are like us, they come in all shapes and sizes, intelligent and a mixed bag of characters and personalities
Depending on whether you picked the short straw will determining how big a challenge this is going to be. In my experience it has been my most enjoyable part of a relationship with them.
I have a philosophy which has always worked for me and that is, dogs love routine, food and lots and lots of TLC.
If you give them those three things then you’re not going to have too many problems with your dog.
Hope to see you back soon.

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