How To Groom Your Dog

How To Groom Your Dog

Regular grooming keeps your dog clean, healthy and manageable, as well as preventing yeast infections caused by matted hair, periodontal disease caused by uncared for teeth, ear infections from excessive buildup of wax, dirt and bacteria, etc. This article covers basic at-home grooming and ways to make the process more pleasant for everyone involved.
Well Groomed Afghan Hound

Steps

Gather all necessary supplies before beginning to groom the dog. Make sure you have all you need to clean eyes, ears, trim nails and/or hair, brush teeth, bathe, and dry.
Always brush your dog first, and do it thoroughly. Mats enlarge and become unmanageable when wet. If a mat goes undetected or coat care is neglected, you may have to shave or cut out the mat so that bacteria doesn't grow between it and the skin and cause a yeast infection. Short-haired dogs will probably only need to be gone over with a curry brush or glove, while medium- to long-coated dogs may require special tools like a slicker, a pin brush, or an undercoat rake. Whatever you use, it must effectively remove loose hair and distribute oils from the skin throughout the coat.

Follow with any necessary clipping or other grooming, that needs to be done before the bath. For example, trim out any mats or large amounts of hair that will only waste your time shampooing and drying. Dogs look best when groomed after they are bathed and blow-dryed.

Eyes - Some breeds require more maintenance in this area than others. While it may be a simple matter of pulling eye boogers away from a potentially irritating spot in the corner of the eye, long-haired or white-haired dogs may require special attention to make sure that all gunk is truly out of the coat. There are products made specially for removing "tear stains" from a white coat available from many pet supply stores or catalogs. A healthy eye should be clear and should not show any sign of irritation or unusual discharge.

Ears - A clean ear may contain some wax and shouldn't have any particular smell to it. Warm any cleaner or medication in a container of body temperature water (as you would a baby bottle) before you put it in the ear. Cold is painful in the ear canal. A few drops of warmed rubbing alchohol will dry water from the ear canal and kill bacteria, yeast and mites. To clean your dog's ears, apply some ear cleaning solution to a cotton ball and simply wipe dirt and wax away from the inner ear. Don't rub so vigorously as to cause sores, and don't travel too far into the ear; both could cause damage. And don't expect your dog to like the process; you may be met with some resistance. When you're done wiping out the ear with a damp cotton ball or cloth, gently dry it out with a dry one. If your dog's ear looks swollen, red, irritated, dark or blackened, shows signs of discharge or sores, or smells really bad, call your veterinarian. This is not normal and could be signaling an infection or disease.

Teeth - According to veterinarians, about 80% of dogs have periodontal disease. Ouch. If plaque is continually digested on a larger than normal scale, it can cause kidney or liver troubles. And how unbelievably painful can you imagine suffering through teeth rotting out of your head to be? Double ouch. Try to brush your dog's teeth at least 2-3 times a week, or use PetzLife antimicrobial spray if you don't have time or your dog is particularly resistant to the idea. Use only those products made specifically for dogs so that you don't unintentionally poison your dog. You can use gauze over your finger or a toothbrush, or there are more advanced and effective products available. For example, PetsToothBrush is a surgical glove with bristles attached to the thumb and forefinger. But, either way, ease your dog into the process so that it can be a pleasant experience rather than a stressful one and you don't get yourself bitten. Pets will usually prefer human touch rather than a hard plastic brush. If your dog already has a considerable build up of tartar and plaque, veterinary cleaning may be needed. Some dogs will let you scrape the tartare if you are brave enough to try it. Just purchase a dental scraper and be gentle. Otherwise, brushing or spraying about 3 times weekly supplemented with the occasional frozen raw bone (acquired at any butcher or deli) should be enough for maintenance. Remember that you should not use human toothpaste on your pets. Pets will swollow the toothpaste and may get sick. There are several pet toothpaste products available, just be sure that whatever you use is specifically approved for pets.

Nails - If left uncared for, nails can grow to enormous lengths, twisting the toe and causing a pained, irregular gait that can lead to skeletal damage, sometimes even curling into the pads of the foot. To keep your dog's nails short, clip them regularly. Depending on the dog, you may need to do it as often as once a week or as infrequently as once a month. To clip the nails, trim a very small amount of nail (like 1/16 of an inch) away with a pair of dog nail clippers (unless it is a very young puppy or very small dog, in which case human clippers may suffice). Should you accidentally clip too much nail away and hit a blood vessel, styptic powder or corn starch applied with a bit of pressure should stop any bleeding.

Get your dog into the tub and, if necessary, secured to something such as a suction cup-type bath lead to keep him or her in place. Some dogs are frightened by the sound of running water - if this is the case, you need to desensitize the dog to the sound. Filling a tub with water and using it for bathing just leaves your dog sitting in dirty bath water. The regular collar should be off and replaced with one that will not stain the coat or be damaged by water to restrain the dog in the tub. Do not put on the dog's regular collar until late in the day (if you bathe in the morning or early afternoon) or the next day (if you bathe in the evening). A collar can cause sores around the neck of a dog who is not fully dry.

Thoroughly wet down your dog. If you have a medium or large dog, or one with a double coat, a water pressurizer attached to the hose or a hose attachment for the sink, bath spout, or shower head can help you clean all parts of your dog's body with ease. Just don't force the dog if the noise hurts its ears. Desensitize it to the sound of running water so it won't be frightened.

Begin shampooing at the neck and move downward. Shampoos will always be easier to apply and rinse off if diluted. It's better to give 2 diluted shampoos that rinse thoroughly than one strong shampoo that leaves residue. When you are shampooing a certain area, give it a few squirts and use your hand to spread the shampoo. For double coated dogs, a curry brush such as the Kong Zoom Groom will help you work the shampoo into the coat. Especially long-haired dogs cannot simply be scrubbed with a curry. They will need to have the shampoo worked into the hair by smoothing it into a length of coat and continuing like that over the dog, or you will pay in gigantic mats. Save the head for last.


Thoroughly rinse your dog. As long as you see dirt or soap bubbles in the water coming off of an area, keep spraying, then move on. Shampoo left in the coat will cause hot spots, an irritating spot of bald, itchy, red skin.

Towel dry your dog as best as you can. If your dog has a very short coat or you prefer to let your dog's coat dry naturally, you're done. If you have a double coated or long-haired dog, keep reading.

Blow dry the dog as best as you can without completely drying him or her. You don't want to dry out the skin. If you have a dog with especially long hair, you may need to dry the coat while brushing it.

Dogs with curly coats like poodles and Bichons need to be dried thoroughly or the hair will revert to curl. Feet always need to be dried thoroughly as well of fungus may take hold.

Tips

Grooming tables and raised bath tubs can significantly decrease the stress on your back cause by bending down to groom your dog. An out-of-commission dinner table or piece of plywood on a sturdy surface could serve as a makeshift grooming table, but always have a non-skid surface for the dog to stand on. Sure footing makes the dog more confident. Hardware stores usually carry rubber-backed or rubber runners sold by the yard that you can cut to size of any surface.

If you need to blow dry your dog, consider a professional quality dryer like the Double K Airmax. Double coated dogs like Bernese Mountain Dogs may take as long as six hours to dry with a human dryer, which can also burn them if not used carefully. A professional quality dryer can cut drying time enormously. If a human dryer will dry your dog in a reasonable amount of time, consider a hand held dog dryer, such as the Crazy Dog dryer, to eliminate or minimize the risk of burning your pet.

If you find it impractical to buy expensive grooming supplies like raised tubs or professional dryers for use at home because of lack of space or they infrequent bathing needs of your dog, check out a self-serve dog wash. They offer use of these tools at a lower price than having someone bathe your dog for you and, the best part is, they get to clean up the mess!

You may need to occasionally pluck ear hairs. Ask a veterinarian or professional groomer to show you how to pluck the hairs from your dog's ear safely and correctly. Ear powder makes the process easier and quicker by giving added gripping power to the slipperery ear hairs.

If you can't find the time to bathe your dog, he still needs grooming to stay clean, healthy, and tolerable. Consider paying for a professional groomer to clean your dog when you can't.

Add a little Dawn dish soap to your dog's shampoo to kill some adult fleas.

Find out what routine coat care is necessary for your dog's breed or coat type. There may be specific requirements by breed that are needed to keep the coat clean and/or in a certain condition. To keep a Komondor, for instance, the coat needs special attention to separate forming cords.

My favorite grooming tool of all, and one I use quite frequently is the shedding rake when grooming the GSD!

Warnings

With an exception made for variation between individuals, it is a myth that there is a considerable pH difference between the skin of a dog and that of a human. It is a myth that the pet shampoo industry thrives on. You may use human shampoo on your dog; however, recognize that anything you put in your dog's coat, he runs the risk of ingesting, albeit in very small quantities. And be smart; anything that is too harsh for your hair is probably too harsh for your dog's. Dogs, like people, can also develop allergies to ingredients in shampoos, so make sure your dog doesn't show negative reactions to either pet or human shampoo.

Try to avoid getting shampoo into your dog's eyes. It could seriously irritate them. You can use baby shampoo for your dog's head and face. Putting shampoo into your hand before spreading it into your dog's fur, rather than applying it straight from the bottle, is a good way to control the areas that recieve shampoo and the areas that don't. Be careful not to let suds get into your dog's eyes when rinsing and gently squeeze his ears shut to keep water out when working on those areas. A good quality human baby shampoo diluted 4:1 with warm water (water first, then shampoo) can be used all over your dog and will rinse cleaner than most other shampoos. The eye problem is eliminated.

If you are shy about touching certain parts of your dog, get over it. If you are going to clean your dog, you must clean your whole dog. Be especially careful to avoid hot wanter or medicated shampoos on the genital area. It's much more sensitive than human skin in the same area.

Don't overdo bathing. Bathing too often (once a week is okay for some dogs, but not most) can dry out the skin and deprive it of natural oils, but if you live in a city where the streets are filthy, and it is preferable to bathe on weekly basis, dilute the shampoo 10 parts water to 1 part shampoo. Spray bottles with waterless shampoos are ideal for quick foot and butt clean up. Spot spray directly and sponge off with a damp sponge. Soap-free shampoos that can be diluted are less irritating than regular shampoos and are good when you're concerned about maintaining healthy skin and coat when frequent bathing is necessary. These can be found online and through some pet supply stores.

It is a reflexive action for many dogs to try to pull away their back leg if it is lifted. Don't be upset or punish the dog, just struggle through it and praise your dog when he or she is still. If you have a medium or large dog, you may be able to get away with clipping the nails on the hind feet without having to lift the foot.

Never get water into your dog's ears- it could seriously hurt them. If water does somehow leak in, get a small cotton ball or cotton pad (not a q-tip, as it could go too far in) and gently pat the inside of your dogs ear. If your dog seems to be scratching his/her ear after bathing constantly, take them to a vet so as to remove any water.

Never use human toothpaste when brushing your pet's teeth. Pets may swallow toothpaste and could get sick. Use only veterinary toothpaste.

Related Sites Of Interest...

http://www.total-german-shepherd.com - German Shepherd Information
http://www.pedigreedpups.com - Purebred dog and puppy information
http://www.uship.com - to find qualified feedback-rated pet transporters
FindThatPet.com Lost and Found Pet website.
eHow.com: How to Find a Lost Dog

Premium Pet Supplies.. 22,000 Products, Great Prices!

TIPS FOR BUYING DOG FOOD

Commercial dog food falls into three types, kibble, canned and tubed.

Kibble is dry or moist pellets and biscuits with a cereal or meat base, ground meat by-products and various additives, eg. mineral supplements and vitamins.

Canned food is usually based on meat, "meat by-products" and vegetables, pre-cooked and ready to serve. It is almost always very soft in consistency and must be refrigerated if unused. As with kibble, canned food usually contains additives to make up for perceived and real deficiencies in the food sources. One example is taurine which is added after cooking.

Tubed food is a recent addition to the K-9 raw diet. Human quality tubed raw dog food contains all natural pre-ground ground bone and meat.

It is not enough for dogs to have a full stomach after every meal. Besides a non-sedentary lifestyle, pets need proper nutrition in order to be healthy, happy and their coats soft and glossy. The cost of dog food and its brand is only important if dogs can read or pay for his meal. The easiest and best way to find out which food is best for man's best friend is to observe how their response is to the chow they take in.

The following are tips that one should remember in feeding dog any kibbles, nibbles or whatever kinds of treats.

• Chocolate is lethal to dogs.

Specifically, the dark chocolate kind. The major components methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine in regular chocolate is digested & excreted by humans in as little as 3 hours but the same compounds when ingested by dogs stays inside them for 18 hours. This has been proven to be fatal. Symptoms of chocolate dog poisoning include vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, diarrhea, followed by seizure, coma, and death.

• Read the label.

Dogs should have a diet rich in meat protein. When purchasing canned foods, look for chicken, turkey meat, pork or other animal by products as these keep the dog's coat smooth and healthy. Dogs prefer foods which contain high vegetable protein levels because these are easily digestible and are a great source of energy.

• Don’t give a dog a bone!

Contrary to the popular nursery song, feeding bones to dogs is not a good idea. Small soft bones gnawed and eaten by dogs feel like splinters inside their throat causing them to choke. Remember, dogs have short digestive tracts. They also have no saliva amylase, an enzyme that is used to pre-digest starch.

• Dog food supplements are unnecessary…

...only if one is sure that their dog receives a regular intake of complete and balanced food nutrients. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, corn, oatmeal, wheat. However, a highly specialized nutrition is only necessary if dogs do not get enough physical activity or are currently undergoing a stressful routine change.

• Raw fish and eggs are a no-no.

Consistent consumption of raw eggs make a dog’s skin breakout. In canine terms - since eggs diminish the biotin available in their body – dermatitis and hair loss are its usual effects. Raw fish meanwhile results in thiamine-deficiency in a dog. Its effects usually are loss of appetite, abnormal posture, weakness and in some cases death.

• Vegetarian diet

A well-planned vegetarian diet works well for dogs. In fact, there are several commercial vegetarian dog foods available on the market (We feed Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula). (This edit comes from someone who has a vegetarian dog with optimum health, a shiny coat, a trim, muscular figure, and tons of energy). Dogs need PROTEIN, but not necessarily *animal* protein. Would a dog naturally be vegetarian? No. He also wouldn't naturally eat dog cookies or live in your home with you or do tricks either

If switching to homemade dog food, try mixing commercial dog food to the food you have prepared to help your dog make the transition. Try giving your dog some bacon mixed in with this mix. They love bacon. Although it doesn't have a lot of nutritional benefits, it makes the dog happy. Understand that dogs need a diet that consists of 40 percent meat, 30 percent vegetables and 30 percent starch. Follow this formula to ensure that your dog has a well-balanced diet.

Feed your dog a healthy diet and he will return the favor with a beautiful coat and many years of companionship!




Processed Dog Food... The truth revealed!

See their shocking, research-supported claims in this report.

Also in this report, I show you a simple solution proven to increase the lifespan of your dog by up to 134% and save you up to $10,000.

To discover these amazing secrets just click here and your reward is a super-healthy, incredibly-happy dog that stays by-your-side for up to 8.3-years longer than statistically predicted. Click here for more...

Ken Mathie
DogSecrets.com

Dog Dietary Requirements

The dietary regimen is an important aspect of survival. The objective of dietary management is to meet the basic nutritional requirements of the individual with proper proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and fat in a well-balanced diet that will promote optimal body weight.

Generally, these dietary regimens are employed to human beings. However, with the growing fondness to dogs, most dog owners and veterinarians recommend that dietary regimen should likewise be implemented on dogs.

Like humans, dogs need the right combination of the basic food groups in order to have a healthy life span. Dogs also need to be regulated on the kinds of food that they eat or else they could end up being obese as well.

Included in the dog’s dietary regimen are the proper minerals and vitamins. These essential health items should be well incorporated into the dog’s daily needs in order to have a healthy body.

With proper minerals and vitamins, dogs will be able to maintain shiny, healthy-looking coat.

So, for people who want to know how to prepare the right diet for their dogs, here are some tips to guide them through:

1. Meat should not be the only food incorporated in the dog’s diet.

In reality, dogs are carnivorous. The dog’s body is especially designed to generate growth and energy from meat products. However, dogs need fiber too to help them digest their foods properly and carbohydrates to provide them the added energy that they need. So, it would be better if dog owners will feed their dogs every day with the usual dog foods available in the market and give them occasionally real foods where meat, fibers, and carbohydrates are present.

2. Dogs need minerals and vitamins.

Like humans, dogs need complex combinations of minerals and vitamins. These are needed to maintain the luster and shine in their coats and to provide them with healthy gums and teeth.

Lack of minerals and vitamins supplement will result to deficiencies of certain types that could be really difficult to deal with, such as extra dry or super oily skin, tummy problems, frail bones, low-weight, and worst cases are death.

Like humans, these dietary supplements are needed to give the dogs the extra needed nutrients in order to keep them healthy.

3. Real meal treats

Contrary to most popular beliefs, dogs love the real food more than their typical dog foods. Hence, whenever their owners give them real food, they would consider them as treats.

4. Mixed foods

Most people tend to think that deciding whether to give dogs moist or dry foods is a matter of preference. In reality, it is not. This is because mixing different kinds of foods is actually the best diet owners could give to their dogs.

Giving dogs a variety of foods, nutritional value, and texture is the real diet your dog really needs.

5. Dogs need greens.

A well-balanced diet for the dogs includes green leafy vegetables. Even if dogs are carnivorous by nature, they also need the right amount of greens to provide them with additional nutrients that are only available in green leafy foods.

No wonder why you occasionally see a dog chew on grass. This goes to show that dogs really need some greens to provide their body with a well balanced diet.

There are no hard or fast rules when it comes to balanced diets for dog. However, it is still important to note the needed food groups that should be incorporated in the
dog’s diet.

Dog owners should always consult their dog’s veterinarians especially on things like health and diet supplements for their dogs. The veterinarian knows what foods should be included in the dog’s meal and what foods should be avoided.

Dogs, like humans, should not be fed with junk foods like sugary sweet sodas. These will only make them fat without the needed nutrients.

Whenever something about your dog seems abnormal, consult your veterinarian. As they say, veterinarians know best when it comes to the dog’s care.

Many world-famous Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and published Dog Care Experts universally agree any dog that eats commercial dog food is at a much higher risk of dying prematurely and by the time symptoms are noticeable, it's often too late to prevent an agonizing death except by lethal injection.

Take a few minutes and watch this video...



See their shocking, research-supported claims in this report.

Also in this report, I show you a simple solution proven to increase the lifespan of your dog by up to 134% and save you up to $10,000.

To discover these amazing secrets just click here and your reward is a super-healthy, incredibly-happy dog that stays by-your-side for up to 8.3-years longer than statistically predicted. Click here for more...

Ken Mathie
DogSecrets.com

World's Oldest Living Dog - Australian Cattle Dog

I have been researching to find what breed the world's longest living dog is, so we could feature the breed here today. To my amazement the 'Australian Cattle Dog' more commonly know as the 'Blue Heeler' and/or 'Red Heeler' is the longest living dog recorded.

Bluey (June 7, 1910 - November 14, 1939) was the name of an Australian Cattle Dog owned by Les Hall of Rochester, Victoria, Australia which holds the Guinness World Record as being the longest recorded living dog in history at an age of twenty-nine years, five months, and seven days. Another dog, an Australian Cattle Dog / Labrador mix, died in 1984 reportedly at the age of 32 years and 3 days, but this case was not fully documented, and so it is not official.

CANBERRA, Australia -- A 26-year-old mongrel living with an Aboriginal family in Australia's Outback has the potential to become the world's oldest living dog, a newspaper reported Sunday. Jerry, an Australian cattle dog-bull terrier cross, will next month turn 27 - the equivalent of 189 years for a human - said Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals veterinarian Honey Nelson in Sydney's Daily Telegraph."He will be 27 ... years in August - I have no doubt at all," Nelson reportedly said after examining Jerry. "He could push on to 28, going by his good body condition."

Jerry's owner, Waddie Harris - an Aboriginal tribal leader in New South Wales state's Wilcannia town, put Jerry's longevity down to his high-protein diet of Outback wildlife. "Jerry has grown up on kangaroo, rabbit and emu as well as scraps off the table," the newspaper quoted Harris as saying.

The oldest living dog in the 2004 edition of "Guinness World Records" is Butch, a 27-year-old beagle in the U.S. state of Virginia. An Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who died in 1939 at age 29, is thought to have been the world's oldest dog, the newspaper said.

References: Newspaper,
The Associated Press.

Australian Cattle Dog
Quick Facts
Weight: 18-22 kg 40-50 lbs

Height: 43-51 cm 17-20 inches

Coat: Short, straight

Group: herding

Activity level: Very high

Learning rate: High

Temperament: Independent, intelligent

Guard dog ability: High

Watch-dog ability: High

Litter size: 4-8

Life span: 12-15 years

Country of Origin: Australia

History

The precise origins of the "Blue Heeler" are not known, but they appear to have been a distinct breed as early as 1897. It began when Smithfields were originally used in Australia for herding cattle, but they were noisy and bit too hard, so they were bred with the Dingo, or wild dog prevalent in Australia, and were then called “Timmins Biters,” which were quieter, but still bit hard. Border Collies and Smooth-coated Collies, used for herding sheep, and the dingo were then bred with each other. In 1840, Thomas Hall bred a couple of Blue Smooth Highland Collies with dingoes and got the “Hall’s Heeler”. Then, in the 1870’s Fred Davis bred some Bull Terrier into them to make the dogs more aggressive. These were relatively common as sporting and guard dogs in the late 19th and early 20th century.

The resulting Cattle Dog was of a slightly heavier and more muscular build than the Border Collie and of less temperamental nature, with good herding ability, the stamina to withstand extremes of temperature and the resourcefulness to forage and to feed itself on an omnivorous diet like a wild dog. Physically the "Heeler" has inherited a big broad head and strong jaws from the Bull Terrier. From the Dingo comes the distinctive sandy colour of the legs and rather large pricked ears.

Like the Welsh Corgies, the "Heeler" is fearless with cattle and has a tendency to nip their heels to keep them moving, when herding. This trait is undesirable when the dog applies it to humans, and also to horses. In order to create a breed that had a strong natural affiliation with horses, the Cattle Dog was crossed with the Dalmatian, which although not a working dog, was popular during the 19th and early 20th century as a carriage dog, running beside the horses. The resultant dog was one which was friendly to horses and would work cooperatively with a horse, in a herding situation.

This breeding with the Dalmatian led to the spotted colouration valued in "Blue Heelers", the light colour being the somewhat greenish black of the Collie. For many years "Blue Heelers" commonly had large black patches on the body, as well as the Collie's mask. It was also common for them to have ears that lay back against the head like some Collies. The flat ears are now considered undesirable for showing.

Australian Cattle Dog Activities

Australian Cattle Dogs not only tolerate a high level of physical activity, they almost demand it. Like many other herding dog breeds, they have active and fertile minds that turn mischievous if not properly channeled. ACDs are highly intelligent and can be very bossy. When not active, an ACD can be kept occupied with mental puzzles. Among the most popular activities for Australian Cattle Dogs is dog agility. While the ACD is ideally suited for this work, since it is a herding breed and thus very reactive to the handler's body language, some ACDs become hardly frustrated at the repetition and routine necessary to hone agility skills. As for many breeds, frequent brief training sessions are more effective than infrequent long training sessions. For this reason, many handlers find training an ACD to be challenging. It is important to always change the methods and exercises and not allow the dog or handler to get into a rut. ACDs thrive on change and new experiences.

Only a few ACDs, therefore, have excelled in obedience competition For example, the American Kennel Club awards an "Obedience Competiion Championship" (OTCh) to the dog-and-handler team that defeats a large number of other teams in open competition. A handful of ACDs have reached this level. While ACDs enjoy the challenge of obedience competition, such as retrieving a scented article, the majority of ACDs are easily bored with precision drilling.

ACDs are expert frisbee catchers, with just a little work they can master this activity and enjoy it for a lifetime.

• Centralized repository for all things Australian Cattle Dog
  http://www.cattledog.com
• Australian Cattle Dog Club Of America
  http://www.acdca.org
• Australian Cattle Dog Club Of Canada
  http://www.acdcc.ca
• Australian Cattle Dog Agility Website
  http://www.acdagility.com
• Adopt A Cattle Dog
  http://www.petfinder.com
• Reference More Information
  http://www.wikipedia.org

Until next time... Pat a pooch.

Ken Mathie

"Put an End to the Stress and Annoyance of Your Dog Behavior Problems!...AND Slash Your Dog Obedience Training Time in Half by Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!!" Click here and take control starting today!

Care For Canine Teeth And Gums

Canine Dental Hygiene - How To Care For Your Dogs Teeth & Gums

Clean teeth can boost the health, happiness, and longevity of your canine friend. Your dog's human family will also reap the benefits, including a cleaner, fresher-smelling doggie mouth! Here is some information on the most common dental problems in dogs and ways of treating them.

Common dental problems

- Periodontitis

It is very common among dogs to have gum disease. At the age of two or three, many dogs have either periodontitis or gingivitis.

The most common dental problem for canines is periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease. The disease is caused by various factors: plaque, food debris, cell mucus, and a mixture of bacteria. This results in a film characterized by milky-white on the dog's teeth as well as the gums. When this film gets combined with saliva, the plaque it causes becomes tartar, and very hard to remove.

- Gingivitis

Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, happens when gum tissue suffers from an inflammation. Without treatment, it can lead to periodontitis, teeth loosening, bone loss, and ultimately, loss of teeth.

- Tooth fractures

Tooth fractures occur when dogs chew hard substances, such as hard rocks and cow hooves. The fractures result to infection inside the broken tooth, which is known as the endodontic disease.

How to prevent dental problems

Your dog can fight off these dental problems by removing the plaque before it actually develops as tartar. How to do it? The most effective way is by brushing the teeth of your dog in a mechanical fashion. The brushing would reduce much of the bacteria presence in the mouth, not to mention making your dog's breath smell sweeter.

Six Steps to help manage your dogs dental hygine.

- Get your puppy to become accustomed to hands in his mouth.
- Try some beef flavored dog toothpaste on a finger. If those hands have something that tastes and smells good, it is a lot easier.
- Rub the dog's gums on both sides and in the front.
- Let him lick some off your finger. Even older dogs can learn this way.
- Put him up on something such as the kitchen counter, washing machine or chair, if he strongly objects. He will be more reluctant to move. A towel on the counter or washing machine will make him more secure.
- Get the correct size brush for your dog.
- Gently brush the gum line around all the teeth. Encourage and speak gently to him. Do a little at a time. He will continue to enjoy the taste of the flavored toothpaste.

Toothpaste. There are toothpaste products made especially for dogs. Brush your pet's teeth using dog toothpaste. Human toothpaste is specifically designed for humans to spit the paste washings out. Dogs cannot do that, so pick a dog toothpaste that is safe enough for dogs to swallow.

Toothbrush. Using a toothbrush in its teeth will take some time for the dog to get used to. Let your dog be acquainted and get used to this is by putting some garlic salt, mix the salt with water, and dip the solution in an old toothbrush. Hold the old brush, and let your pet taste and chew it. Your dog will start to realize that chewing a toothbrush is and tastes good. Make it a habit a few times, until he feels comfortable brushing with it.

Finger brush. You could also use a finger brush instead of a toothbrush. A finger brush is a good alternative, although nothing could replace the good ol' toothbrush. The finger brush just fits onto one's fingertip and can let you brush the dog's teeth without the dog knowing it. Well, at least almost. The disadvantage of getting a finger brush to clean your dog's teeth is that its bristles are quite large for the brush to go under the gumline's margin as effectively compared with regular toothbrush.

In addition, after the teeth are brushed, spray chlorohexidine mouth spray on both sides in the back and on the front teeth. Bacteria gather and this keeps that in check.

If you experience challenges with the dog resisting and wiggling out your hands, you can also try standing or sitting over him (depending on the size) with the dog between your legs. You'll be working sort of upside down and backwards, but it actually gets the brush into places you can't get to when working face to face.

Make it a habit of brushing your dogs' teeth on a daily basis throughout the dog's life.

Professional cleaning. If you don't want to do the cleaning by yourself, you could take your dog to a veterinarian and have his teeth professionally cleaned. A good veterinarian will take additional measures in ensuring your dog's clean teeth by anesthetizing your dog, scraping the buildup of plaque from all over the gumline areas, and polishing the teeth for a sparkling finish.

Home checkup. Try to make it a regular habit of checking the teeth of your dog for any cracked or broken teeth. If you see some problematic teeth, check promptly with the veterinarian.

Home safety. Of course, cleaning your dog's teeth does not mean you should disregard other areas of concern. Tough substances, such as bones, rocks, hard nylon, or cow hooves should be removed from areas where your dog could see. Buy your dog chewing toys that are safer like rubber-made toys. You could also provide bones that are soft enough for your dog to chew.

Mouthwash. There are some products in the market that deal very well in helping to kill the bacteria in your dog's mouth and could actually help heal damaged gum tissues. Do not forget to ask your veterinarian on the best products in the market.

Dental problems do not only happen to humans. Dogs also have dental issues as well. If a dog's teeth are not taken care of, a number of ramifications occur as a result of the infections spreading in various ways throughout the dog's body. One is heart disease resulting in heart failure. Think about it...if a dog is constantly swallowing bacteria from infections in its mouth, or the bacteria is spreading via the blood, it can be nothing but detrimental to the dog's overall health. Good mouth care means a longer, happier life for your best friend.

It is up to the owners on how to help their pet dogs overcome their dental problems.

Until next time...Pat A Pooch

Ken Mathie

"Put an End to the Stress and Annoyance of Your Dog Behavior Problems!...AND Slash Your Dog Obedience Training Time in Half by Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!!" Click here and take control starting today!

Dog Food Recall List - What Foods Have Been Recalled.

On March 16, Menu Foods, Inc. recalled dog and cat foods produced at two of its facilities between Dec. 3, 2006, and March 6, 2007, and sold under a number of different brand names. Since then, Menu Foods has expanded its recall and several other companies also have voluntarily withdrawn products from the market.

Pet food manufacturers have voluntarily recalled more than 100 brands of dog and cat food across the nation since March 16, 2007. The recall was prompted by reported cases of cats and dogs in the United States that developed kidney failure after eating the affected products.

If you're a pet owner wondering what to feed your pets, keep in mind the following: Although many different types of pet food are affected by the recall, the recalled products represent only about one percent of the total pet food available for purchase, according to the Pet Food Institute, the trade association for pet food manufacturers.

"There remains an ample supply of safe cat and dog food available at stores throughout the United States," says Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., Director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). "We encourage the public to continue to use pet food that is not subject to the recall."

What To Do With Recalled Pet Food

As at todays date April 22nd, there have been 5000+ dog product in various varieties and package sizes recalled. Way to many to list here. If you are concerned and would like to obtain a copy of the recalled product ranges, you can download a copy of the list off the FDA Website. Click here to download the list

Do NOT feed the recalled pet food to your animals. Return the pet food to the store where you purchased it and ask for a refund. If you cannot return the pet food immediately, store it in a secure place where pets and children cannot get to it.

Signs to Look For in Your Pet

Pet owners should be alert to signs of kidney illness, such as:
- loss of appetite- weakness or lack of energy- vomiting
If your pet shows any of these signs, call your veterinarian.

How to Report a Reaction to a Pet Food

Call the FDA consumer complaint coordinator for your geographic area. To find your coordinator, visit: Click here to complain

Try to have the following information available before calling

- Brand name, lot numbers, and UPC code for the pet food fed to your dog or cat when it was ill. A lot number is typically stamped on the bag/pouch or on the can lid. Lot numbers usually consist of a series of letters and numbers.

- If your pet received treatment by a veterinarian, his/her name, address, and telephone number

- Date illness first noticed

- Signs displayed- Any veterinary reports available.

Related Stories
Contaminant Found in Second Pet Food Ingredient FDA Petfood Update

Obedience Training - Train Your Dog To Be Obedient

Training your dog to be obedient.


We've all encountered them at some point. Ill-mannered bad behaved dogs. We've even seen their owners yelling, screaming and totally stressed out, tugging at their
leashes trying to make them behave. What is sad is that you can't blame the dog for the owner's irresponsibility.

This type of behavior could have been avoided with obedience training. Obedience training is a platform for the dog and the owner to learn how to effectively
communicate with one another.

Can you conduct obedience training on your own? This is a question that has long been debated by the experts. One school of thought is that it would be better if a
professional does the training, while others feel the owner can do it if they feel competent. The truth is that a combination of trainer and owner is probably the most
effective.

Find an obedience school in your area. You will probably be told that they recommend a series of lessons that include both the dog AND the owner. Sometimes the
classes can be arranged where trainer comes to your home. Some trainers feel that training where the surroundings are familiar is helpful where some prefer their own
location.

However, whether the obedience training is done at home, by a professional trainer, or in an obedience school, there are things that must be considered when
incorporating this kind of training. Here is a list of the things that should be taken into account.

1. Fun
Obedience training does not necessarily mean that strict rules should be imposed. This is because the dog is not aware of the reasons why he should be trained.
Therefore, for him to respond to the commands, the training must be done in such a way that the dog sees the activity as something that is fun.
The dog should be praised when he exhibits proper behavior. Some trainers also recommend treats and some do not. That should be discussed with your trainer.

2. Consistency
During the course of obedience training, it is very important to have consistency in the training. For example, if a dog was allowed to sit on the rug the other day and
when the dog tried to sit on the rug today, he was scolded. Things like this should not be taken for granted. It is extremely important to teach the dog what he should
and should not do and stick to it. Confusion will only make the matters worst.

3. Obedience training instructor/trainer
When people choose to enroll their dogs in an obedience class, it is important to analyze the trainer before the owner leaves his dog. The character and personality of the
trainer is extremely important. They should be professional enough to know how to handle the dog’s behavior and how to train them properly. Again, you might want to
find a trainer that works with both you AND your dog.

4. Referrals
It is best not to try new and unfamiliar obedience training schools. This could be really risky both for you and for your dog. It would be better if dog owners will ask for
some referrals from their veterinarians, dog breeders, or other people who can give their honest opinions.

5. Charges
Not all obedience training schools are created equal. They vary depending on the kind of services they offer. It is best to consider their fees and what services they offer
at that rate. This is one area where you don't want to scrimp so cheapest isn't always the best. Also, make certain you are dealing with a trainer that will work with
both you AND your dog.

6. Methods used in the training
It is highly recommended that dog owners ask about the methods being used in the training. Make sure the terms are spelled out clearly. Shop for the best training you
can find for the money. Don't make a decision quickly. If you don't feel comfortable with one individual, by all means keep looking.
There are some dogs that just seem to follow directions with little or no effort with never a session of profession training. Unfortunately, these examples are few and far between.

Invest in obedience training and you can look at a long and healthy relationship with a loving companion. With obedience training, dogs will surely be on their way to happier and more enjoyable stay with their masters and the people around them.

"Put an End to the Stress and Annoyance of Your Dog Behavior Problems!...AND Slash Your Dog Obedience Training Time in Half by Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!!" Click here and take control starting today!



Visit My Squidoo Lens

Dog Parks - Exercise Area For Dogs

This article is about the exercise area for dogs.

A dog park is a facility set aside for dogs and their owners to exercise and play off-leash in a controlled environment. Parks vary in accoutrements, but a typical dog park is fenced; has separate, double-gated entry and exit points; a pond for swimming; hydrants for watering dogs; and tools to pick up and dispose of animal waste. In Australia, dog parks have water taps rather than hydrants, garden benches and mature trees for shade. Some (e.g. Pymble, New South Wales) have solar lampposts for after dark use.

Benefits of off-leash dog parks.

Pet ownership in the United States increased by over 1 million households between 1990 and 1992, up to 54 million, or 58% of all U.S. households. Of the pet-owning households, 38% included dogs. The number of dogs per dog-household was 1.5, totally 53.3 million dogs.
While suburban and rural zones have traditionally been areas containing most of the pet-owning population, the urban environment has been undergoing an increase in pet population since the 1970s. This, combined with the fact that over the past 15 years urbanization has been taking over what was formerly considered to be suburban and rural areas, has resulted in a phenomenon called "urbananimalization." This, first of all, encompasses the recognition that animals are and will continue to be a "quality of life" aspect of urban society. Secondly, it recognizes that development must specifically provide for the inclusion of domestic animals in its growth plans.

As the dog companion population increases along with development, regulations need to be in place to promote responsible pet ownership, and facilities need to be provided to allow pet owners and their canine companions to exercise and play together. The provision of ample quality space for the human/dog companion recreation promotes the physical and mental well being of both dog and human.

Off-leash dog areas provide a social setting in which people can gather and interact in friendship. Off-leash dog areas are places where dog owners and nondog owners can delight in the entertaining and interesting interaction of dogs at play. Scientific studies have shown that people somehow find it easier to talk to each other with dogs as the initial focus, breaking down the usual social barriers that make people in our society perceive others as "strangers." Research has also shown that companion dogs improve people's health and increase resistance to disease by providing companionship, by giving people something to care for, by providing pleasurable activity, by providing a source of constancy in our changing lives, by stimulating people to exercise, by providing comfort with touch, and being a pleasure to watch. The unconditional love of a companion animal is very beneficial.

The benefits to dogs is also well documented. Dogs that are highly socialized and exercised are healthier and happier. They make better neighbors because they bark and dig out of their enclosure less often. If they do escape, they are far less likely to be aggressive.

Problems with off-leash dog parks

Like all recreation activities, certain safeguards need to be put in place before an off-leash dog park should be established. The first objective is to ensure that the location of the off-leash park is appropriate. The park should not be placed in environmentally sensitive areas, and it must be free of poisonous plants and dangerous topography such as steep cliffs. The second objective is to ensure that the park itself is safe for dogs, people, and wildlife. This generally will require the park to be a safe distance away from traffic, and always requires the park to have some sort of fence or barrier to ensure that dogs do not end up in precarious situations. A third objective is to make sure the size of the dog park is appropriate. Generally dog parks that are too big result in opportunities for dogs to learn and demonstrate anti-social, dominant behavior without swift intervention by their guardians.

Allowing dogs off-leash can be harmful to a dog’s socialization process. Many dogs are too shy, bold, or aggressive to roam off-leash, and many more dogs learn to react aggressively on-leash after roaming off-leash. Too few dog owners understand what good dog interactions look like, and even fewer feel empowered to intervene when poor interactions occur, leading to anti-social dog behavior outside of off-leash areas but caused by roaming off-leash. A particularly disconcerting problem is known as "predatory drift." Even highly socialized dogs can "drift" into a predatory attack mode, particularly when smaller dogs appear injured or yelp during off-leash exercises. When a dog enters a "predatory drift" episode, it attempts to kill the smaller dog that triggers the event. The problem is so severe that many adoption agencies such as the San Francisco SPCA refuse to place dogs into homes with existing dogs if the dogs differ substantially in size.

Find A Dog Park In Your Area.

FloridaPets.net - lists (on and off leash) dog parks throughout Florida
Dog park web site
General information about dog parks and starting a new dog park
Ecoanimal.com - List of dog parks by city.
Dogfriendly.com - lists places to take your dog, including dog parks, allows search by location, covers US
List of dogs parks in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia
Royal Paws - Private Dog Park in Georgia
Predatory Drift
Dog Grounds - Off-leash Play Areas in Downtown Minneapolis

References.

Wikipedia.org

You - Obesity - Your Dog = Exercise

You - Obesity - Your Dog = Exercise

In 1989, a study of children and teenagers in the United States revealed that 5% to 25% of our children were obese. In 1999, a study revealed that 13% of children 6 to 11 years of age, and 14% of adolescents 12 to 19 years of age were overweight. If we do not stop this alarming increase, we are likely to see children who are on average 70% heavier than their 1960s counterparts by the year 2010.

What's that I hear you say? "Ok Ken this blog is about dogs not fat!"

I know, I know, I'm getting back to the subject right now, but understand there is a connection between weight management, fitness and helping your dog live longer with regular exercise.

Walking your dog on a regular basis is a win-win solution to both your general health and that of your best friend. Walking your dog is a nice way to get fit and also to enjoy the day by just walking around. It is good for the dog as well. It keeps your dog nice and healthy and helps give your dog every chance of increasing his/her longevity.

Six steps to get started walking your dog.

1. Pick up your lead, it signals to the dog that it is about to go for a walk. Make your dog sit patiently as you clip on the lead. You could use a treat to lure the dog to sit if you if he/she is accustomed to that incentive. Make sure your only clip on the lead when the dog is obedient and sitting still, going for a walk is on your terms, not theirs.

2. Walk him over to the door or your gate, ready for the walk. It's a good idea to use the same exit each day, this will help your dog understand the procedure and know what's about to take place.

3. Wait by the door and make your dog sit. Tell them "wait". Make sure your dog waits inside as you step outside, and then say, "Ok come on!" or one word command "come" and allow the dog to walk outside. Never just let the dog burst outside. Wait is basically stay, except the dog is expecting you to release it from the wait soon. Wait can be very useful when you answer the door and your dog obediently stands inside without you having to hold their collar to stop them jumping all over your visitors.

4. Try not to pull on the lead. Your dog will walk at its own pace, which may be faster than you. In that case, don't let the dog pull you. If the dog is pulling on the leash, tug back on the leash ever so slightly, and be sure not to keep a constant strain on the dog's neck.

5. Don't let your dog off the lead. Only do this in parks (dog parks), and/or on the beach (if allowed). There should be a sign saying whether or not your dog is allowed off the lead in that particular area.

6. When you get back home, take the lead off your (making sure your dog sits still!) dog and fill a dog bowl up with water so that your dog can have a drink.

Tips.

If you're going for a long walk, stop a couple of times so that you don't tire out your dog if it isn't in good shape. If there are no drinking fountains on your walking route and you are walking any great distance It's also a good idea to take some water with you, for both you and your dog.

Consider carrying around a handful of dog biscuits for a little snack. It does not hurt to reward your dog occasionally when they obey your commands. If your dog constantly pulls on the lead, you might try one of the gentle lead products (like the Halti, for example) available. Or, even better, train your dog not to pull (which isn't that difficult).

Don't forget to bring a plastic bag to clean up the poop. Though it's recommended you have the dog go before you take it out for a walk.

If your dog does decide to pull, there are a few ways to help curb the problem. Don't pull your dog back to you. Pulling the dog backwards will jade your dog to the pressure of the leash and teach him that if you want him back, he can just wait for you to pull. Instead decide on a distance you'd like your dog to pace you at, such as with his forelegs next to yours, or with his neck next to your legs. Start by walking with a loose lead, and if the dog creeps out in front turn immediately around and start walking in the opposite direction. A quick little tug might help get his attention. Soon your dog will learn to pay attention to you and walk close enough that he can see you change directions, otherwise risk walking the wrong way and getting a smart little tug on the leash. Another way is to tell your dog to "stop" "sit" then shorten the length of the leash and try walking your dog directly at your side.

Make sure to check weather conditions as well as your walking route. Remember that unlike us, your dog has fur, which can make it extremely uncomfortable when walking distances in the blistering heat.

If you can, try to walk a little ahead of the dog in order to communicate that YOU are the leader of the pack, not him/her.

Although particular commands are important, also talk to your dog in plain English along with these commands. Your speech is full of inflections and patterns that your dog will understand, even if it doesn't know that details of what you're saying. Similarly, never lie to your dog. Dogs can sense it. Click here and take a look at SitStayFetch, I am sure it will help you and your canine friend enjoy each others company. More info available here.

Benefits and problems of off-leash dog parks.

Dogs that are highly socialized and exercised are healthier and happier. They make better neighbors because they bark and dig out of their enclosure less often. If they do escape, they are far less likely to be aggressive.

Like all recreation activities, certain safeguards need to be put in place before an off-leash dog park should be established. The first objective is to ensure that the location of the off-leash park is appropriate.

I'll cover off-leash dog parks in more detail tomorrow, please bookmark this blog and return for updates.

Until next time.
Pat A Pooch.

Ken Mathie.

ProudPup.com - Great deals on new and used dog supplies and accessories, training equipment, books, doggie health tips and more! Did you know that dogs have a genetic lifespan of 27 years? Find out how you can help your dog live well into it's teens or 20's. Download your copy of the Long Life Dog book by clicking this link: Proud Pup - Dog Supplies Cheap

Copyright 2007 – Ken Mathie. Editor PMCezine...

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author's name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active.

What Dog Breeds Are Good For Children

Hi How are you today? I hope you are having a great day.

Today I have a great collection of recipes featuring 130 tempting and tasty treats for your dog. Below are just a few of the recipes you will find inside the ebook and a link to download your free copy of the Dog Treat recipe ebook:

But before we get to the download link I'd like to mention a great Squidoo lense I discovered earlier today titled: "Dog breeds good for children".

Companion dog or family dog usually describes a dog that does not work, providing only companionship as a pet, rather than usefulness by doing specific tasks, these dogs for the majority are what most people condider suitable for children. Many of the toy dog breeds are used only for the pleasure of their company, not as workers, but any dog can be a companion dog, and many working types such as retrievers are enjoyed primarily for their friendly nature as a family pet.

When asked "What are the best dog breeds when you have children", I usually recommend only the smaller dogs like my Maltese Shitsu cross dogs, sometimes referred to as "Toy Dogs", or the English Cocker Spaniel, and the Labrador Retrievers.

It seems safest to define toy dogs as being determined by the size of the dogs, and leave discussion of function and temperament to the various breed clubs. However, this can also be problematic, as there is no firm agreement on what height or weight makes a dog a toy, and the upper height limit of some toy dog breeds is over 12 inches at the withers, which places these dogs within the height range of dogs in some other groups as well.

The use of the word "toy" to describe small dogs that belong to a toy breed is redundant and also incorrect, suggesting that the breed comes in different sizes—there is no such thing, for example, as a "toy Chihuahua"; all Chihuahuas are toy dogs. (However, some breeds do come in different sizes, such as Poodles, which come in standard, miniature, and toy varieties).

As such I always have considered these miniature, and toy varieties the most suitable for children.

However reading the Squidoo lense, "Dog breeds good for children" really opened my eyes. I did not realize just how many of the larger dogs were a good match when you are looking for dog breeds good for children.

Dog breeds like the Coonhound, Newfoundland, Boston Terriers, Australian Shepherd and many more are detailed on the site.

If you are looking for a new or your first dog for your children and need some detailed info about dog breeds good for children I recommend you visit the page at Squidoo and... Click here

Watch "dog breeds good for children" for regular updates.


Todays Recipe book... Pamper Your Dog.

The cookbook that your dog and dogs everywhere have been waiting for has finally arrived. Pamper Your Dog unleashes 130 recipes for tasty treats and meals for your canine friend that are sure to have your dog salivating. You cook for yourself and your family, so don't ignore your most faithful of friends. Pamper Your Dog will show you how to prepare tasty and healthful treats and main meals for their dogs without a lot of cost or work.

Here are just a few recipes from the ebook:

#1. Ace's Favorite Cheesy Dog Biscuits
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/4 pound margarine -- corn oil
1 clove garlic -- crushed
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup Milk -- or as needed

Grate the cheese into a bowl and let stand until it reaches room temperature. Cream the cheese with the softened margarine, garlic, salt and flour. Add enough milk to form into a ball.

Chill for 1/2 hour. Roll onto floured board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly brown, and firm.

Makes 2 to 3 dozen, depending on size.

#2. Alfalfa Hearts

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup soy flour
1 teaspoon bone meal -- optional
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon lecithin -- optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons alfalfa sprouts -- chopped
1 cup brown rice -- cooked
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup water

Combine flours, bone meal, yeast, lecithin, salt, garlic powder and alfalfa leaves. Add rice and oil. Combine well. Add 1/4 cup water and mix well. Dough should be very easy to handle, not

crumbly. Add more water if needed to achieve proper consistency.

Lightly flour board or counter and roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with 2 1/2 inch cutter. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Makes 3 dozen.

#3. Alfie And Archie's Dog Biscuits

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup dry milk -- powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
6 tablespoons beef fat1 egg -- beaten
1/2 cup ice water

1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Combine flour, dry milk, salt, garlic powder and sugar. Cut in meat drippings until mixture resembles corn meal. Mix in egg. Add enough

water so that mixture forms a ball. Using your fingers, pat out dough onto cookie sheet to half inch thick. Cut with cookie cutter or knife and remove scraps. Scraps can be formed again

and baked.

2. Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from tray and cool on rack.

#4. An Apple a Day Dog Treat

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple -- chopped or grated1 egg -- beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
3/8 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal m large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown

sugar and water; mix until well blended.

On floured surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size. Place treats on prepared sheet.

Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed 1 hour to crisp treats. Remove treats from oven.
Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer.

MAKES 2 to 2 1/2 dozen

~~~~~~~~~~~

Click Here & Download Pamper Your Dog today [no charge] and give your faithful friend what it really wants...A home cooked meal!

Pamper Your Dog is delivered in PDF format and is viewable on any computer. All you need is Adobe Reader which is available free and already on most computers.

Click here and download your free copy today.


Until next time.

Cheers,

Ken Mathie.

How to Love Your Dog

A dog is more than just a pet. It is a friend one can always count on when things go wrong and no one seems to care. Having a dog for a pet is not just about feeding it and giving it a good home. It also takes maintenance to keep that dog strong and fit.

Spending time with man’s best friend further deepens the relationship one has with a pet. It tells the dog that the owner loves being with it and by either playing or working together; it strengthens the communication, understanding and respect between man and animal.

Any living animal deserves love. Here is how to give the best to your canine pal.

- Give your dog plenty of exercise. When your dog needs to go out, take him or her out. You will know he needs to because he will give you pleading looks, stand by the door, bark, etc. There may be whining, scraping and barking accompanying the need for exercise outdoors as well.

- Pet him. If he puts his head in your lap, scratch behind his ears. Dogs just want to be loved. They love neck and tummy scratches and a dog massage is one of the best ways to show your affection for your dog.

- Hug your dog, too. Most dogs, especially the small to medium ones, take this as a sign of affection. You can do this while you pet your dog.

- Reward your dog. Many dogs, and Goldens and Shelties in particular, exist to please their owners, and they will do it. You have to reward them. Give them treats that are healthy and made specially for dogs. You don't have to buy the treats, you can make excellent ones yourself at home.

- Talk to your dog. Dogs love it when you talk to them. You will develop your own language together and share intimate moments. And no dog will ever tell you to stop going on about a bad day at the office!

- Spend quality time with your dog. Your dog loves attention. Set aside time every day to spend just with your dog. Even if it's just lying in front of the TV together, stroking your dog's ears and resting together.

- Prioritize yourself to your dog. Set regular and consistent times to feed your dog and take him or her for walks. Your dog will love you for it because it's doing him or her a world of good for their well-being. Doing things for your dog at the same time every day will let it know what to expect at that time.

- Cherish your dog. Always respect your dog and the love that your dog has brought into the house. Be kind, caring and considerate in the way that you treat your dog. Your dog is a family member.

- Give your dog a comfortable place of its own. Your dog's sleeping area should be its alone, not to be shared with piles of washing or storage boxes. Make sure it is out of the way of people who walk through and other annoyances.
Check out tips on the internet and at your local library on dog training. Part of loving your dog is teaching it how to behave. Or enroll in an obedience school.

A great guide I found and now use is SitStayFetch. SitStayFetch will teach you how to train your dog like a professional trainer, so you can have your dog obey you no matter what the situation and solve any specific problems that you may have with your dog - this is truly cutting-edge material!

Although particular commands are important, also talk to your dog in plain English along with these commands. Your speech is full of inflections and patterns that your dog will understand, even if it doesn't know that details of what you're saying. Similarly, never lie to your dog. Dogs can sense it. Click here and take a look at SitStayFetch, I am sure it will help you and your canine friend enjoy each others company. More info available here.