Archive for the ‘Pets, Dog Training, Cats, Birds, Exotic Animals’ Category
Feeding Your Chihuahua
Deciding what to feed your Chihuahua is a major component of your Chihuahua’s care. Regular exercise, periodic health check-ups, and vaccinations are also very important, but Chihuahua nutrition has a powerful influence on the dog’s health, including the condition of the gums and teeth, the condition of the coat and skin, and the digestion.
As a small dog owner, you have a greater responsibility for your pet’s diet than large dog owners. Large dogs weighing more than 20 pounds can eat greater volumes of food every day because their caloric needs are greater. Owners have more chances to provide nutrients for their dogs, and it’s not a big deal if the dog eats a few table scraps every day.
On the other hand, a typical Chihuahua six to nine inches tall should weigh only four to eight pounds and should eat just one to one-and-one-half cups of food every day. Chihuahua owners must care about every bite they feed their pets and avoid feeding their dogs’ table scraps or other versions of canine junk food.
In addition to knowing what to feed your Chihuahua, you also need to know what not to feed it. Some foods, like chocolate, raw onions, and garlic, are perfectly fine for the human diet but can be deadly to your Chihuahua’s nutrition. Because the Chihuahua is so small, eating even small amounts of these foods can mean your Chihuahua needs medical care to counteract the effects of the toxicity. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive thirst. However, do not wait for your dog to experience symptoms, because they can take several hours to show up and by then it can be too late. Take your dog to the vet as soon as you suspect it has eaten any chocolate at all.
Similarly, onions and garlic can also harm your Chihuahua. Again, your pet may vomit and have diarrhea a few hours after eating the forbidden food. In two or three days, the dog will lose interest in food and grow weak. See your vet as soon as possible for the proper Chihuahua care if you suspect that your Chihuahua has eaten onions or garlic.
Now that you know what not to feed your dog, let’s talk about the best diet for your Chihuahua. The only way to be absolutely certain your pet gets the proper nutrition may be to prepare and cook all of your dog’s food. This is the kind of Chihuahua nutrition that proves your love for your dog.
Chihuahua dog food recipes can be found in several popular cookbooks and newsletters, but you can make your own dog food for your Chihuahua by combining a few basic ingredients in different ways.
Start with a small amount of lean beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or lamb and roast or grill the meat. You can sauté or pan-fry the meat, but try not to add any fat when cooking. When the meat is fully cooked, add a similar amount of a cooked starch like boiled potatoes, noodles, or cooked rice. Next, add a cooked vegetable. Most dogs prefer sweet vegetables like carrots or peas. After the mixture cools, feed it to your Chihuahua and watch the food disappear!
Proper nutrition is essential to your Chihuahua’s health. Take the time to find and feed your dog the high quality food it needs.
Chihuhua care consists of diligent attention to the dog’s exercise, health care, and food. Chihuahua owners need to learn what foods are dangerous to their dogs so they can avoid potential problems. Chihuahuas love homemade food. Don’t be afraid to create your own Chihuahua dog food recipes by combining cooked proteins, starches, and vegetables.
Shih Tzu Health Problems
If you are considering the addition of a Shih Tzu to your family, there are a few facts that you will want to know to help you care for your dog. Like any breed, there are Shih Tzu health problems that are specific to this type of dog, and learning what these problems are can help you to select a pet that is healthy. It is also important to prepare for the arrival of your Shih Tzu puppy by selecting a veterinarian and learning about emergency pet care in case a situation might arise where you would need that information.
There are a number of health problems that plague the Shih Tzu breed, including eye problems and kidney issues. By educating yourself about the common Shih Tzu health problems, you can prevent many of them by looking for a line of dogs that does not have a history of issues. You can also select a vet that both you and your dog are comfortable with and learn how to handle common emergency situations with dogs.
There are two Shih Tzu health problems that affect the eyes and are seen somewhat frequently. The first is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which is also known as dry eye. This condition occurs when there is not a sufficient production of the aqueous portion of tears in the eye, which can lead to cornea damage and even blindness if no treatment is offered. A brachiocephalic skull can also lead to eye problems for the Shih Tzu, since the skull is structured in a way that the eyes of the dog protrude more than with other breeds. This additional exposure of the eye can lead to a variety of eye problems that will need to be addressed and treated.
Renal dysplasia is the name for a potentially serious Shih Tzu health problem that affects the kidneys. Unfortunately, severe cases of this condition can lead to the death of a very young dog. It is also difficult for a breeder to know if his lines of dogs might carry this disorder, since it can go undetected for generations.
Besides knowing about the types of Shih Tzu health problems that could arise with your new puppy, it is important to find a veterinarian that will work for both you and your dog. It is a good idea to visit the vet’s office prior to bringing in your dog to see if the facilities are clean and well maintained and the staff is friendly and good with animals. It is also a good idea to find out what the office hours are and what the procedures might be in the event of an emergency with your pet.
While you are shopping for a veterinarian, it is a good idea to brush up on your first aid knowledge for dogs, and stock up on a few basic supplies at home that will help to prepare you for emergencies. These might include bandages as well as hydrogen peroxide and a rectal thermometer that will help get you through many a doggy crisis. It is also a good idea to keep a muzzle in the house so that you can safely treat you pet if he gets injured or sick. Preparation is the key to good Shih Tzu care and a successful relationship with your dog.
Before bringing a dog home, prepare yourself for good Shih Tzu care by educating yourself on the basics of this breed. Learning important basics like health problems facing this breed, where to find a quality vet and how to prepare for emergency care for you Shih Tzu will be helpful in owning in healthy, happy dog.
Dog Grooming Basics: Yorkshire Terrier Grooming
Yorkshire Terriers are great dogs but before you get one you will want to be aware of the Yorkshire Terrier grooming process that is involved. They require a lot more care and maintenance than most other breeds of dog, so they are not necessarily the best choice for busy people.
If you are going to be willing and able to put in the time and effort that is required in terms of their grooming however then they make not only a great pet but also a great companion. Yorkies are especially good show dogs. So if you are looking to enter any dog shows then again this would be a great breed to go with. Of course you can still own a Yorkie even if you do not have the time to groom them yourself because you can take them to a professional groomer have them do the work for you, but you will be paying a fee for these services every time. More importantly, grooming time allows for bonding between you and your pet so this task should not be left to a stranger to do.
One of the most important things in Yorkshire Terrier grooming is bathing. Bathing will help to keep their hair clean and tangle free, and the best idea is to give them what is known as a pre-bath. During this pre-bath you want to go through their fur and look for any snarls or tangles, and get these free before actually giving them a bath. This is because if you do it before the hair gets wet you will find it easier to get out any knots.
You also want to make sure that you get their coat trimmed on a regular basis, and you can do this yourself if you have experience or know what you are doing. Otherwise you will want to bring them to a professional groomer for this so that you do not leave them with a butchered looking haircut. You will of course have to pay a fee for this service but it will be well worth it to have your dog looking great.
The bottom line is that although Yorkies definitely make great pets, remember that you will need to be prepared to spend a lot of time on Yorkshire Terrier grooming. Because they have long coats they need to have baths regularly, so their coats should be kept in Yorkshire Terrier cuts, particularly for convenience and hygiene. You also want to brush your Yorkie’s hair daily to keep it free of tangles, and wash mucus from their eyes, even daily if you have to.
Remember that you can always bring your dog in to a professional groomer to have this work done for you, but you will be paying a fee for this service every time so it can get to be quite costly. Also remember that grooming is a great way to bond and spend time with your dog and so you should try to do it yourself as often as you can.
If you own a Yorkie you have to be willing to perform proper and regular Yorkshire Terrier grooming. Yorkshire Terrier grooming does not have to be difficult, and you can use Yorkshire Terrier haircut tips to help you out even more here.
Helpful Information On German Shepherd Allergies
Allergies are common among pets and humans and German Shepherd allergies are just as common as any other breed. Many times German Shepherd allergies are the result of conditions passed down from previous generations or your dog may have a special genetic make up that causes it to be susceptible to certain allergies. Whatever the case, in most dogs these allergies can be treated so if you notice your dog displaying any allergy symptoms you need to get it to your vet as soon as possible.
On common skin allergy among German Shepherds is an allergy called atopy. Atopy can cause such symptoms as excessive cleaning especially in the armpit area, excessive biting of the foot, or even a loud wheezing noise as the dog is breathing which can indicate a difficulty in being able to breathe. Sometimes something as simple as a diet change can help in this condition but ask your vet to have a look at your dog and tell for sure how to treat this condition.
One of the most serious German Shepherd allergies is food allergies. Your dog may develop an allergy to the protein, or some other nutrient, in its food and that can cause a lot of problems. Some of the symptoms are biting at the coat or digestive disorders like diarrhea or vomiting. Your vet will work with you to narrow down the nutrient that is causing the problem and then they will help you adjust your dog’s diet accordingly.
It is treated as a story or a myth that chocolate can kill a dog but it is very true and you should avoid this German Shepherd allergy at all costs. Chocolate in any form, bar or cake or brownies, can be dangerous to a dog. It is true that some dogs can tolerate larger amounts of chocolate than others but since the result can be death then it doesn’t make sense to test your pet’s limits.
One of the German Shepherd allergies that your dog may have may be an allergy to flea bites. If your dog is allergic to flea bites then they will develop what is known as hot spots on their body where certain patches on the dog are warm to the touch and could also be oozing a liquid. A good bath is not always the answer as the problem may be more complicated than that so if you find hot spots on your dog then be sure to get to the vet as soon as possible.
Every living thing has the potential to develop allergies and the problem with your German Shepherd is that they cannot open their mouths and tell you what the problem is. You need to keep an eye on your dog and watch for any symptoms of any allergies and then make sure you get your dog to the vet in time to treat the conditions before they spread and get worse. Don’t assume a condition has a simple solution, get your dog to the vet right away.
If you need information on allergies and German Shepherd care then you can use this article. Information in this article could help when you need to know how to choose a vet for your German Shepherd.
About Boston Terrier Care
Like humans there really is such a thing called Boston Terrier allergies. In fact your Boston Terrier can be allergic to the same things you are allergic to he may even be allergic to you. Okay, so it’s not exactly you, but it’s your dander. Boston Terrier allergies will manifest it self when your dog is about three to six years old. There are four types of allergies common to Boston Terriers: food, flea; mites; ticks, contact and, like humans, inhalant allergies.
Food allergies are usually triggered by the protein component of dog food. Your Boston Terrier may be allergic to chicken, turkey, pork, beef, lamb or horsemeat. Because Boston Terriers have very sensitive stomach and suffer from intestinal gas, their digestive system goes hay wire when they eat something they are allergic to. A simple diet change will help you in the step to curing your dog’s allergy. Switch your dog to a low antigen diet, preferably something he hasn’t eaten yet like potato, rabbit, venison or duck.
Boston Terrier allergies usually manifest via the skin. The skin gets irritated and itchy. It’s called allergic dermatitis. They can get allergic dermatitis when they come in contact with grass, cleaning agents or carpets. Boston Terriers will scratch, lick and chew every single part of their bodies including their feet.
Tragically there is no cure for allergic dermatitis in Boston Terriers. You will have to bring your dog to a veterinarian and work with him closely to ease the irritation and the itching. The treatment will be continuous, it may take a long time and it can cost a lot. To minimize the cost of the treatment, there is no choice but the common medicine prescribed is steroids.
Another allergen is fleas. Dogs commonly get fleas, but woe to the Boston Terrier who is actually allergic to fleas. The fleabite will itch to high heaven. Imagine that the allergic dog will react to just one flea bit, and where fleas are concerned there definitely isn’t only one. When the problem is quite severe your veterinarian will typically immerse your dog in a medicinal bath to kill off the fleas.
Fleabites will only itch a little bit if your dog is not allergic. If your Boston Terrier allergies are caused by fleabites, expect the effect to be a bit extreme. One bite can cause your Boston Terrier to itch as if he has been bitten by a thousand fleas. This is because your dog is allergic to the flea’s saliva.
Another problem is bacterial infection or mange. For Boston Terriers, it is demodectic mange. Demodectic mange is a kind of mite that lives within the follicles of your Boston Terrier. These mites can affect dogs when the immune system is weak or compromised due to genetic defects.
There are numerous treatment available for Boston Terrier allergies. Food allergies can be cured by a change in diet, demodectic mange by a chemically medicated bath, inhalants by antibiotic, or anti-inflammatory drugs, flea allergies by prevention, medicine and medicated shampoos. Unfortunately contact dermatitis has no cure. You will just have to work closely with your vet to help your Boston Terrier.
Knowing how to administer Boston Terrier care is important in keeping your dog healthy. There are a lot of tips on the Internet about how to choose a vet for your Boston Terrier.
What To Understand About Poodle Grooming
Owning a dog can sure be a lot of fun, but at the same time it is important to remember that a lot of work goes into it. This is especially true with a breed of dog like the Poodle, as these dogs are very high maintenance and require a lot more attention and care than other breeds of dog. Grooming is in fact the most expensive and challenging part of owning a Poodle, but is essential nonetheless.
There are a few things that need to be done when it comes to Poodle grooming, and this includes brushing, bathing, trimming, and clipping, to name a few. There is always the option of getting a professional dog groomer to do the work here, but remember that grooming a dog is a great opportunity to spend more time with them and bond with them, and this should really be taken advantage of. Also the dog will feel much more comfortable having their owner doing this than a stranger, and it is important to keep this in mind as well.
There are many aspects that are important when it comes to Poodle grooming, and one of the most important is brushing. Thorough brushing should be done both before and after every bath, but it is important not to go overboard with the brushing because this can result in causing balding. Bathing is also very important and should be done frequently, at least once a week.
Daily grooming in general is going to be helpful with Poodles, especially because of their long full coat. Regular brushing and combing are both essential in order to remove substantial hair shedding from the dense undercoat of the dog. This is important because if this hair shed is left, as with any other longhaired breed, it will end up falling out and getting all over the floor and the furniture. One great idea for Poodle grooming is for the dog owner to create a photo album of the different Poodle haircuts that they like and bring these when they get their dog’s hair cut so they can get exactly what they want.
Choosing from the many Poodle cuts available is important. If your Poodle will be completing in shows the decision is made for you. Most dog club competitions, such as the American Kennel Club, have very specific hair cut requirements. But for a pet Poodle any cut is permissible. Most prefer a short, all over clip that not only keeps their Poodle neat and clean but also makes bathing and brushing easier and less time consuming.
It does not have to be that difficult for a Poodle owner to do the Poodle grooming on their own, but anyone who wants to hire a professional dog groomer to do the work for them should keep a few things in mind when trying to decide on a professional groomer. One of the first and most important steps here is to make sure that they are kind and gentle. No good dog groomer is going to be rough or too stern with the dog, so watch out for this.
Poodles are beautiful dogs, but will only stay this way with proper and regular Poodle grooming. When it comes to Poodle grooming, getting them the right haircut is of the utmost importance and a good idea is to read up on Poodle haircut tips to find out more information on this.
Taking The Time To Understand Siberian Husky Allergies
When you take on the responsibility of owning a dog like a Siberian Husky you are also taking on the responsibility of caring for your dog and understanding when problems arise. One of the problems that need to be monitored on a daily basis is a Siberian Husky allergy. For the most part the Siberian Husky is a strong and healthy breed and the allergies that affect the Siberian Husky are allergies that are pretty common to the rest of the dog world. But you should still keep an eye out for any conditions that may need a vet’s care.
Skin allergies are huge problems in the dog world and they are definitely a concern when you are talking about Siberian Husky allergies. A skin allergy is very easy to notice if you are looking for it. But if you are not looking for it, then by the time you notice your dog can be in rough shape. With skin allergies there can be rashes on the skin, patches of hair missing, or the dog just always seems uncomfortable. The cause of these allergies can range from diet to something in the dog’s surroundings. Your vet will determine the cause and treatment.
Many people feel like they want to give their dog some variety with their food and this is okay but keep an eye on your dog when you feed them something new to make sure there are no Siberian Husky allergies to the new food. An allergic reaction to food can take many forms and if you feed your dog something new and they seem to have a reaction to it then never feed them that again and get to the vet immediately. It is difficult to tell how far an allergic reaction will go so get vet treatment right away.
This is more of a condition than an allergy, but it is very common in Siberian Huskies to develop hip or elbow dysplasia. Dysplasia is when the bones in the joint do not develop properly and over time it becomes difficult for the dog to walk or even move. There are things your vet can do so get your dog treatment right away if you notice these problems.
Another allergy that is common in many breeds and can also be considered a Siberian Husky allergies is an adverse reaction to fleas. It seems a little strange but it is quite common that a dog will develop an allergy to the effects of having fleas and sometimes this can look a lot like a different kind of skin allergy. If you notice the skin allergy symptoms like a rash or patches of hair missing then it could be an allergy to fleas so get your dog to the vet for a flea bath and advice on how to keep the fleas off your dog.
A Siberian Husky is a breed of dog that seems to not have any medical conditions unique to itself. They are normally a pretty healthy breed but you still need to keep an eye on them and make sure that no Siberian Husky allergies develop. If you notice any unusual behavior, or if you notice any physical reactions developing, then get your dog to the vet right away for a diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
You can use this article as a source of Siberian Husky care information. If you need information to guide you when you consider how to choose a vet for your Siberian Husky then use this article.
Shar Pei: Illness Prone
Of course, there are no perfect dog breeds or even individual dogs and thus even your Chinese Shar Pei will suffer from some health issues that will require treatment to take care of illnesses as well as imperfections. What’s more, in order to make it easy to treat common Shar Pei health problems, it would be a good idea for the owner to list the problems according to the part of the body system that is being affected, and providing the vet with such information. And, it also bears keeping in mind that not every Shar Pei will suffer from health problems, and in fact such problems may affect just a small proportion of the breed.
One of the most common Shar Pei health problems that most owners may come across is that which relates to the dog’s skin, though this does not have much to do with the fact that this breed has many wrinkles, rather it has everything to do with its hereditary condition. In fact, one of the main reasons why the Shar Pei has skin problems is because of its increasing popularity, which means that you must buy them only from reputable breeders who are sure to strive to breed only healthy dogs.
Shar Pei health problems, whenever they occur can also be grounds for discontinuation of further breeding with that particular animal since you don’t want to pass on more health problems to future generations of Shar Peis. What’s more, before you even purchase or obtain your Shar Pei, you would do well to ensure that it wouldn’t be coming to you with more health problems than is normal. And to ensure a healthy puppy, you need to have the breeder provide you with proof of the puppy’s parents having been checked and also cleared of major health problems.
Other than that, there is also need to ensure that your Shar Pei is free from a condition known as Entropion that is a common disease among the Shar Pei breed as well as fourteen breeds in all. Signs of such a disease are when it begins to squint a lot. If proper Shar Pei care has not been given to your pet, it could even come down with hypothyroidism and even a condition known as cherry eye.
Shar Pei health problems are something that is a cause for concern for most owners, and among other things, the breed could easily be affected by cancer as well as becoming allergic. This requires that owners give Shar Pei care a lot of thought, since only proper care can actually prevent a number of health problems including skin problems that are most often caused by fleas and which can easily be prevented.
On the flip side is the fact that Shar Peis are breeds that only require minimal maintenance and with simple care such as brushing regularly and not even having to bathe them every week, most Shar Pei health problems can be prevented. However, unfortunately, health problems may still arise and part of the reason for this is indiscriminate breeding because of their current popularity which has thrown up many unscrupulous breeders and even puppy mills that don’t care a fig about good breeding standards or other faults in the dogs that they breed, and which offer this breed without any regard for their good health.
Knowing proper Shar Pei care helps to avoid many health problems. Make arrangements in advance for where to get emergency care for your Shar Pei.
Pomeranian Cuts Should Be Repeated Every Four Weeks
Pomeranians are little dogs known as toy dogs. There are special carriers made for these dogs, as well as a special line of clothing. They are always fashionable dressed and groomed with a Pomeranian cut when owned by a celebrity. It is because these celebrities own Pomeranians that they have become recognized worldwide. There are basically three Pomeranian cuts for these little dogs. There is the teddy bear cut, the lion cut and the shave. The shave is the least popular because it leaves the dog vulnerable to the elements. The teddy bear cut is the most popular because it fluffs out the coat and shows off the Pomeranian’s beautiful coat. The lion cut is a cute Pomeranian cut which makes the dog look like a little lion. Pomeranians love the attention they receive while being groomed. The Pomeranian is very well behaved when being groomed because he truly enjoys the experience. A well groomed Pomeranian is a happy Pomeranian.
Because Pomeranians get groomed so often they must get used to the water, clippers, trimmers and brushes at an early age. Pomeranian puppies must be groomed at a young age to get them used to the process. These dogs will eventually love their trips to the salon to receive their Pomeranian cuts. They love the attention they receive during the washing, trimming and brushing sessions. These dogs seem to know instinctively that they are to show off their gorgeous longhaired coats in a glamorous fashion.
So it is only natural that so many people dress their dogs in a fashionable manner and carry them wherever they go. Pomeranians are fun but arrogant dogs and know they are beautiful animals and this is probably why the teddy bear Pomeranian cut is the most popular cut. This Pomeranian cut will show off the luxurious long haired coat to the utmost degree. This is, by far, the most popular Pomeranian cut in the American Kennel Club competitions.
Pomeranians are small, compact but sturdy little dogs. They instinctively display glamour. The best of the Pomeranian cuts for this dog is the teddy bear cut. This cut is the easiest to maintain with short and small trimming sessions only needed monthly. Pomeranian coats are easiest to trim when wet and the process is very quick when only a trim is necessary. These dogs love the drying and brushing of their hair. They also thoroughly enjoy and look forward to the weekly brushing sessions.
It is well known that a Pom who has matted and knotty hair will be very sullen and distant. A Pomeranian who has a beautifully maintained teddy bear Pomeranian cut is a very happy dog. If you are a dog lover and want to make your new pup a happy dog, then start him on a regular grooming routine early in his life so that he can truly enjoy life at its finest. After all a groomed Pomeranian is a happy Pomeranian.
According to Rosie Allan the teddy bear cut is the most popular. Pomeranian grooming is easiest when the dog is wet. Having good trimmers and clippers are just a couple of good Pomeranian haircut tips to remember.
Resources On Bichon Frise Grooming
The Bichon Frise is a great breed of dog. They are cute and cuddly and are even great family pets. They must be properly trained however, which can often be difficult because they tend to be so stubborn and dominant. Then there is also the issue of Bichon Frise grooming. This is especially important for a potential owner to be aware of, because the Bichon Frise grooming process takes up a lot of time and effort.
People who are busy all day and usually never home are not going to be the ideal owners for this breed, because they are so high maintenance and require so much attention. They crave attention so much in fact that they will begin to get angry and destructive if they are left alone for even just a few hours. If you are going to be willing and able to put in the time that they need in terms of their grooming however, then they will make a great pet.
Brushing is definitely one of the most major concerns when it comes to Bichon Frise grooming. Especially because their fur is so soft and cottony, it can easily get matted and tangled, especially if it gets dirty. You should brush your Bichon at least once a week, more if you have the time. Bathing is also a very important part of the grooming routine, and this should be done about once a week.
Regular grooming is also essential with the teeth and gums of these dogs, especially since they are prone to tartar buildup, which may result in unnecessary tooth loss. You want to trim around their eyes and ears with scissors at least once a month, and always wipe away any residue from their eyes otherwise this can end up staining the hair around this area. You also always have the option of bringing the dog in to a grooming professional and have them do the work for you, but remember that by grooming your dog you are getting to spend more time with them and bond with them.
The Bichon Frise grooming routine is only one aspect that should be taken into consideration by any would be Bichon Frise owner. Getting your dog regular Bichon Frise cuts can be expensive and time consuming and just the tip of the iceberg. After all, there is also the fact that they tend to have very bad separation anxiety. Even if they are away from their owners for just a few hours they tend to get antsy and usually will begin getting angry and destructively chewing items around the home.
They also tend to have problems with socialization, which is why it is so important for Bichon owners to make sure that they socialize their dog early on in life. These dogs need to learn how to interact not only with people but with other dogs as well. When they are a puppy you should be taking them to the park on a regular basis and allowing them to be around other dogs so they will not grow up to be shy and withdrawn.
Before you get a Bichon you need to be fully aware of the Bichon Frise grooming regime and what it entails. The hair of Bichon Frise dogs is very long and puffy, and so any owner should be aware of at least a few Bichon Frise haircut tips so that they can make the grooming process as easy as possible here.